Hundreds of 4th and 5th graders will visit UAA May 6 in 'I'm Going to College' program

Approximately 488 5th and 6th graders from Government Hill, Alaska Native Charter, Ursa Major, Willow Crest, Spring Hill and Northwood ABC are busy gearing up for their May 6 visit to the University of Alaska Anchorage. The "I'm Going to College" (IGTC) program is their chance to learn how they can become college students - and to see first-hand what it will be like!

The IGTC program offers children from families without college-going role models, an opportunity to participate in college planning activities. This includes a full day event at a nearby college campus, sponsored with support from the host institution.  The 2010 IGTC events are taking place at nine institutions across Alaska for approximately 2,100 elementary students.

In preparation for their day on campus, students have been learning in their classroom about the benefits of a college education, college costs and financial aid and the process of choosing and applying to a college. They have also learned how to prepare for college academically and how their interests can align with different career paths.

Alaska's IGTC is sponsored by the Alaska Commission on Postsecondary Education, UA College Savings Plan and the Northwest Education Loan Association.

For more information please contact Mike Smith at (907) 786-6113 at UAA, or Larry  Kairaiuak, a K-12 specialist with the Alaska Commission on Postsecondary Education, at (907) 269-7972.