About ASRA

What is ASRA?

The Alaska Summer Research Academy (ASRA) is a fun two week academic experience offered by the College of Natural Science and Mathematics in cooperation with the University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF) and industry partners. ASRA provides an opportunity for students in grades 8-12 to live on the UAF campus and work with university faculty, staff, and industry professionals.

Students choose one module (or course) and are immersed in a single subject for two weeks. The approach is hands-on minds-on rather than lecture and worksheets. While there are no tests or homework, students learn with the ceiling removed, and instructors often fit nearly a semesters worth of content into two weeks. One college credit is given upon completion.

Each module has an average of 8 students and two instructors.

ASRA Staff:

Our instructors are typically UAF faculty or industry professionals. In rare cases where a class is led by a graduate student that person is an exceptional individual with extremely high academic ability and social skill, who is a wonderful role model for our students. Instructors are hand-picked for their academic knowledge combined with the gifts of enthusiasm and ability to teach 8-12th grade students. Our instructor to student ratio is difficult to find in similar programs, and we are extremely proud of the quality of our instructors and staff.

Our Resident Assistants (RA's) are typically graduate students in the arts and sciences who are finishing an advanced degree. They are an enthusiastic bunch, charged with keeping the students safe while offering them an opportunity to have fun and make friends. Our RA's are outstanding role models for ASRA students.

ASRA is a life changing experience for many students, and we have a high rate of returning students and staff.

ASRA Students:

ASRA students (ASRANs) are a diverse group who distinguish themselves from other groups by deciding to attend a summer academic program. They have many talents, and are often interested in many subjects across the spectrum of the liberal arts and sciences. ASRANs are curious. They like challenges and active learning, and tend to be academic achievers who self select themselves by choosing to attend a summer academic camp. While some are quiet and some outgoing, they all possess strong potential to have positive influence on the world. ASRANs are often delighted to find a peer group with similar interests and passions at ASRA. We have a high percentage of returning students and many make life-long friends here.

Application Requirements:

ASRA is open to students entering grades 8-12 in the fall of 2008, including students from outside of Alaska. Students can apply by filling out our online application form (beginning February 24). The admissions process carefully considers the following:

1.) Academic ability. We are looking for students who are curious and passionate about learning and who like challenges.

2.) A recommendation from a mentor or teacher (via online form).

3.) An Essay of 500 words stating hobbies, interests, accomplishments, and why the student wants to attend ASRA.

4.) Good citizenship. ASRANs are future leaders. We are looking for students who are good team members who will have a positive influence on the world.

Supervision and Safety:

Safety is our number one priority. Providing students an opportunity to have fun in a safe environment is a close second. Students are supervised by adults the entire time they are at ASRA. Students have the opportunity to take field trips, visit local businesses, sightsee, and attend events, but are always accompanied by an ASRA staff member. Dorm rooms are segregated by gender and floor, and ASRA reserves an entire building for ASRA students and RA's. There is at least one RA for every 10 students living in the dorm, plus additional staff at the dorm who help with activities and logistics. RA's undergo a background check, and are chosen as role models for students. They are a talented and enthusiastic group who enjoy being with bright young students. The director and instructors are often seen at the dorms helping with activities.

Travel Information - Airport pick-up and delivery:

Students arriving at Fairbanks International Airport will be met by ASRA staff at the airport, begining Sunday afternoon at 4 pm July 13. Students will remain in the care of ASRA until we deliver them to the airport for departure. Please make travel plans as soon as possible, and send the itinerary to Meghan Davis (email address below). Be advised that airlines can have various definitions of a "minor traveling alone." The maximum age can range from 11-15, so it is good to check with your specific airlines regarding fees, regulations, and information you will need to give them about the person picking your child up at their destination. At ASRA there will be a couple of people designated to pick up minors traveling alone, and we can supply you with their names and addresses for the airline forms. Please email Meghan Davis, our logistics coordinator, with any questions and concerns regarding travel and airport pickup at meghdavis@gmail.com.

Activities at the dorm:

Every evening residential students are offered a diverse set of activities put together by our Activities Director and led by our RA's. There is always something active, like frisbee, soccer, swimming, volleyball, capture the flag. There are creative offerings such as duct tape art, origami, making hot air balloons, and tie dye. Social and laid back activities include dancing lessons (swing, salsa etc), liquid nitrogen ice cream parties, movies, reading, and hanging with friends. Some activities offer intellectual challenge such as chess, Go, board games, talent shows, card games (statistics and probablility - no $ allowed), and LAN parties. All activities are designed to be inclusive, with the goals of having fun and making friends. Students make life-long friends from around the country at ASRA.

Costs:

Residential option: $1000 (Residential students can live outside of Alaska) *(extra fees are charged for remote modules - see below)

Residential students live on campus in a supervised UAF dormitory. Students receive room and board, one college credit, full meals plus snacks, and participate in wide variety of evening activities. Preference in admission is given to residential students (we pay for the entire dorm, and need to fill it). Most students prefer the residential option, and many of our students make new lifelong friends.

Commuter option: $600

Commuter students do not live on campus. They receive lunch but may not participate in evening activities. This option is for students who have evening commitments outside of ASRA. There is space for about 20 commuters at ASRA.

A $50 non-refundable application fee is included in the above fees.

*NOTE: Marine Biology, Photography, and Earthquake module fees are $1250 due to additional travel and other costs.
The Glacier Bay Module has a cost of $1500.

A limited number of scholarships are available.

Dates:

Registration opens at noon Alaska Time, Feb. 24, 2008

Camp dates are July 14-25, 2008