Shaping the Future of Higher Education in Alaska
Alaska Pacific University is building a new model for Tribal higher education, grounded in Alaska Native leadership, Indigenous knowledge, and community priorities. Through our Alaska Native University membership model, Tribes, Tribal organizations, and supporting partners can help guide APU’s future while creating meaningful opportunities for their communities. Members can participate in university governance, collaborate on academic programs and access shared-cost scholarship opportunities, facility discounts and other partnership benefits.
Dual-Degree Pathways for Rural Students
Alaska Pacific University partners with students, families, and schools to create supportive pathways to higher education. Through the Tumyaraa Bridge Program, Alaska Native high school students build college readiness, strengthen math and writing skills, and connect with their cultural identity through college coursework, cultural activities, and year-round mentorship. APU’s Early Honors Program gives high school juniors and seniors the opportunity to earn college credit while completing high school requirements, with guidance from APU faculty and flexibility to stay involved in school activities. Together, these programs help students build the skills, confidence, and connections to pursue their educational goals and prepare for what comes next.
Research Rooted in Community
Research at Alaska Pacific University is grounded in collaboration, community priorities, and real-world impact. Across diverse fields, APU faculty, students, and research centers work alongside communities, organizations, and partners in Alaska and beyond to address local and global challenges. This collaborative approach values community expertise and Indigenous knowledge, bringing different perspectives together to develop solutions that benefit the people and places involved.
From the Nuna Center’s focus on Indigenous-led research to the FAST Lab’s environmental and fisheries projects, agricultural research and education outreach at the Kellogg Campus, and the Microplastics Research and Education Center, APU brings research to life through hands-on learning, community partnerships, and real-world solutions.
Training Champions, Inspiring the Next Generation
The APU Nordic Ski Center is a nationally recognized training hub for cross-country skiing, developing elite athletes who compete at the highest levels, including the Olympics and national championships. Through dedicated coaching and high-performance training, the center helps athletes reach their full potential while contributing to Alaska’s strong Nordic skiing tradition. Its impact extends beyond competition through youth clinics, mentorship, and community outreach that promote physical wellness, outdoor recreation, and a lifelong love of skiing. By combining athletic development with community engagement, the APU Nordic Ski Center helps inspire the next generation of skiers in Alaska and beyond.
Growing Knowledge, Stewarding the Land
Alaska Pacific University’s historic Kellogg Campus is a hub for experiential learning, environmental stewardship and community collaboration. The Kellogg FIELD School provides hands-on outdoor education rooted in science, conservation, and leadership, while Spring Creek Farm advances sustainable agriculture, agricultural research, and access to fresh, locally grown food. Through partnerships with Alaska Tilth and the Alaska Resilience Farms, the campus also supports local food systems, small-scale agriculture, and culturally grounded approaches to growing and stewarding traditional Alaska Native foods and medicines. The campus is also home to APU’s Master of Science in Outdoor and Environmental Education, where graduate students learn and teach in Alaska’s dynamic natural environment. Together, these programs connect education, research, and community partnerships to support a more sustainable future for Alaska.
Strengthening Alaska’s Healthcare Workforce
Alaska Pacific University hosts the Southcentral Area Health Education Center (AHEC), one of six regional centers working to strengthen Alaska’s healthcare workforce. Southcentral AHEC introduces young people to healthcare careers, prepares health professions students through interdisciplinary training, and supports practicing providers with continuing education, professional development, and workforce incentives. With a focus on rural and underserved communities, AHEC helps address workforce challenges and expand access to healthcare across Alaska. Through these efforts, APU supports the development and retention of skilled healthcare professionals who can meet the needs of communities throughout the state.
Nordic Ski Center
We promote the development of cross-country skiing in Anchorage, Alaska through community-based athletic programs and education.
FAST Lab
Our mission is to immerse undergraduate and graduate students in real fisheries and marine science research projects.
Nuna Center
The Nuna Center engages students & community members in meaningful research, education, and creative projects grounded in Indigenous perspectives.
Kellogg Campus
Our campus in Palmer, Alaska is committed to fostering sustainable agriculture, transformative education, and community engagement.