RRANN originated in September 1998 in the School of Nursing with a federal grant from HRSA (Health Resources and Services Administration, Division of Nursing in the US Department of Health and Human Services). We are currently operating with grant funds from the Department of Education and HRSA. In the Fall of 2006, we received a grant from the Rasmuson Foundation allowing for expansion to Bethel, Alaska. Our goal is to EQUAL the % of Alaska Native / American Indians in the State of Alaska (16%).
STATEWIDE
UAA School of Nursing Programs
BS offered ONLY in Anchorage / AAS offered in ALL sites
UAA was 7th in the Nation for
producing NATIVE AMERICAN Students
earning Bachelor Degrees in Health related Sciences. . .
60% of these GRADUATES were RRANN Students!
There were 31 Nursing Majors (BS and AAS) students enrolled in the RRANN program Fall Semester 2007, at 8 of the 11 UAA campuses, where the nursing degree is offered.
From 2005 - 2007, the program maintained an average of 78 Pre-Nursing students per year (part and full time) through recruitment and retention efforts. Retention Efforts aim at balancing family, community and financial obligations. There were 22 Pre-Nursing students enrolled in the Stipend program Fall Semester 2007.
We assist 30 - 50 Prospective students per year of which an estimated 50% matriculate as Pre-Nursing majors. Many prospective students are from rural villages and come from economic, educationally disadvantaged backgrounds.
Last Spring 2007, we provided Financial Assistance via earned stipends for 91 Pre-Nursing, AAS and BS Nursing students statewide. The stipends ranged from $250 to $400 per month.
RRANN provides Direct Support from Student Success Facilitators at the Sitka, Bethel and Anchorage campuses. Students at the remaining campuses once per month, participate via video conference.
AAS and BS majors in Anchorage and Mat-Su meet once per month to eat together, share concerns and triumphs, relieve stress, network, relax and learn from guest speakers in the nursing workforce. We collectively plan and host two Cultural Potlucks per year and produce two Newsletters per year.
RRANN networks with health care associates, educators, high school counselors, Jr. high/high school programs and elementary classrooms in Career Exploration.
RRANN sponsors a Residential Living/Learning Community on the Anchorage campus, where we host weekly luncheons with guest speakers, cultural activities and gatherings to build community. This activity is called "Lunch in the Lounge" and is designed for pre-majors.
FREE Tutoring is available for all RRANN students. Each semester approximately 25% of our students utilize tutors.
RRANN attends Recruitment Activities at native-based conferences and gatherings as well as at college fairs.
