Show 75: Get Ready for College!

Preparing for college can be an entire family affair, not to mention the teachers and counselors who all pull together to help a young person get ready to succeed in higher education. This time on KTD we're talking about what it takes to get to university - and once accepted - how to do one's best during those college years. We're focusing on Alaska's higher learning institutions for this discussion. 

IN-STUDIO GUESTS: Joining host Shana Sheehy to dicuss all things college prep are two college graduates from Alaskan schools who each now work at their alma maters. 

• Brittany Hales is an Undergraduate and Early Honors Admissions Counselor at Alaska Pacific University. Born and raised in Alaska and an alum of Polaris K-12 school in Anchorage, her love of Alaska and the natural environment led her to pursue a degree in Environmental Policy and Planning at APU.

• Winston Montecillo is the the Communications Coordinator for the Department of Recruitment at the University of Alaska, Anchorage. A graduate of Ketchikan High School in 2006, he was awarded a UA Scholar scholarship that he used towards earning his BA degree in Psychology.

LINKS FROM THIS PROGRAM:

• Alaska Pacific University
• Early Honors Program at APU
• University of Alaska, Anchorage
• University of Alaska - Statewide site
• UA Scholars Program
• UA's Stay on Track program
• Eco League exchange program
• Koniag Education Foundation

FEATURED STORIES:

- Finishing in Four - For the University of Alaska statewide, about 30% of full-time, degree-seeking students get a degree within 6 years. The University is trying to increase that number – by creating what they call a “culture of completion” among students. KTD's Jessica Cochran reports. 

- Mentorship is Key to College Completion for Rural Students - After receiving the U.S. Department of Education’s Alaska Native Education Grant in 2010 the Koniag Education Foundation set a goal to reduce the dropout rate among its Alutiiq shareholders currently in college over three years' time. Instead they reached their goal in just two years - the college dropout rate fell from 20% in 2010 to 3% in 2012. Executive Director Tyan Hayes credits the power of mentorship for the success. She spoke with KTD producer, Sarah Gonzales.

- Dr. KTD: Teens and Sleep - Whether still at home or off at college, your child's sleep schedule still matters. Board-certified pediatrician, Michelle Laufer reminds us that young brains continue to develop through the mid-20's and sleep is essential to that function.