DEED and DOLWD Career Guide Initiative Increases FAFSA Completion and Postsecondary Planning for Alaska Students

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 3, 2026

ANCHORAGE, Alaska - The Alaska Department of Education and Early Development (DEED) and the Alaska Department of Labor and Workforce Development (DOLWD) are celebrating strong year-end results from the Alaska Career Guide Initiative, a partnership designed to help students successfully transition from high school into college, career training, apprenticeships, military service, and the workforce.

The initiative serves students through partnerships with the Bristol Bay Regional Career and Technical Education Consortium, Sealaska Heritage Institute, and participating school districts, including Annette Island School District, Bristol Bay Borough School District, Dillingham City School District, Galena City School District, Hydaburg City School District, Lake and Peninsula School District, Nenana City School District, and Southwest Region School District.

The Alaska Career Guide Initiative is implemented in partnership with rootEd Alliance, a philanthropic organization that developed and supports the Career Guide model. Alaska is one of five states participating in the initiative. Through this partnership, Career Guides receive training, resources, and ongoing support to help students navigate education, training, military, and workforce opportunities after high school.

Historically, Alaska has struggled with FAFSA completion rates, leaving millions of dollars in available financial aid, scholarships, and workforce training assistance unclaimed each year. For many students, completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is the first step toward accessing federal aid, the Alaska Performance Scholarship, the Alaska Education Grant, and other resources that make postsecondary education and career training more affordable.

The Career Guide Initiative is helping change that trend.

In 2025, Alaska's statewide FAFSA completion rate was 29%, while students participating in the Career Guide Initiative achieved a 41% completion rate. This year, FAFSA completion among participating schools increased to 60%, helping more students access financial aid opportunities for college, vocational and technical training programs, apprenticeships, and other postsecondary pathways.

"For many students, completing the FAFSA is the key that unlocks opportunities after high school," said Commissioner Deena Bishop of the Alaska Department of Education and Early Development. "These results demonstrate the impact of providing students with individualized support and helping them access the financial resources available to pursue their goals."

The initiative has also helped more students identify their next step after high school. In the program's first year, 75% of participating students selected a postsecondary pathway before graduation. This year, that figure increased to 95%, demonstrating substantial progress in helping students make informed decisions about their futures.

"Whether a student chooses college, vocational training, military service, an apprenticeship, or direct employment, having a plan matters," said Commissioner Cathy Muñoz of the Alaska Department of Labor and Workforce Development. "The Career Guide Initiative is helping students explore opportunities, connect their interests to future careers, and take meaningful steps toward successful futures while strengthening Alaska's workforce."

The Alaska Career Guide Initiative will continue to expand during the 2026-2027 school year with additional school districts and partner organizations joining the initiative and increasing access to individualized career and post-secondary planning support for students across Alaska.

For More Information

Monica Goyette Director, Division of Innovation and Education Excellence Alaska Department of Education and Early Development [email protected]

Zach Stenson Project Coordinator, Alaska Career Guide Initiative PathfinderAK [email protected]

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The Alaska Department of Education and Early Development provides information, resources, and leadership to support over 130,000 students in 505 public schools across the state of Alaska. The mission of the department is to ensure an "Excellent Education for Every Student Every Day."

Media Contact: Bryan Zadalis, Public Information Officer - (907) 465-2800