University of Alaska says Native student program cuts deeper than expected

September 22, 2025

Officials at the University of Alaska Fairbanks said federally funded programs for Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian students face larger cuts than initially announced, according to the Alaska Beacon. Interim Vice Chancellor for Rural, Community and Native Education Bryan Uher said the university will lose an estimated $8.8 million of $12.9 million in five-year grant funding, affecting programs in Dillingham and Fairbanks focused on career training, workforce development and student services.

University of Alaska Southeast Chancellor Aparna Palmer told students in a Sept. 15 email that while a Sitka program is ending, courses in Indigenous studies and support for Native students will continue. U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski said the grants were legally authorized by Congress and support critical workforce needs. A spokesperson for U.S. Sen. Dan Sullivan said he is working with the Department of Education to restore the funds.

Alaska Beacon

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