What is ESP?
Early Scholars Program (ESP) is designed for Alaska Native/Native American students at
Juneau-Douglas High School (JDHS), who established academic achievement or demonstrate academic
potential, and who want to continue their education after high school.
ESP is a fun, energetic group of JDHS students who meet together in a history class taught
by the program instructor Pauala Dybdahl. In her class the students enjoy a familiar place
to learn and interact with their peers. Students remain a part of the program for the
duration of their four years of high school.
Mission Statement
The Early Scholars Program is committed to helping college bound Alaska Native/Native American high
School students broaden their scholastic goals by participating in activites that foster academic
excellence and a postive cultural identity.
ESP Goals:
To identify and recruit Alaska Native/Native American students who have established academic potential,
and who will continue to participate in high school activities that are academically and college oriented.
To offer positive support and reinforcement through students activities that will provide for an easier
transition from high school to a college education.
To encourage student participant to be involved with school district administration and parents in
developing the nature and scope of the Early Scholars Program.
To educate parents of student participants about the advantages of a college education and provide an
awareness of educational opportunities and benefits, regardless of financial barriers.
To establish and increase parental involvement and support to Early Scolars Program students throughout
the academic year that will support student opportunities and activities.
To develop and nurture partnerships with organizations and institutions of higher learning in order to
supplement academic curricula and resoures.
To acknowledge and incorporate the Alaska Native/Native American culture into student activities in order
to create an appreciation and sense of pride in native ancestry and customs.
To increase community awareness and support of the Early Scholars Program.
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