Home
Alaskan Christian College Receives $493,000 Grant
SOLDOTNA, AK (October 5, 2001) - Alaska Christian College (ACC), a one-year program serving Alaskan natives and other students has been awarded a $493,000 grant from M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust of Vancouver, Washington.
Alaska Christian College, now in its first year of operation, provides spiritual education and a variety of service and leadership experiences for students.
"I think Murdock saw the profound impact some of our existing programs, which operate under the banner of Covenant Youth of Alaska (CYAK), are having on younger Alaskans, especially rural Alaskans," said Paul Wilson, director of the Evangelical Covenant Church of Alaska. "ACC seeks to develop spiritually strong individuals who will make a lifetime contribution to their villages, towns and state."
ACC President Keith Hamilton noted that a year ago, "we had no funds raised, no faculty and staff, no property, not even a paper clip. Today we have an excellent faculty and staff assembled, the bills are paid - barely - and we own a beautiful 8,400-square-foot facility with three newly built cabins all situated on a wonderful piece of property."
CYAK director and ACC instructor Curtis Ivanoff of Unalakleet said service is a big part of the ACC program. "Not only will students be engaging in a number of service projects in the Soldotna area, but students will be traveling throughout rural Alaska speaking in high schools and churches on issues including substance abuse, suicide and living with hope," he said.
"Of course, we are overwhelmed with the good news regarding the grant," Hamilton said. "These funds will help us establish a strong and enduring program. My one concern is that people will think we're loaded. The Murdock funds are designated toward some of our staff costs for the first three years. Like other educational institutions, especially new ones, we are financially challenged, to say the least."
"A side benefit of working with Murdock has been a higher standard of excellence on our part," Wilson added. "I believe our association with them helped us to more thoroughly think through each step of developing ACC. Those, like Murdock, who have taken a close look at ACC recognize that it is not only a unique program for Alaska, but for the country as a whole."
Alaska Christian College occupies more than ten acres adjacent to Peninsula Community College in Soldotna. Students represent 11 ethnic groups and seven denominations. The college is operated by the Evangelical Covenant Church of Alaska.
For additional information about the school, its programs or the special dedication event, call Hamilton at 907-260-7422 or visit the college's website at www.AlaskaChristianCollege.org.
Copyright © 2008 The Evangelical Covenant Church. |
