One of the major goals of the North Star projects is to prepare Alaskan students to enter college and go on to become health science professionals like doctors, nurses, and researchers.

To do this, we seek students from around the state, rural and urban, who show interest in health sciences.  Students don't necessarily have to be at the top of their class, and we are really interested in serving Alaska's historically disadvantaged students.  North Star can be the beginning of a college and professional career that is both personally satisfying and a benefit to our larger communities.

Admission to the main North Star program, UAA's U-DOC and NIDDK programs is competitive.  Inclusion in North Star's other major activity, the Teen Science Guide program at The Imaginarium, in Anchorage, is based on recommendations from teachers or other adults, and is available to students as young as 13.

Lastly, one of the ways in which North Star seeks to prepare students to pursue a career in health science is by helping prepare Alaska's teachers.  Teacher professional development is a key ingredient in North Star, and the work we do with teachers is in large part a result of the work that the students do with us.

Check other FAQs or contact us to learn more.