We utilize the NSF Education and Training Application (ETAP) which will have two different parts. The first part of the application will ask questions including: personal information, demographic information, information about your family, information about your educational history* and current education information, and your experience*. The second part of the application will include questions regarding open-ended questions such as: 

• Please briefly explain how and why you feel this program will benefit you and impact your future professional life (200 words or less).
• Please briefly explain how what you learn and gain from this program will benefit your Alaskan community and/or communities of the Arctic (200 words or less).
• Please tell us why you became interested in learning more about the natural world. How have you pursued this interest? (200 words or less)
• In reflecting on your own past experiences, what have you learned that will help you contribute to an inclusive and supportive environment in this program and beyond? Please provide specific examples demonstrating how you have contributed to inclusive environments. (200 words or less)
• NNA research focuses on the interactions and connections among natural and built environments and social systems in the Arctic and the understanding of the rapid changes occurring in response to a changing climate. These research projects address community priorities and are grounded in an understanding of Indigenous knowledge systems. In the context of this focus, please describe what you hope to learn, AND share any unique perspectives and skills you would bring to this program. (300 words or less)
• Is there anything else you would like to share with us?

Progress in your application can be saved, but we suggest you write your responses to the background questions in a separate Word document to check for spelling and grammar and then copy and paste them into the application when you are ready. It is very important to be thoughtful in writing your responses to provide a window into yourself and your motivations for applying to this program.

*Questions regarding SAT/ACT/GRE and experience in previous REU's is optional and will not be used in our selection process.  

All Alaska undergraduate students who are interested in participating in research experience with Arctic community priorities at the center are welcome to apply. Additionally, you must be a U.S. citizen or green card holder, you must be 18 years old or older, and you must not have completed a bachelor’s degree before spring of 2026. This program is open to all Alaska college students and does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, sex, age, disability, creed, religion, veteran status, marital status, political affiliation, political philosophy, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression in accordance with state and federal law.