Our motto at TKC is “cutting a path to a better future.” This isn’t just a catchphrase; it is a reminder of our purpose and a reflection of the work that we do. We know that everyone’s individual path to success is going to look different. Our goal is to meet our Shareholders wherever they are—whether they’re just starting or starting from experience—and support them along the path that is right for them. To do this, we offer a variety of programs, services and opportunities that empower personal and professional growth for our Shareholders.

GED PREP AND TUTORING SERVICES

Understanding that education plays a critical role in opening doors for success, we are always looking for ways to support our Shareholders on their educational journey.

In 2024, we announced the Arviiq Center would begin offering GED Prep and Tutoring Services. Through this program, each student receives personalized GED prep and tutoring lessons, regular communication, and academic support from our GED instructor, Judy Hager. The services are open to ALL residents of the Middle Kuskokwim region and are available in-person at the Arviiq Center in Aniak, as well as remotely for all TKC villages. 

We’ve had a total of 13 students between the ages 19-64 participate since we began offering the services, all of whom are TKC Shareholders. To date, five students have received in-person lessons at the Arviiq Center and eight studied remotely.

“I feel like I’m achieving something. I have learned a lot. I can help my grandson with his homework better now!” Said one of our Aniak students, Laura Crane, age 64. “I use to be ashamed of not graduating from High school…Hopefully next school year, Lord willing, I’ll achieve my goal and receive a diploma,” she said.

When asked why it’s important to offer these services to our Middle Kuskokwim communities, GED Instructor Judy Hager said “Second chances are very important. Many times, students had interruptions in their past schooling. This program gives them a new chance to gain academic skills.” 

We are so proud of all our GED students for taking the next step toward a better future and we are committed to helping you achieve your goals!

For more information or to sign up for our GED Prep and Tutoring Services, call (907) 675-4275 or email judy.hager@kuskokwim.com.

PROFESSIONAL TRAINING

We know it can be difficult for our Shareholders to leave their homes, families, communities, and obligations for extended periods of time to attend school or training. We also know there are barriers our people face when it comes to accessing training and other educational opportunities. One of our goals when we opened the Arviiq Center was to provide educational, developmental, economic, and cultural opportunities in-region and closer to home. 

The opportunities that we work to provide not only promote self-sufficiency and help our Shareholders gain lasting success, they also help strengthen our local economies and contribute to the overall success of the Middle Kuskokwim region.

In February, we partnered with Aniak Traditional Council (ATC) and Northern Industrial Training (NIT) to offer an Intro to Small Engine Repair and Maintenance class. The 10 participants from Middle and Lower Kuskokwim communities who successfully completed the program learned how to inspect, diagnose, troubleshoot, and make repairs to snow machine and ATV engines.

Due to an overwhelming interest and a long wait list, we worked with ATC to offer a second Toyostove Maintenance and Repair Training in March, which was taught by Lucas Salzbrun from Rural Services Solutions. We had a total of 12 participants from five communities, including 2 women and 10 men. Those who attended the training learned to install Toyostoves, troubleshoot, and perform regular maintenance and repairs.

Both trainings focused on real-world application and provided service-learning experiences. The Shareholders and community members who participated walked away with new knowledge, skills, and resources that they can put to immediate use and share with others. And our Middle Kuskokwim communities gained local service providers who can help solve problems our people in rural communities face. 

We are excited to provide more in-region learning opportunities in the future. Upcoming professional development opportunities include First Aid and CPR Training led by health care professionals from the Yukon-Kuskokwim Health Corporation (YKHC) and QuickBooks Training for Rural Alaska with Alchemy Tribal Services.

Workforce development Services 

Last year, we began offering Workforce Development services to our Shareholders through the Arviiq Center, both in-person and virtually, to help them reach their maximum potential and gain meaningful employment, no matter where they live.

Workforce Development services include, but are not limited to:

• Resume building
• Cover letter writing
• Job/Career search & application assistance
• Individualized goal & success planning
• Interview prep
• Assistance obtaining identification items needed for employment
• Utilizing AlaskaNativeHire.com 
• Free soft skills trainings to boost resume

Shareholders who live in Aniak where the Center is located, as well as other communities along the Middle Kuskokwim, are encouraged to work with TKC staff and utilize Workforce Development services in-person at the Arviiq Center. High-speed internet, computers, printers, and other equipment are also available for use. For Shareholders who live out-of-region, our workforce development services are available virtually.

For more information or to set up a Workforce Development appointment, call (907) 243-2944 or email adrian.boelens@kuskokwim.com.