Palmer, Alaska
Brock Grant became involved with ANSEP as a Middle School Academy student. Two years later, he considers himself somewhat of a scientist. After Middle School Academy, Brock continued through the ANSEP pipeline and completed a STEM Career Exploration session that opened his eyes to the world of STEM careers. Eager to learn more, he jumpstarted his education by enrolling as a student at ANSEP’s full-time Acceleration High School component. With 17 college credits toward his undergraduate degree, he’s now on the fast track to becoming a successful college student.
You may remember Brock from his last Student Success Story or his leading role in our Acceleration High School videos. We caught up with Brock to learn what it was like taking college classes in the eighth grade and what he’s most looking forward to in his second year at the high school:
ANSEP: Tell us about your first year as a full-time student at ANSEP Acceleration High School.
Brock: It was amazing! Initially, I was intimidated thinking about how hard the classes would be. However, all the students and teachers were so nice and helpful that it made it an incredible experience. I genuinely look forward to going to school every single day.
ANSEP: What are you most excited about this school year?
Brock: I am really excited for my new classes and the challenges ahead, specifically in my science classes. I am also really looking forward to earning more college credits. I love being part of a school dedicated to helping us learn together and through hands-on activities instead of just giving us busy work.
ANSEP: What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced at ANSEP Acceleration High School?
Brock: Last year was my first time taking college classes – I mean, I was an eighth grader. There were times when it was very challenging and times when it was surprisingly easy. I learned that it is all about preparation and determination. If you have the desire to succeed, then you can.
ANSEP: How does ANSEP help you overcome the challenges you face trying to learn college-level material as a high school student?
Brock: The learning program is very tailored to the strengths and weaknesses of individual students. The goal is to help everyone succeed, and ANSEP helped me realize the importance of teamwork. They also incorporate hands-on activities, which makes it more fun and relevant.
ANSEP: What is your favorite thing about being a student at ANSEP Acceleration High School?
Brock: Friday is my favorite day of the week by far. We start off by doing recitations that focus on group work, and we work together to find solutions to complicated problems. Then we do a group lunch, which always has great food and builds a sense of community. In the afternoons, we work on fun projects like building rubber-band-powered cars and testing how far they can go. It is a ton of fun!
ANSEP: What are your future career plans?
Brock: Before I joined ANSEP I didn’t know what I wanted to do. Now I know there are many more STEM possibilities than I realized. I definitely want to do something in science, and I especially love chemistry. Because of ANSEP, I know I will have many options.
ANSEP: At this rate, you could graduate high school early. Is that your plan?
Brock: I will potentially graduate with more than 100 college credits, which is great. But, I am really enjoying my time at Acceleration High School. I plan to make the most of my time in high school; and, once I begin college, I will have even more credits under my belt!
ANSEP Acceleration High School had 27 students in its inaugural year and has more than doubled enrollment for the 2017-2018 school year. Collectively earning more than 250 college credits last year, students experienced a 92 percent success rate in college-level courses. Offered in partnership with the Matanuska-Susitna Borough School District, the full-time high school at Mat-Su Career and Technical High School in Wasilla offers students an accelerated learning style using ANSEP’s proven educational model that aims to save students, their families and the State of Alaska millions of dollars.
