Alaska Commission on Postsecondary Education ACPE

Overview

The Alaska Commission on Postsecondary Education (ACPE) is a state agency dedicated to enhancing access to and success in postsecondary education and career training for Alaskans. Established in 1974, ACPE administers a variety of financial aid programs, including scholarships, grants and loans, to support students pursuing higher education. Additionally, ACPE provides resources and guidance to help students navigate the complexities of postsecondary education and make informed decisions about their educational and career paths.

1. Historical and Legal Framework

ACPE was created by the Alaska Legislature in 1974 to centralize planning for higher education, administer financial aid programs and regulate postsecondary institutions in the state. In 1987, the Alaska Student Loan Corporation (ASLC) was established to provide a mechanism to fund the Commission's programs through tax-exempt bond sales. This partnership has allowed ACPE to offer sustainable solutions for college, career and technical training, ensuring that financial constraints do not hinder Alaskans from pursuing higher education opportunities.

2. Mission, Vision and Objectives

Mission: ACPE provides sustainable solutions for college, career and technical training, aiming to make education accessible to all Alaskans, regardless of financial status.

Vision: Alaskans are educated and skilled contributors to our vibrant communities and economy.

Objectives:

• Administer financial aid programs to support students in their educational pursuits.
• Provide resources and guidance to help students make informed decisions about their education and careers.
• Ensure that postsecondary institutions meet the necessary standards to operate in Alaska.
• Collaborate with other organizations to enhance educational opportunities and outcomes for Alaskans.

3. Governance, Structure and Independence

ACPE operates as an administrative/service agency within the executive branch of Alaska's state government. It is overseen by a board that appoints the executive director, ensuring a level of independence in its operations. This governance structure allows ACPE to effectively coordinate and oversee postsecondary education in Alaska, while remaining responsive to the needs of students and educational institutions across the state.

4. Accreditation and Quality Evaluation Role in Higher Education

While ACPE does not serve as an accrediting agency, it plays a critical role in ensuring the quality of postsecondary education in Alaska through its institutional authorization program. ACPE grants authorization to postsecondary institutions to operate in the state, ensuring that they meet the minimum standards of operation as defined by Alaskan law. This process helps protect students and ensures that institutions provide quality educational opportunities.

5. International Cooperation and Network Memberships

ACPE is a member of the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education (WICHE), an interstate compact formed by Western Governors in 1951. WICHE works collaboratively to expand educational access and excellence for all residents of the West by promoting innovation, cooperation, resource sharing and sound public policy. Through its membership in WICHE, ACPE participates in regional efforts to improve higher education and share resources and best practices among member states.

6. Current or Future Impact on Higher Education

ACPE's programs and initiatives have a significant impact on higher education in Alaska. By administering financial aid programs, ACPE helps reduce the financial barriers to postsecondary education, enabling more Alaskans to pursue and complete their educational goals. The Commission's efforts in institutional authorization ensure that educational institutions maintain high standards, contributing to the overall quality of higher education in the state. Looking forward, ACPE continues to adapt its strategies to meet the evolving needs of students and the workforce, ensuring that Alaskans are well-prepared for the challenges and opportunities of the future.

7. Summary

The Alaska Commission on Postsecondary Education is a pivotal agency in Alaska's educational landscape. Through its administration of financial aid programs, institutional authorization processes and membership in regional cooperatives like WICHE, ACPE plays a vital role in enhancing access to and success in postsecondary education for Alaskans. Its continued efforts are instrumental in shaping a well-educated and skilled workforce that contributes to the state's vibrant communities and economy.

8. Frequently Asked Questions

• What is the Alaska Commission on Postsecondary Education?
  ACPE is a state agency responsible for overseeing and coordinating postsecondary education in Alaska, including administering financial aid programs and ensuring that institutions meet necessary standards to operate in the state.
• When was ACPE established?
  ACPE was established by the Alaska Legislature in 1974 to centralize planning for higher education, administer financial aid programs and regulate postsecondary institutions in the state.
• What programs does ACPE offer?
  ACPE offers a variety of financial aid programs, including scholarships, grants and loans, to support students pursuing higher education. It also provides resources and guidance to help students make informed decisions about their education and careers.
• Is ACPE involved in accrediting institutions?
  While ACPE does not serve as an accrediting agency, it plays a critical role in ensuring the quality of postsecondary education in Alaska through its institutional authorization program, granting authorization to institutions to operate in the state.
• What is ACPE's role in international cooperation?
  ACPE is a member of the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education (WICHE), collaborating with other Western states to expand educational access and excellence through innovation, cooperation and resource sharing.

Organization Name

Alaska Commission on Postsecondary Education

Acronym

ACPE

Year of Establishment

1/01/1974

Control Type

Public

Entity Type

Non-Profit

Geo Focus and Coverage

Local or Regional

Recognized by

n.a.

Affiliations or Memberships

n.a.

Number of Member Universities or Accredited Institutions

n.a.

Address

3030 Vintage Boulevard; PO Box 110505
Juneau
99811-0505 Alaska United States

Phone

+1 (907) 465 2962

Fax

+1 (907) 465 5316

n.a.

Official Social Media Channels

Facebook

Alaska Commission on Postsecondary Education's Facebook page

X (Twitter)

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LinkedIn

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YouTube

Alaska Commission on Postsecondary Education's YouTube channel

Instagram

Alaska Commission on Postsecondary Education's Instagram page

Wikipedia Article

Not available

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