03 Mar A Place to Come Back To

CITC’s before- and after-school program gives students a place to study, learn—and reconnect

nuninyu – /new-nin-you/ Dena’ina greeting: “you came back”

When CITC’s Youth Education staff needed to come up with a name for the department’s before- and after-school programming, they wanted whatever they chose to reflect their goals. While the program is meant to provide academic support, cultural connections, and STEAM activities, the real objective, as the Youth team sees it, is for students to come back each day to build relationships with each other and with trusted mentors.

“We chose the name Nuninyu because that’s what we want: for kids to keep coming back to our program, to be here with us and keep building connections,” said Zoe Anelon, a CITC youth program coordinator who works out of the Denełchin Lab, where the Nuninyu program is located.

A Helping Hand for Families

When the Anchorage School District announced changes to start and release times for its 2024-2025 school year, CITC Youth staff saw a new need arise among the families they serve.

Previously, the Youth Education department offered an after-school program where kids received homework help and access to the Fab Lab. Now, with the district’s later starts for middle schoolers, Nuninyu has expanded to include daily before-school programming.

“The morning program has helped parents get a lot of relief, knowing that their kid’s in a safe place and that we give them certain skills, then get them to school in a safe manner,” said a Nuninyu youth advocate. “For working families, it’s very helpful.”

Something for Everyone

During the before-school session, middle schoolers focus on academics and have an opportunity to engage with the digital Fab Lab at Denełchin. Staff also provide life skills and culture-based activities.

By emphasizing academics first for middle schoolers, Nuninyu is designed to prepare students for future success in school.

“By eighth grade, if kids aren’t passing math, they have a harder time succeeding in high school,” Nuninyu staff pointed out. “That’s also true of language arts. So we’re trying to help them with their academics.”

While high schoolers are also able to participate in the morning sessions, the afternoon program is specifically designed for them. In the afternoon, students can spend time on homework, if they like—but they can also work on projects in the Fab Lab or do cultural activities, like making their own moccasins or sewing kuspuks/qaspeqs. Staff will also assist interested high schoolers in creating a resume or applying for a job.

A Safe, Friendly Place

CITC staff provide transportation to and from selected schools. Students also receive snacks during program time.

With six periods to a school day, after school is sometimes thought of as a “seventh period,” when students do activities that support their daily learning—studying, or doing homework. Nuninyu provides a space where kids can concentrate on the work they need to do, or on the things that interest them. Some students can even catch up or get ahead with help from APEX mentors who assist them with credit recovery or advancement.

But the Youth team hopes to provide students with more than services and a good start to the school day.

“We’re learning that a lot of our youth are so structured that they don’t get to spend time with friends,” said Nuninyu advocates. “They’re starved for friend time. So we’re balancing that safe place with the positive healthy relationships piece. A large part of what we do is just bring Native kids together from different schools to create those connections.”

Family Ties

In addition to before- and after-school programs, Nuninyu youth advocates work on site at both Bartlett and West High Schools. At each location, CITC staff work with school guidance counselors to ensure that Alaska Native and American Indian students receive the support they need.

“We work with kids who are struggling in the classroom and at home to provide connections and support for them,” said Zoe. “During the lunch hour, we provide a safe place for all Alaska Native kids to come, especially at Bartlett.”

Staff also act as family liaisons, providing student success coaching and referrals to CITC programs that can benefit the whole family.

Working with families also ensures that they get to know the staff members who are engaging with their students each day.

“That face-to-face is really important for families to know who we are and what we’re offering their children,” said Ann Lawrence, CITC’s Lead Cultural Advisor.

Learn more about or register for Nuninyu at citci.org/youth-services/education.

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