Arctic Leadership Initiative

UA's Arctic Leadership Initiative (ALI) builds on the University of Alaska's 100-year foundation of Arctic research, education, and leadership to empower future generations with the skills, network, and expertise needed to help Alaska be the driver of its future in a globalized Arctic Region. It is a priority of the President and the UA Board of Regents, which adopted a Priority Strategy of Building Arctic Leaders as part of their "Roadmap to Empower Alaska" strategic plan in February 2024.

Program Leadership
Early Career faculty
Arctic Engagement Awards

individual exploring an ice cave

The Arctic Leadership Initiative (ALI) is now accepting applications for three exciting opportunities beginning in Summer/Fall 2025! These programs provide UA System-wide students, early career faculty, and researchers with funding, mentorship, and leadership development programs focused on the Arctic.

🔹 ALI Student Cohort – For undergraduate and graduate students looking to build leadership skills, network with Arctic experts, and participate in a fully funded leadership retreat and symposium.

🔹 ALI Early Career Faculty (ECF) Fellows – A professional development and mentorship program for postdocs and early career faculty engaged in Arctic research and leadership.

🔹 ALI Arctic Engagement Awards – Funding for innovative projects that engage with Arctic communities and leadership development. Open to faculty, students, and researchers.

These programs offer funding support, travel opportunities, and invaluable networking connections with Arctic leaders.

📅 Deadline extended! Monday March 31, 2025

At the University of Alaska, we are on a mission to empower Alaska.

Explore our Arctic Expertise

Thanks to a generous $5 million gift from the Rasmuson Foundation, this strategic endeavor is intended to reshape Alaska’s role in the Arctic while promoting innovation and economic development. It will create a powerful network of Alaska-trained Arctic leaders, advocates, and scholars who can make a global-scale impact in the Arctic, support Indigenous communities, address climate change, and responsibly pursue economic opportunities.

Program Overview

  • Interdisciplinary cohorts of undergraduate and graduate students work with external partners to address Arctic needs and opportunities.

  • Students enhance analytical and leadership skills in retreats and group projects.

  • Faculty mentors provide guidance, lectures, curricula, and program support.

  • External partners participate in retreats and provide "problem and opportunity sets" for students to help solve.

  • Internships with external partners and circumpolar exchanges deepen Arctic expertise and provide real-time professional development opportunities.

  • UA promotes Arctic accomplishments and opportunities. 

  • Arctic Engagement Awards expand UA's Arctic engagement and visibility.

  • Early Career Faculty Awards support early career faculty research and curriculum development across the UA System.

ALI Student Cohort

The Arctic Leadership Initiative (ALI) Student Cohort is a key component of ALI’s mission to develop the next generation of Arctic leaders. This year-long program brings together undergraduate and graduate students from across the University of Alaska system to engage in policy discussions, mentorship, and leadership development related to Arctic governance, research, and community impact.

Students in the cohort meet fortnightly with ALI-affiliated postdoctoral researchers and early career faculty, gaining exposure to interdisciplinary perspectives on Arctic issues. The program also includes two in-person retreats:

• A Fall leadership retreat in Fairbanks, AK (dates TBD)

• A Spring retreat and participation in the Arctic Encounter Symposium (AES) in Anchorage, AK (April 2026, dates TBD)

Through coursework, guided discussions, and direct engagement with Arctic leaders, the cohort provides students with professional development, networking opportunities, and practical experience in Arctic leadership. Students also have the option to take the Arctic Leadership course (PS 493/693), with a tuition waiver available for those earning credit.

The ALI Student Cohort is an opportunity for University of Alaska students to build lasting connections, develop leadership skills, and contribute to shaping the Arctic’s future. Apply today!

For Faculty

Become a Faculty Mentor - more information coming soon
Faculty mentorship will be a key part of the Arctic Leadership Initiative. Up to 20 faculty will serve as program mentors and will participate in retreats, lecture cohorts, add new curriculum, and provide other support to students.

 UA’s Arctic Leadership Initiative is a critical investment in the future of the Arctic. By leveraging the expertise of distinguished faculty and fostering new leaders, UA is ensuring that Alaskans will play a pivotal role in shaping the Arctic's future.

For External Partners

We believe investing in the education and development of the next generation of Arctic leaders is critically important to Alaska and the nation. We recognize the University of Alaska’s responsibility to meet that need, and we ask you to help us by becoming a partner in the UA Arctic Leadership Initiative.

Our inaugural student cohort will be launched in January 2025. Initiative partners have a critical role by providing real-world experiences and networking opportunities for students. We invite you to become a partner by offering the following in-kind support:

  • Participate in a retreat with Arctic scholars and other initiative partners (April 1, 2025 at the UAA Gorsuch Commons)

  • Share information at the retreat to help student teams identify a systemic issue or opportunity in the Arctic for the students to address in a group project;

  • Stay in contact with a student team as they continue their work during the semester;

  • Participate as student teams report on their approach and findings;

  • Consider offering one or more internships to scholars participating in the initiative; and,

  • Provide feedback to improve the experience for future students and partners.

For more information on becoming a partner, please contact Kristel Komakhuk

Academic Timeline

  • Fall 2024 - Recruitment begins for Cohort 0 (Spring 2025)

  • Spring 2025 - Cohort 0 begins

    • January - program soft launch with Cohort 0; students participate in "Arctic Leadership: Theory & Praxis (UAF PS 493/693) a new course designed by UA professors Brandon Boylan, Amy Lovecraft, and Glenn Wright

    • March - recruitment begins for Cohort 1 (Fall 2025)

    • April - student & external partner retreat; Cohort 0 Attends Arctic Encounter Symposium

  • Fall 2025 - Spring 2026: Cohort 1

    • September/October 2025 - Program/Partner Retreat

    • Team Projects

    • Arctic Encounter Symposium & Retreat (April 2026 in Anchorage)

    • Internship with external partners (optional)

For more information contact Nate Bauer.