JDHS Early Scholars Program

What is ESP?

Early Scholars Program (ESP) is designed for Alaska Native/Native American students at Juneau-Douglas High School (JDHS), who established academic achievement or demonstrate academic potential, and who want to continue their education after high school. ESP is a fun, energetic group of JDHS students who meet together in a history class taught by the program instructor Gretchen Kriegmont. In her class the students enjoy a familiar place to learn and interact with their peers. Students remain a part of the program for the duration of their four years of high school.    

Mission Statement
The Early Scholars Program is committed to helping college bound Alaska Native/Native American high School students broaden their scholastic goals by participating in activities that foster academic excellence and a positive cultural identity.

ESP Goals:

-To identify and recruit Alaska Native/Native American students who have established academic potential, and who will continue to participate in high school activities that are academically and college oriented.

-To offer positive support and reinforcement through students activities that will provide for an easier transition from high school to a college education.

-To encourage student participant to be involved with school district administration and parents in developing the nature and scope of the Early Scholars Program. 

-To educate parents of student participants about the advantages of a college education and provide an awareness of educational opportunities and benefits, regardless of financial barriers.

-To establish and increase parental involvement and support to Early Scholars Program students throughout the academic year that will support student opportunities and activities. 

-To develop and nurture partnerships with organizations and institutions of higher learning in order to supplement academic curricula and resources. 

-To acknowledge and incorporate the Alaska Native/Native American culture into student activities in order to create an appreciation and sense of pride in native ancestry and customs. 

-To increase community awareness and support of the Early Scholars Program