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TCC GO “Growing Our Own”

TCC GO (Growing Our Own)

The TCC GO program is designed to provide guidance and resources for high school students in identifying and pursuing their career field of interest while preparing them for post-secondary education or vocational training after high school.

Guidance. Exploration. Opportunities. TCC GO is here to help students find a path to a meaningful career.

Contact Us:

Isaac Bettis, TCC GO Program Coordinator

isaac.bettis@tananachiefs.org

(907) 452-8251, ext. 3049

Student Support Coordinators

Angela Rutman

angela.rutman@tananachiefs.org

(907) 452-8251, ext. 3039

Purestyn Milk

purestyn.milk@tananachiefs.org

(907) 452-8251, ext. 3403

Kadie Cook

kadie.cook@tananachiefs.org

(907) 452-8251, ext. 3919

Service Details

Projects goals are to 1) providing career exploration opportunities and supporting access to educational credentialing (tuition for dual credit courses); and 2) increase the level of academic engagement and high school graduation rates of Alaska Native students in the TCC region.

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Isaac Bettis

Isaac Bettis, Youth Services Coordinator

Isaac Bettis is the Youth Services Coordinator for the Education and Indigenous Learning Department at Tanana Chiefs Conference (TCC). He joined TCC in 2020 as an Academic Advisor with the TCC GO program, where he supported students in pursuing their educational goals. Today, he oversees TCC’s Youth Services programs, including TCC GO, Summer Youth Employment, and the Get Driving Program, helping young people build skills, confidence, and opportunities for success.

A graduate of the University of Alaska Fairbanks, Isaac has made Interior Alaska his home for much of his adult life. He enjoys exploring the region’s landscapes and taking advantage of the many outdoor activities found throughout the boreal forest.

Isaac can be reached at isaac.bettis@tananachiefs.org or 907-452-8251, ext. 3049.

Angela Rutman

Angela Rutman, Student Support Coordinator

Angela Rutman serves as the Student Support Coordinator for the TCC GO program, where she is passionate about helping students achieve their educational and personal goals. She takes a holistic approach to student support, empowering students to take ownership of their educational journey while providing guidance, encouragement, and resources every step of the way.

Angela is a Tribal member of the Louden Tribe in Galena and is grateful for the opportunity to support students and strengthen partnerships with communities throughout the TCC region. Prior to joining TCC GO, she served as an Academic Advisor at the University of Alaska Fairbanks, where she advised students in the Tribal Governance program.

Outside of work, Angela enjoys traveling, spending time near the water, and embracing new adventures. She values being present in the moment and making the most of every experience.

Angela can be reached at angela.rutman@tananachiefs.org or 907-452-8251, ext. 3039.

Purestyn Milk

Purestyn Milk, Student Support Coordinator

Purestyn Milk serves as a Student Support Coordinator with the TCC GO program in the Education and Indigenous Learning Department at Tanana Chiefs Conference. She is passionate about empowering Tribal members to achieve their educational and career goals. Through individualized support, Purestyn helps students explore career pathways, navigate educational opportunities, and develop plans for a successful transition into adulthood.

Prior to joining Tanana Chiefs Conference, Purestyn served as the Scholarship Program Manager for Doyon Foundation, where her passion for educational outreach and student success continued to grow.

Purestyn is a Tribal member of Minto and the Oglala Sioux Tribe of the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation. She is committed to strengthening opportunities for Alaska Native youth by providing culturally responsive guidance, encouragement, and advocacy as students pursue their futures.

Purestyn can be reached at Purestyn.milk@tananachiefs.org or 907-452-8251, ext. 3403.

Kadie Cook

Kadie Cook, Youth Engagement Specialist

Originally from Utah, Kadie Cook came to Alaska 19 years ago seeking adventure and quickly discovered a place she now proudly calls home. She is the mother of two children and enjoys traveling, exploring history, spending time outdoors, reading fantasy novels and comics, and following a wide variety of sports.

Kadie can be reached at kadie.cook@tananachiefs.org or 907-452-8251, ext. 3919.

TCC GO provides individual targeted academic advising to Alaska Native students that concurrently encourages health career exploration and provides support and encouragement in meeting basic academic requirements for high school graduation.

Advisors will work with students to explore and arrange free dual credit opportunities through UAF’s Alaska Advantage program, help students develop a career pathway and engage in virtual health job shadowing, paid micro-internship opportunities, and to receive eligible reimbursements for internet access.

In addition to helping students take advantage of TCC GO opportunities, our advisors can assist students with applications to colleges and with applications for scholarship opportunities.

TCC GO is a free program created to support high school students in rural communities throughout the TCC region.

All students who live in one of the off-road-system villages within the TCC region are eligible.

Students who live in road-system (urban) communities within the TCC region must be a member of a federally recognized tribe to participate.

To be considered for the program, students must submit an application available on the website. Students and families who need assistance with the application process may contact a Student Support Coordinator or email tccgo@tananachiefs.org.

Career & College Planning

Student Support Coordinators work one-on-one with students to:

  • Explore career interests and identify career pathways.
  • Develop educational and post-secondary plans.
  • Connect with college, career, and training opportunities.
  • Receive assistance with college applications, FAFSA completion, and scholarship searches.

University & Dual Credit Opportunities

Students may be eligible to:

  • Take university courses while in high school through the University of Alaska Fairbanks Alaska Advantage Program.
  • Receive financial support for approved university coursework, including tuition, fees, and required textbooks for one approved course per semester.
  • Earn college credit and gain valuable post-secondary experience before graduation.

Pathful Explore

Students receive free access to Pathful Explore to:

  • Discover careers and industries.
  • Explore colleges, training programs, and occupations.
  • Develop career-ready skills through interactive activities.

Stipend Opportunities

Students may earn stipends for completing approved educational activities, including:

  • Career exploration projects.
  • Pathful Explore lessons.
  • University coursework.
  • Senior portfolio projects.
  • Other approved program activities.

Internet Reimbursement

Eligible families may qualify for:

  • Up to $200 per month for rural households.
  • Up to $100 per month for urban households.
  • Up to $500 one-time reimbursement for installation costs.

Test Preparation Resources

Students have access to:

  • SAT and ACT study materials.
  • Online preparation tools and practice tests.
  • Guidance on preparing for college admissions exams.

Mentorship & Student Advocacy

TCC GO Student Support Coordinators serve as mentors and advocates for students throughout their high school journey.

Coordinators:

  • Build positive, supportive relationships with students.
  • Encourage goal setting and personal growth.
  • Help students identify and overcome barriers to success.
  • Advocate for students by connecting them with resources and opportunities.
  • Celebrate student achievements and milestones.
  • Support students as they prepare for life after high school.

Additional Student Support

TCC GO also provides:

  • Regular check-ins and individualized support.
  • Referrals to education, career, and community resources.
  • Opportunities to participate in program activities, challenges, workshops, and events.

TCC GO participants have many opportunities to earn a stipend. There is are stipends for completing lessons assigned both through Pathful Explore and for lessons which require the student to watch a series of interviews from Chief Andrew Isaac Health Center staff and do some work related to those interviews.
When students take a dual credit class (such as through the UAF Advantage program which TCC GO will pay for) they may also be eligible to receive a stipend for successful completion of the course.
There are also stipends available for students that complete the FASFA and other scholarship and college applications. Please contact a Student Support Coordinator for more information.

College & Career Exploration

Dual Credit & Academic Readiness

University & Training Opportunities

Financial Aid & Scholarships

Jobs

Opportunities

Internships

Practicums

Apprenticeships

How to apply or get more info

Complete the TCC GO Application and return via email to tccgo@tananachiefs.org or by mail to:

TCC GO Program
200 First Avenue
Fairbanks AK 99701

Important Dates

Taking a UAF Course in the Fall or Spring Semester?

Make sure to get enrolled first with UAF’s Alaska Advantage program, then have your tuition statement forwarded to your TCC GO advisor for payment.

Paperwork must be submitted no later than 2 weeks before the first day of classes.

Applying to UAF

If you are interested in applying to UAF, visit their site: UAF Admissions and Application Requirements

(Check with your school counselor, you might be able to get a waiver for the application fee.)

Intent to Return Deadline

Students who are currently active in the TCC GO program and plan to continue participating must submit their Intent to Return Form by July 31 each year.

Students should contact their Student Support Coordinator with questions.

FAFSA Opening Date

The FAFSA application opens October 1 each year.

All seniors are encouraged to complete their FAFSA as soon as possible after it opens to maximize financial aid and scholarship opportunities.

Program News

Learn about the Summer Youth Employment Program!

The SYEP strives to help youth find opportunities for leadership development, specialized training, and career exploration. Youth must be between the ages of 14-21 (up to 24 years old in some cases) and of Alaska Native, American Indian or Native Hawaiian descent.

Click here for more information or call TCC GO at 907-452-8251, ext. 5072.

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