​About 

The relationship between Kutztown University and Alaska began in the fall of 2010 as the Kutztown University Liaison Project, under the guidance of KU professor, Dr. Kristen Bazley. Through this project, students in undergraduate and graduate teacher-education classes were paired with children in an Alaskan classroom to provide instructional assistance. Within 2 years, the KU Liaison Project gained popularity among the participating KU students and was recognized by the school district as making a positive contribution to student learning in its district classrooms. This recognition, in turn, resulted in the expansion of the project to encompass online distance tutoring in Alaskan district classrooms by participating university students.
Teacher candidates at Kutztown University tutor students in remote villages across Bush, Alaska. Tutoring sessions are done using an online platform called Zoom. The Alaskan students are enrolled in the Lake Peninsula School District, that serves 13 isolated villages along the Alaskan Peninsula. The school District encompasses approximately 1,633 people. The largest village holds about 193 residents.

Of the 13 schools in the district, 12 are title 1. Most of the schools have less than 3 teachers, and most teachers are responsible for multiple grade levels in multi-grade classrooms. A standards based system was created in 1993 in hopes to offer rural Native Alaskan students a beneficial education with higher opportunities for future careers. KU students are an essential part of this system and offer supplemental support to students in content specific areas such as math and reading. Tutors meet with students using the online platform 2 times a week for 30 minute sessions. During these sessions tutors focus on the individual needs of students according to their Response to Intervention programs. Weekly tutoring sessions provide students in Bush, Alaska with outside exposure and additional support of classroom material and content.