Pathways of Support
Programs Designed to Advance Educators in Bristol Bay
Teaching in Bristol Bay is a journey; it's uniquely rich in culture, tradition, and community. The programs featured here offer ways for educators to build skills and deepen relationships in the region they serve.
C3: Cross-Cultural Competence
C3 supports educators new to the region with immersive cultural orientation, community mentorship, and ongoing learning. C3 is more than a training—it’s a foundation for place-based teaching and deep community connection.
This site can help extend your C3 experience with:
Classroom-ready cultural activities
Reflections from other C3 educators
Tools to deepen cultural integration throughout the year
M.Ed. for Bristol Bay
The Masters of Education in Teaching and Learning focused on Culturally Responsive Teaching is a partnership between Bristol Bay Foundation (BBF), University of Alaska Anchorage (UAA), and the region’s four school districts. It’s designed to support culturally responsive teaching while helping educators advance professionally.
This site complements your M.Ed Partnership journey with:
Cultural and place-based lesson plans to use in your classroom
Lesson plans from other M.Ed Partnership teachers in Bristol Bay
Tools to document experiential learning
Apprenticeship Pathways
In partnership with Bristol Bay Regional Career & Technical Education and UAA, Apprenticeship Pathways enable paraprofessionals to earn certification while working in their communities.
This site supports paraprofessionals and in-region learners with:
Easy-to-use activity guides for language and culture classes
Teaching reflections and tips from those on the pathway
Information about mentorship, scheduling, and supports
“Culture camps are where our region's warmth and connection come alive. Every time I walk in, I'm reminded why this work matters. I want our kids, Elders, and new educators to feel that same sense of belonging.”
- Aleesha Towns-Bain, President & CEO
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Culture Camps
With the Teaching & Learning Collaborative grant, BBF has partnered with tribes in 10 communities across the region to host 11 community culture camps. In the past year, culture camps were held in Iliamna, Chignik Bay, and Aleknagik for community members and educators in the C3 program.
Each summer camp location is chosen to include all three cultural groups in the Bristol Bay region: Alutiiq, Dena’ina, and Yup’ik. Culture camp activities include:
Traditional arts and crafts
Language practice and activities
Seasonal subsistence
Song and dance
If you are interested in hosting your own culture camp, BBF can provide funding support through its Piniq’ grants program. For more information, visit the BBF grants website.