December 15, 2007
Yuut Elitaurviat provides jands-on education for three future carpenters: Matthew Black, Michael Amik, and Leonard Patton IV. (Photo by Danielle Dizon, YKHC Public Relations.)
Yuut Elitnaurviat:
Partnership spurs development
By Tiffany Zulkosky
Five years of planning and four buildings into the project, Yuut Elitnaurviat (YE) is laying the foundation for local and regional vocational training opportunities in the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta region.
As the shadow of the new Technical Education and Support Services (TESS) building raises over the tundra in City Subdivision, the two 22-bed dormitories are complete and ready to house their first occupants. Bethel Alternative Boarding School (BABS) will be the first set of students in residence on the YE campus.
"With the initial dormitories almost prepared for occupancy, the need for more dormitory space is already evident," said LaMont Albertson, YE Executive Director, regarding the rapid growth of the YE campus.
The TESS building is currently scheduled to be ready for occupancy January 1, 2009. The 20,000 square foot building will boast numerous classrooms, a library, wet labs, and a clinic for Dental Health Aide Therapy (DHAT) students, complete with a waiting room area for DHAT patients.
Although the DHAT clinic in the YE campus has another year until completion, Bethel Community Services Foundation (BCSF) is sponsoring interim clinical space in the BNC Complex that will be equipped for students by the first of 2008.
"BCS Foundation's commitment to the Delta is reflected in the board's willingness to commit the largest single grant in BCS Foundation's history to ensure adequate clinical space for the Dental Health Aide Therapy program until Yuut Elitnaurviat's permanent space is complete," said Jerry Drake, Business Manager at BSCF.
Dr. Edwin Allgair, Dental Service Chief for YKHC, recognizes the magnitude of support the DHAT program continues to receive, as well as the development of career and training opportunities for local residents. He stated, "We're very thankful to our sponsors who have made it possible to bring the groundbreaking Dental Therapy program to this region so soon. We're very proud of our Dental Therapists and Dental Therapy students for all the hard work they're doing and their commitment to the oral health community. We're especially happy to be working with YE to develop career paths for young people, where they can contribute to other's lives in a meaningful way."
While much of the infrastructure is falling into place, Albertson emphasizes that all of it is just the beginning.
"It's encouraging that we're as far along as we are, but we have a long way to go," stated Albertson. "We are thankful to the agencies who have helped make this happen for the citizens of the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta. We look forward to the continued development of this training/learning center."
