Voyage School
Participation in these programs is free to qualifying FOCUS students!
Voyage School is available to interested FOCUS Homeschool students. The goal of the Voyage School experience is to provide students with opportunities to apply what they have learned in school to real-life situations. In addition, students gain skills and training in various areas, including life kills, personal development, social development, group-living skills, service training, urban familiarization, and career development. Voyage School students enter adulthood with a solid career plan and can earn nationally-recognized industry certifications, such as Emergency Trauma Technician, CPR/First Aid, and Food Handler. Students are also able to advance in Career Development, Personal/Social/Service, and other CSD Standards through attending Voyage School phases.
Each phase lasts between 6 and 15 days. Students stay at the Voyage School in Anchorage and receive around-the-clock supervision. Phases are themed around various career fields such as Aviation, Culinary Arts, Community Health, Emergency First Responder, and many others. They are generally geared towards a certain age range, mainly for students in grades 9 through 12. Voyage School also holds shorter introductory phases for students in grades 6 through 8, as well as phases specifically designed for students nearing graduation, to assist them with their post-secondary preparation.
Voyage Summer Camp (3 to 4 week Summer intensive for 9-12 grade) – The Voyage Summer Camp is held in June or July and is based out of the Voyage School in Anchorage. Students have the choice of participating in various Strands including Culinary Arts, Outdoor Leadership, First Responder, and others. Strands may vary each year, depending on availability and student interest. Successful completion of Strands allows students to gain national certifications and dual college credit. Each Strand features ambitious hands-on projects and career development, including job shadows and tours, and opportunities to meet with recruiters and union representatives.
More Opportunities through Voyage School
Northwest Alaska Career and Technical Center (NACTEC) – Students who have successfully completed at least one Voyage School phase are eligible to apply for a session at NACTEC in Nome. Likewise, successful NACTEC students are eligible to apply for Voyage School activities. NACTEC sessions generally last 10 to 12 days. NACTEC sessions may feature the following: Art, Aviation, Business and Marketing, Careers in the Legal System, Field Biology, Fishing Industry, Food Service, Guiding and Outdoor Leadership, Health Careers, Machine Shop, Metal Fabrication, Small Engine Repair, Welding, Video Technology, and many others.
Alaska Geographic Summer Kayak Trip – Voyage School students may be eligible to attend weeklong summer kayaking trips led by Alaska Geographic in beautiful Prince William Sound. These trips feature leave-no-trace camping, conservation, invasive species management, field biology, and beach cleanup with the Forest Service. Prince William Sound is full of wildlife, glaciers, and breathtaking views!
