About RAHI

Established at the request of the Alaska Federation of Natives, RAHI has been preparing rural and Alaska Native high school students for academic excellence and college success since 1983. Our mission is to empower rural and Alaska Native students to achieve their dreams through higher education.

Rural Alaska Honors Institute (RAHI) is a competitive program that gives rural and Alaska Native students a chance to find out what it's like to be a college student. For six weeks, students live in dorms on TV's Troth Yeddha' campus, take an average of 9 college credits, explore interior Alaska through a variety of outdoor activities, and volunteer in the Fairbanks community. The best part, aside from getting college credits and gaining lifelong friends from across the state, is that the entire experience is completely free.

May 26th - July 10th, 2026

To attend RAHI, you must:

  • Be Alaska Native or rural Alaskan
  • Be a high school junior or senior (students will attend RAHI after their junior or senior year of high school)
  • Have a 3.0 or higher cumulative GPA
  • Have the ability to read at or above grade level
  • Be committed to earning a college degree
For RAHI, rural is defined as a community with a population of 7,500 or less if not connected by road or rail to Anchorage or Fairbanks, or a population of 1,500 or less if connected by road or rail to Anchorage or Fairbanks and is at least 50 miles outside of Anchorage or 25 miles outside of Fairbanks.

In this definition, “connected by road” does not include a connection by the Alaska Marine Highway System or roads outside the boundary of the State of Alaska.

If you're from a community that does not fit this definition, we encourage you to apply anyway! We don't turn applications down based on demographic data but do prioritize those who fit our criteria.
  • RAHI Traditional is an exploratory track that offers a variety of elective options. It accommodates students who are particularly interested in one of the course subjects or who may not know what their path is. Courses include Writing or Indigenous Cultures of Alaska; Library Science; Study Skills; Alaska Native Language, Chemistry, or Process Technology; and a recreation class.

  • RAHI Research is for students who are interested in conducting science. Students are paired with TV research mentors that help them conduct projects. Courses include Writing or Indigenous Cultures of Alaska; Library Science; Intro to Research and Research Experience or Anthropology; and a recreation class.

  • RAHI Teach is for students who are interested in teaching, particularly within the state of Alaska. Courses include Indigenous Cultures of Alaska; Library Science, Study Skills; Teaching for Alaska's Future; and a recreation class.
  • RAHI Diesel is for students who are interested in working with diesel engines and heavy equipment. Students will learn the basics of equipment operation, maintenance, and safety—setting them up for success in the workforce or for further training in this high-demand field. Courses include Study Skills, Safety Including Rigging and Lifting, Basic Equipment and Truck Operation, Preventive Maintenance, and a recreation class.
We've got a whole page on our classes. To learn more, check it out here.
Yes! Students earn an average of 9 college credits while at RAHI, depending on the classes they choose. These credits will apply to TV and can be transferred to other universities. Credits may meet degree or elective requirements. You will work with an advisor to figure out how best to apply them to your program.

In addition, students may work with their high schools to determine what courses can be applied as dual credit. This is especially nice for juniors who want to shorten up their senior year.
RAHI is completely FREE to students! Costs covered include:
  • Transportation to and from Fairbanks
  • Tuition
  • Meals
  • Housing
  • Activities
  • Supplies
For six weeks, you'll live in a dorm with a roommate on the TV Troth Yeddha' Campus going to classes, eating food at the Wood Center, and participating in a number of recreational activities.

Weekdays:
  • 8:00am-3:15pm - Academic Classes
  • 3:30pm-5:00pm - Recreation Class
  • 5:00pm-6:00pm - Dinner
  • 7:00pm-9:00pm - Study Hall (Sunday through Thursday)
On the weekends, you'll have the opportunity to explore Fairbanks with your family group and participate in a number of recreation and volunteer activities with the whole class. They vary each year, but here are some examples:
  • Angel Rocks/Chena Hot Springs Hike
  • Fairbanks Scavenger Hunt
  • Fun Olympics at Bingle Camp
  • Denali Whitewater Rafting
  • 4th of July Picnic
  • Chena River Float
  • Midnight Sun Run
  • Volunteer at Calypso Farms
  • Volunteer at the Large Animal Research Station
If you want to hear it from RAHIers, check out the videos on our media page.
Yes! When you're at RAHI, you'll be given a lot of different opportunities and we expect you to jump on them and give us 100%. It's all part of building relationships, grit, and getting you out of your comfort zone. Although, if you have health-related concerns, we'll work with you to modify the activities or find alternatives whenever appropriate.
Whether you're a Fairbanks local or from a community three flights away, you'll be expected to participate in all of the academic and recreational activities that are part of RAHI. However, we build in free time and allow approved friends and family members to spend time with you both on campus and off. We're all about balance and your support network is a large part of that. Just be sure your parent or guardian lets us know who is approved to take you under their wing.
Students who participated in their junior year may apply to RAHI again in their senior year, but selection preference will go to those students who have not yet experienced it. The result is that, while we love and support our alumni, they will only be chosen to attend a second session of RAHI if we do not have enough qualified first-timers to fill slots.

Fun at Value Village 2020