Tanalian Bible Camp (TBC) has been serving youth from 30+ villages in Southwest Alaska for almost 50 years providing hope to these youth through a relationship with God.

Located in Port Alsworth, TBC has a long heritage with a positive impact in the lives of thousands. Since the camp is limited to serve 3^rd grade through high school, the TBC board recognized a need to serve young adults.

Since 1998, their vision has been to create a program to mentor this age group during the crucial stage of life when one chooses a career path and begins to impact their communities as an adult.

Tanalian Leadership Center

In 2011, this dream became a reality when the Tanalian Leadership Center (TLC) launched. TLC exists to mentor Alaskan 18-22 year old young adults by training them to grow in every area of life; arming them with spiritual strength to stand and serve the Lord; and equipping them with practical skills necessary to live productive lives in rural Alaska. The goal is for students to apply these strengths and skills to fortify their communities.

Male and female students will live in Port Alsworth for the winter season, Sept. 30^th-May 15^th. Students must apply, sign a code of conduct, agree with the TBC statement of faith, and complete a tuition worksheet. The tuition is $4,050, which covers student living expenses and travel. Not all costs are due at the start of the program but can be paid by the student’s part-time job. The desire is that a student will learn the value a self-sustaining lifestyle. TLC focuses in the following areas. 

Biblical Education

Students will receive 10 hrs a week in Biblical studies taught in a group discussion format. Each student is expected to come prepared to participate and is given weekly assignments to complete. Through this program, a student will be armed with spiritual strength will be able to overcome past challenges and apply wisdom to the future guiding them through life.

Career Development

Upon entering the program, a skills assessment review and career goals discussion will take place to help develop a successful job placement within Port Alsworth. The student will work 20 hrs a week to gain experience toward their desired profession. Many entrepreneurial business owners have stepped forward to offer employment. They are expected to teach, encourage and help develop skills within their employee that will lead them be successful in future jobs.  Income earned from these jobs can be directed toward program tuition.

The current TLC students are gaining experience in carpentry and social work. Businesses will benefit from the local employment, which adds to the economic stability of Port Alsworth. TLC has begun collaborating with individuals and businesses within  Southwest Alaska who can also offer career training to diversify the opportunities and meet our students’ needs. TLC will partner with businesses in the region for student job placement upon graduation.

 Specific modules focused on independent living skills such as financial management, drug/alcohol/suicide prevention, meal planning, computer skills, time management and more will also be part of the curriculum. Those seeking to gain further education will be able to apply these skills to help them make a successful transition from the village to a collegiate setting. 

Life Mentoring

A strength of this program is the combination of mentoring that takes place in a home, work and elsewhere. A men’s and women’s mentor are on staff whose role it is to challenge the students to grow in every area of their life. Students will live in either housing with their respective mentor or with a family in Port Alsworth. This holistic approach provides mentoring in every aspect of the student’s life.