Turning Point USA and the state of Alaska announced a partnership Oct. 29 that will allow high schools throughout the state to establish Club America chapters on campus.
The partnership was announced during a ceremony at the Robert B. Atwood Building in Anchorage.
Gov. Mike Dunleavy spoke about his upbringing, contrasting the relative lack of technology and distractions during his childhood with the experiences of today’s generation. He also encouraged students involved with Turning Point USA to remain committed to their beliefs despite the challenges they may face.
“I grew up in an age where there were no cell phones, there were no computers, there was ‘no nothing,’” Dunleavy said. “It was remarkable. We were still on time for meetings and we had no watches or anything. We’d be on time. But you guys are going to be challenged, so you’ve got to be tough. Tough, meaning inside you have to believe in your convictions that your parents taught you, that your church has taught you, that your friends support. You have to believe in your convictions.”
Dunleavy discussed the influence of the nation’s Founding Fathers and the significance of the U.S. Constitution, including its importance to the late Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk.
“There’s no greater country than the United States of America,” Dunleavy said. “I think the framers [of the U.S. Constitution] would be amazed at what this country has become. They’d be very happy that it survived. They’d be very happy that that Constitution is the thing that separates us from everyone else.”
Dunleavy addressed Kirk’s death, describing it as a tragedy for the First Amendment and freedom. He referenced Kirk’s appearances on college campuses where his views were not always welcomed.
“Charlie would go into the lion’s den, as they would say, go into college campuses that didn’t want him there,” Dunleavy said.
Earlier in October, Dunleavy proclaimed Oct. 14, 2026, as “Charlie Kirk Day” in Alaska in recognition of the First Amendment. He read from the proclamation at the conclusion of his remarks.
Deena Bishop, Alaska’s commissioner of education, addressed attendees, followed by Stephen Cox, counsel to the governor. TPUSA Chief Field Officer Andrew Sypher and Noah Andrew, president of the Club America chapter at Chugiak High School, also spoke.
Alaska joins Texas, Tennessee, and Nebraska, among other states, that have partnered with TPUSA in the past year to ensure Club America chapters can form on high school campuses.
