5 Best Alaska Scholarships
Updated October 29, 2021 | BestCollegeReviews.org Staff
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Hunting down scholarships for Alaska can help you shoot for your post-secondary goals in the "Last Frontier." Although America's largest state is best known for its glassy glaciers, untouched forests, midnight sun, and roaming wildlife, higher education has a growing presence here. Outdoor enthusiasts can receive an unparalleled learning experience at Alaska's 12 colleges. Whether you prefer a tribal school like Ilisagvik College, private Methodist college like Alaska Pacific University, or major doctoral research institution like University of Alaska Anchorage, there are diverse, top-notch options. In fact, the U.S. News ranked UA-Fairbanks as the country's 202nd best university. The following are 5 state scholarships created to reduce the "brain drain" and retain talented young Alaskans.
The Alaska Community Foundation sponsors the Professional Development of Volunteer Administrators Fund for $2,000 yearly. Community-minded Alaskans who volunteer as change makers can utilize the money to afford professional development training. Until April 22nd, applications are accepted through the ACF online system with a resume, supervisor recommendation, and personal statement of intent. Students could also be interested in the Golden Rule Scholarship or Shayna Marie Pritchard Scholarship.
Eligibility
- Be full-time, permanent volunteer administrators
- Work for nonprofit organizations in Anchorage
- Pursue workshops/conferences related to volunteer administration
Based in Seattle, the Pride Foundation offers 50+ scholarships with an average worth of $3,800 to residents of the Pacific Northwest, including Alaska. Funds were established by activist Brian M. Day to support lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and straight ally students. One application submitted by January 13th will qualify interested candidates for endowments with varying criteria. For instance, the Friends of Alan Turning Scholarship selects STEM majors.
Eligibility
- Live in Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, or Washington
- Pursue post-secondary education at least half-time
- Show leadership supporting the LGBTQ community
- Face significant financial barriers to educational access
The American College of Medical Practice Executives (ACMPE) Scholarship Fund holds 10 annual awards like the MGMA Western Section Scholarship. Offering up to $5,000, this region-specific scholarship selects students in 13 Western states, including Alaska, who are studying for administrative careers in medicine. Majors in health administration, business, management, public health, and related fields quality. Online applications remain available until May 1st.
Eligibility
- Hold current MGMA membership for 12+ months
- Pursue a bachelor’s or master’s related to medical practice management
- Study in the United States, especially CAHME-accredited schools
- Possess good academic standing with minimum 3.0 GPA
The Pasadena Playhouse Alumni & Associations administers the Henry & Joyce W. Sumid Scholarship for $5,000 each year. It’s designed to support future stage actors, designers, directors, and playwrights who adore the drama profession. Applications are accepted from select Western states, including Alaska, until February 15th. Qualified artists should submit a transcript, resume, Student Aid Report, and 500-word personal essay.
Eligibility
- Study theatre at accredited U.S. art schools
- Maintain a minimum overall GPA of 3.0
- Exhibit outstanding talent for theatrical performance
- Demonstrate significant financial need
Endowed by Joyce and Jerry Klein, the JJ Klein Scholarship is generally granted by the Alaska Community Foundation (ACF) for $10,000 annually. College-bound high schoolers who show an unrelenting motivation to succeed despite financial setbacks are encouraged to apply. Funding is renewable as long as students avoid academic or disciplinary probation. Initial online applications must be filed before April 29th.
Eligibility
- Be graduating seniors at Alaskan high schools
- Matriculate full-time at accredited colleges this Fall
- Present average GPAs between 2.0 and 3.2
- Have financial need obstacles to overcome
According to 24/7 Wall St., Alaska boasts the United States' second most affordable tuition. On average, college students pay $5,885 per year to attend Alaskan colleges. While this seems reasonable, tuition has grown quickly by 18.5 percent in the last five years. Costs at private schools are becoming particularly cumbersome. For example, Charter College in Anchorage charges $20,137 annually. If you're studying in the "Land of the Noonday Moon," capitalize on these scholarships for Alaska to afford your education with less debt.
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