Did you know that last year more than 1,550 students pursuing education across the University of Alaska System benefited from a scholarship administered by the UA Foundation?
And that it only takes 15 minutes to complete the online application?
In 2021, $3.6 million was awarded to help make students’ dreams of attending college a reality. Whatever a student’s circumstance or passion, there’s likely a scholarship to help meet a student’s educational goals from technical certificates through graduate coursework. There also are scholarships available based on a student’s life experiences such as financial need, military service, diversity, outstanding achievement, and sports. Students may find that they are eligible for more than one scholarship award based on a combination of these criteria.
Scholarships are available through the UA Foundation and are made possible by individual donors who give to support students’ interests and passions, and by corporate partners who value the universities’ research and programs. The UA Foundation is an independent, nonprofit corporation established in 1974 to work in partnership with Alaska’s three universities to seek, secure and steward philanthropic support.
Cori Taylor’s Story:
Cori Taylor’s college journey has been anything but linear, having taken classes right after high school, she explains, “I took a break… for 10 years.” Being a Peer Support Specialist at Providence Valdez Counseling Center motivated her to return to school. And a PWSC Student Scholarship helped make it possible. Returning to school has not been easy. “It is challenging, but with the support of family, work, Prince William Sound College staff, and scholarship donors, I am keeping afloat.”
Sebastian Zavoico's Story
Moose populations in southwest Alaska are increasing rapidly, and UAF graduate student Sebastian Zavoico hopes to understand why. “My master's project focuses on developing a model to estimate moose populations in Togiak National Wildlife Refuge and to understand what is driving their productivity. My hope is that this information will be useful to managers to better predict future moose population and geographical range, and for the worldwide scientific community to better understand how climate change is affecting the sub-Arctic.” Sebastian was a perfect match for the Philip Andrews Memorial Endowment, established to support the educational expenses associated with earning a master’s degree in wildlife management at UAF. Sebastian says his ideal career integrates research, fieldwork and teaching. “I believe one of the biggest impacts I can have in my life is through teaching.”
Jenna Hernandez’s Story:
With support from the GHEMM Company Scholarship, first-generation student Jenna Hernandez decided to pursue a degree in civil engineering at UAF. "My parents have encouraged me that college is the best path for me to take after high school. Neither of my parents completed a college degree, so they wanted my sister and me to have this goal.” Her decision to pursue a career as a civil engineer was made in a physics class. “It was the perfect blend of science, math, and critical thinking that just clicked!” she said. “Considering how well recognized UAF's civil engineering program is, how many hands-on opportunities they have like the well-established Steel Bridge team, and the fact that this awesome school is right in my backyard, it was a no-brainer that UAF was the right fit for me!”
Katherine Sakeagak’s Story:
Katherine Sakeagak is a second generation ANSEP student who grew up watching her father, Willie, study for his civil engineering degree in the program’s first cohort. “Dad would bring me and my younger brother to ANSEP while he studied,” she remembers. Now, Katherine is expecting to graduate in Fall ‘23 with a double major in mathematics and civil engineering. ANSEP scholarships supported tuition, textbooks and campus housing her first year. When the pandemic required everyone to pivot, Katherine found her scholarships provided the flexibility she needed to fund essential tools – internet access and the equipment to take online classes.