Give AK a Shot lottery awarded nine $49,000 scholarship accounts in Alaska 529

Dec. 3, 2021

This fall, the Alaska Chamber launched the “Give AK a Shot” Sweepstakes as a strategy to encourage Alaska residents to get the COVID-19 vaccine. Prizes were awarded to newly vaccinated adults and youth. Nine youth winners from across Alaska received a $49,000 scholarship account in Alaska 529. Funding for the prizes was provided by the Alaska Chamber through the Coronavirus Aid Relief and Economic Security Act from the Federal Government.

“We are elated about this partnership. It is a terrific pairing because we both want to see youth attain their future career and education goals, AND we want a bright, healthy future for Alaska,” said Lael Oldmixon, Executive Director of Alaska 529. 

Nine adults were also randomly selected to win $49,000 cash prizes. If a youth winner had a vaccinated parent or guardian, that adult received an additional $10,000 cash prize. The drawings happened throughout September and October, and all Alaskans who have received the COVID-19 vaccine qualified for the final drawing. 

Scholarship accounts are not new to Alaska 529. Over the past 20 years, Alaska 529 has partnered with Alaska organizations to fund and award more than $1,000,000 in youth scholarships. Those awards have helped hundreds of young people pay for their educational pursuits. For this sweepstakes giveaway, the scholarship accounts may be used for trade school, vocational, technical, college, university, or professional degrees at any eligible institution.   

More information can be found on the Alaska Chamber’s Facebook page. The scholarship account winners are listed below.