Alaska 529 Supports Alaska Academic Decathlon and Pentathlon as Premier Sponsor

February 18, 2022

The Alaska Academic Decathlon and Pentathlon recently welcomed Alaska 529 as their premier partner. Starting this spring, Alaska 529 will provide $24,000 in scholarships to high school students (Academic Decathletes) and an additional $12,000 to middle school competitors (Academic Pentathletes). The programs are offered by SERRC, Alaska’s Educational Resource Center. 

The Academic Decathlon/Pentathlon programs are team competitions where students match their intellects with students from other schools. High school students are tested in ten categories on a common theme, and middle school students compete in five categories. The Academic Decathlon/Pentathlon encourages academic versatility by requiring students to prepare for all events. 

“Partnering with Alaska 529 gives us the opportunity to award scholarships to more students, which translates into more students contemplating life after high school, even at the middle school level,” said SERRC’s Executive Director, Julie Staley. “It’s a great opportunity, and we’re thrilled to have Alaska 529 as this program’s premier partner.”

“The Academic Decathlon and Pentathlon are among the most rigorous scholastic competitions in Alaska and nationally,” said Lael Oldmixon. “Outstanding students from all over the state compete in the programs, and we are so excited to offer scholarships to the winners.” The scholarships may be used at the University of Alaska or other eligible schools and are funded by the Education Trust of Alaska’s investments and program fees. 

Alaska 529 helps families save for future education expenses in a tax-advantaged way. For more information, visit Alaska529plan.com.