What are some scholarship opportunities available in Alaska?

I'm a high school junior considering staying in-state for college in Alaska, and I'm curious about the scholarships available here. Are there specific scholarships that Alaskan colleges or organizations offer to local students? I'd love to hear more about any unique opportunities that I might not find elsewhere and how competitive they are. Information about application deadlines or tips for standing out would be great too!

There are indeed a number of Alaska-specific scholarships you can apply for which are competitive yet attainable:

1. Alaska Performance Scholarship: This scholarship is funded by the state of Alaska and awarded based on a student's GPA, curriculum rigor, and ACT/SAT scores. The highest possible award can cover full tuition at some in-state schools.

2. University of Alaska Scholarships: The University of Alaska system (which includes campuses in Anchorage, Fairbanks, and Southeast) offers a variety of scholarships for incoming and current students. Merit-based, need-based and discipline-specific scholarships are among them.

3. Alaska Community Foundation Scholarships: The Alaska Community Foundation hosts a large list of scholarships, many of which are available to students within certain regions of Alaska or those pursuing certain fields of study.

4. Alaska State Fair Scholarship: If you’ve participated in the Alaska State Fair, you could be eligible for this scholarship, which assesses your involvement in the fair alongside your academic merits.

When applying, keep deadlines in mind - most fall between January and March. Consider including personal details in your essays that reflect your unique Alaskan experiences. This could provide a meaningful connection with the scholarship committee. And of course, maintaining a strong academic record and showcasing any community involvement, especially any that reflects the purpose or spirit of the scholarship, will strengthen your application.

Please verify each scholarship's criteria and deadlines on their respective websites to ensure accuracy since requirements and timelines can vary. Good luck with your scholarship hunt!