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Did you know that recent changes to Alaska scholarships have made getting a degree or certificate from UA more manageable than ever?

October 8, 2024

Why it matters: is new legislation signed by Governor Dunleavy in 2024 that significantly expands Alaska’s scholarship programs and extends key workforce initiatives. It aims to make post-secondary education more accessible to Alaska students by increasing financial aid and providing greater flexibility.

What HB148 does:

• Alaska Performance Scholarship (APS):
• Increased awards: The amounts have been raised by $1,100 to $2,200 per year, allowing students to receive up to $7,000 annually based on academic merit.
• Expanded flexibility: Students will now be notified of their eligibility by the end of their junior year of high school, giving them more time to plan for college and make informed decisions.
• Step-Up Provision: HB148 introduces a “step-up” feature, where students who maintain a strong GPA can qualify for higher APS levels while they are enrolled in college. For instance, a student who raises their GPA to 3.5 or higher after two semesters of full-time enrollment can move to the top award level.
• Extended eligibility: The timeline to use the scholarship has been extended from six to eight years, recognizing that many students pursue education on a non-traditional schedule due to family or work obligations.
• UA Scholars Program: Celebrating its 25th anniversary, the UA Scholars Program now offers $15,000 (an increase from $12,000) to Alaska’s top 10% of high school graduates, encouraging them to stay in-state for their education.
• At a glance: The scholarship can be applied over eight semesters at any ̽����ѡ campus and covers expenses such as tuition, fees, room, board, and even study abroad programs.
• This increase marks the program’s first in nearly a decade and reflects the UA Board of Regents’ commitment to supporting high-achieving students across the state.
• Technical Vocation and Education Program (TVEP): HB148 also reauthorizes TVEP, a key workforce development initiative that funds training in high-demand fields such as construction, maritime navigation, and heavy equipment operation. Last year, UA trained 4,888 students — 57% of all TVEP participants — with just 45% of the program’s budget. The bill ensures continued funding for TVEP, which plays a critical role in preparing Alaska’s workforce for the state’s key industries.
• Education Tax Credit (ETC): The ETC program, administered by the Department of Revenue, gives tax credits (50% of the contribution) to third-party entities that make charitable donations (of either cash or equipment) for the purpose of education in the state. The bill extends the ETC program through Dec. 31, 2028, and raises the tax credit cap from $1 million to $3 million, incentivizing private businesses to make charitable contributions to UA for scholarships, research, and workforce initiatives. These partnerships are vital to UA’s mission, leveraging private sector support to benefit students and meet Alaska’s growing workforce needs.

What they’re saying:
UA President Pat Pitney praised the legislation, stating, “HB148 is a game-changer for Alaska’s students and our future workforce. The Alaska Performance Scholarship and UA Scholars Program provide critical financial support that helps students complete their education in-state, and the reauthorization of TVEP strengthens our workforce development efforts. I’m grateful to the Governor and the Legislature for their commitment to UA and Alaska’s students.”

Additional context:
HB148 is a result of sustained advocacy by the UA system to expand access to higher education and workforce training. Representative Justin Ruffridge and Senator Forrest Dunbar were key champions of the APS expansion, while Representative Ashley Carrick, along with Senators Click Bishop and Donny Olson, helped secure funding for TVEP. Their leadership, alongside Governor Dunleavy’s support, ensured that these critical programs would continue to serve Alaskans.

The bottom line: With HB148, the ̽����ѡ is better equipped to support students with increased financial aid, extended eligibility, and strengthened workforce development programs. These changes are vital to helping students succeed and preparing Alaska’s future workforce.

Additional scholarships for students:
Donors make it possible for the ̽����ѡ Foundation to offer more than $5.1 million in scholarship awards annually. Scholarships are available to students attending UAA, UAF or UAS, including all community campuses. Through one application, students are considered for many scholarship options, including those based on merit, financial need, field of study, life circumstance, outstanding achievement, or any combination of these criteria. For more information, visit UA Foundation scholarships.

Go Deeper:
UA press release on HB148
Alaska Education Tax Credit (ETC)

 

UA Scholars and their families strike a pose at the 2023 ceremonies across Alaska