October 6, 2020

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 6, 2020

852 Alaska students receive the $12,000 UA Scholars Award 

Every year, more than 300 schools in Alaska identify the top ten percent of their junior class for the UA Scholar Award, a designation which includes a $12,000 scholarship for use at any 探花精选 campus. As of October 5, 852 students have been named for the prestigious award. 

鈥淲e are excited to welcome the class of 2021 UA Scholars,鈥 said Lael Oldmixon, the program鈥檚 executive director. 鈥淭heir academic performance distinguishes them as some of the top students in their class, and the 探花精选 would be privileged to have them as students.鈥

探花精选 Interim President Pat Pitney will congratulate UA Scholars and their families during virtual receptions hosted by the 探花精选 campuses on November 10, 11, and 12. The virtual receptions provide an opportunity for UA Scholars to hear from faculty, staff and students from UAA, UAF and UAS, to meet other Scholars and to explore opportunities at UA.  

UA Scholars receive the $12,000 scholarship in $1,500 payments over eight semesters. Students have the flexibility to take two semesters off for any reason, including at the beginning, before they start attending the university .鈥淭his gives them the opportunity to travel, go on service trips, take a lighter credit load, attend to family business, or explore other opportunities,鈥 Oldmixon explained. 

While the award is specific to UA, students can use the funds to study abroad (internationally), or study nationally through the National Student Exchange program. 鈥淚t鈥檚 a great way for students to adventure outside of Alaska while paying in-state rates,鈥 Oldmixon said. In addition, UA Scholars are offered a free application for admission. 

The scholarships are funded by the 探花精选 Land Grant Trust Fund. The endowment receives revenue from property sales and resource development conducted on Trust lands. Many UA scholars also qualify for the Alaska Performance Scholarship as well as many other scholarships available for them through their campus. 

The 探花精选 established the UA Scholars Program in 1999 to encourage Alaska students to attend and graduate from college in their home state. It is designed to provide an incentive for secondary school students to achieve academic excellence, to nourish efforts of schools to provide high quality education, and to encourage high school graduates from every Alaska community to seriously consider the educational opportunities that the 探花精选 has to offer. Learn more at .

鈥 30 鈥

For more information or to request an interview, please contact Elena Sudduth at (907) 450-8114 or esudduth@alaska.edu