October 6, 2020

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 6, 2020

852 Alaska students receive the $12,000 Ů�źϼ� Scholars Award

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

“We are excited to welcome the class of 2021 Ů�źϼ� Scholars,” said Lael Oldmixon, the program’s executive director. “Their academic performance distinguishes them as some of the top students in their class, and the University of Alaska would be privileged to have them as students.”

University of Alaska Interim President Pat Pitney will congratulate Ů�źϼ� Scholars and their families during virtual receptions hosted by the University of Alaska campuses on November 10, 11, and 12. The virtual receptions provide an opportunity for Ů�źϼ� Scholars to hear from faculty, staff and students from Ů�źϼ�A, Ů�źϼ�F and Ů�źϼ�S, to meet other Scholars and to explore opportunities at Ů�źϼ�.

Ů�źϼ� 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 .“This gives them the opportunity to travel, go on service trips, take a lighter credit load, attend to family business, or explore other opportunities,” Oldmixon explained.

While the award is specific to Ů�źϼ�, students can use the funds to study abroad (internationally), or study nationally through the National Student Exchange program. “It’s a great way for students to adventure outside of Alaska while paying in-state rates,” Oldmixon said. In addition, Ů�źϼ� Scholars are offered a free application for admission.

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

The University of Alaska established the Ů�źϼ� 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 University of Alaska has to offer. Learn more at .

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