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AlaskAdvantage Education Grant

The Alaska legislature created the AlaskAdvantage Education Grant Program to provide need-based financial assistance to eligible Alaska students attending qualifying postsecondary educational institutions in Alaska. The program was specifically designed to set aside a portion of available grant funds as priority awards for applicants demonstrating exceptional academic preparation for higher education (as documented by top quartile SAT or ACT scores), and for otherwise eligible applicants enrolled in qualifying workforce shortage programs:

 

  • allied health science
  • community and social service
  • teaching and paraprofessional education
  • process industry/natural resources extraction industry

The AlaskAdvantage Education Grant is funded jointly by the Alaska Student Loan Corporation and the state's General Fund, and provides the state match dollars required for participation in the federal LEAP (Leverage Educational Assistance Partnership) program. Grant awards range from a minimum of $500 to a maximum of $3,000 per academic year for students who have qualifying unmet financial need.

Qualifying applicants will be prioritized based on financial need. Students with the highest financial need will be awarded in order of need until funds are exhausted. All applicants must complete a new Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) each year.

 Eligibility

To qualify for an AlaskAdvantage Education Grant a student must:

  • be an Alaska resident and U.S. citizen or permanent resident
  • have a high school diploma or GED
  • be admitted into an undergraduate degree or vocational certificate program at a qualifying Alaska institution
  • be enrolled at minimum half-time
  • have unmet financial need of $500 or more
  • not have earned a baccalaureate degree
  • meet satisfactory academic progress standards
  • be eligible for federal Title IV aid
  
 How to Apply

Receiving a grant in one year does not guarantee a student will receive an award in subsequent years.  To be considered eligible for an award, the student must complete the FAFSA between January 1 and June 30 each year, selecting at least one qualifying Alaska institution of higher education. FAFSAs submitted after June 30 will not be considered.  Students may apply online at the FAFSA web site.

Students may access their individual application and eligibility information via the Alaska Student Aid Portal .  The school will verify if the student meets the enrollment requirements for this program at the beginning of each academic year.  Additional information may be obtained by contacting the school’s Financial Aid Office. 

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