10th Governor of Alaska
Related Information
- Overview
- How to Apply
- FAQ's
- Did You Know...
- What People are Saying
- Timeline of Events
- Alaska Commission on Postsecondary Education
What Others Are Saying
“I support the [Alaska] performance scholarship program. Have seen too many of our best and brightest kids leave the state for a "full ride scholarship" elsewhere.”
- Valdez Resident
“I feel that this is an amazing incentive to not only increase college enrollment, but also to keep students in Alaska… better improving our future workforce. As a student preparing to head to college next year, and with finances being an important factor, this scholarship is of great interest to me…”
- Student from Homer High School
Timeline of Events
- August 10, 2011 - More than 2,000 qualified for new state merit scholarships
- August 10, 2011 - Congrats to 2011 Grads Accepting Scholarships
- March 22, 2011 - ACTION ALERT: Provide Public Testimony to the Senate Finance Committee
Bill Signing Video
Alaska Merit Scholarship Bill Signing
Get Involved
Alaska Performance Scholarship Fact Sheet
Alaska Performance Scholarships will be be available for the graduating class of 2011.
- More than 8,000 graduating seniors have opportunity this year
- Many have already stepped up to take additional coursework to qualify
- Over the next three years, approximately 30,000 Alaskan youth can earn this
scholarship
Download the Full Fact Sheet (PDF)
Overview
On May 10, 2010, Governor Parnell signed SB 221 into law, creating what is now known as the Alaska Performance Scholarship. This merit-based scholarship will provide incentive for students to take a more rigorous curriculum to better prepare for college or job training and success. It will improve graduation rates and make higher education more affordable for Alaska’s families.
Questions & Answers
Q: Where did the idea for the Alaska Performance Scholarship come from?
A:The idea originated with the late Patrick Taylor, a Louisiana businessman who personally challenged a handful of young people to greater educational achievement. Mr. Taylor rewarded their accomplishments by paying for their post-secondary education. Mr. Taylor’s vision took root in Louisiana’s merit scholarship program and later spread to 21 other states. One of these, Wyoming’s Hathaway Plan, is similar to the Alaska Performance Scholarship.