Alaska Performance Scholarship
The Alaska Performance Scholarship (APS) is a merit-based scholarship program designed to encourage Alaska high school students to pursue post-secondary education in the state of Alaska. The program is funded by the Alaska legislature and is administered by the Alaska Commission on Postsecondary Education (ACPE).
The Alaska Performance Scholarship provides financial aid to eligible students who graduate from an Alaska high school with a high GPA and who meet specific requirements in core academic areas, as well as college entrance exams. Students who receive this scholarship can use the funds to attend any accredited post-secondary institution in the state of Alaska.
Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible for the Alaska Performance Scholarship, students must meet the following requirements:
- Alaska residency: Students must be residents of Alaska for at least two years before applying for the scholarship.
- High school graduation: Students must graduate from an Alaska high school with a minimum GPA of 2.5.
- Core course requirements: Students must complete a rigorous high school curriculum that includes at least four years of English, three years of math, three years of social studies, and two years of science.
- College entrance exams: Students must take either the ACT or SAT and score at or above the national average in each of the four sections of the test.
Scholarship Award Amounts
The Alaska Performance Scholarship is divided into three tiers, with different award amounts for each tier:
- Tier 1: Students who meet all the eligibility requirements and score exceptionally well on the college entrance exams can receive up to $4,755 per year to attend an accredited four-year institution in Alaska.
- Tier 2: Students who meet all the eligibility requirements but do not score as high on the college entrance exams can receive up to $2,378 per year to attend an accredited four-year institution in Alaska.
- Tier 3: Students who meet all the eligibility requirements but attend a two-year institution in Alaska can receive up to $1,183 per year.
It is important to note that the Alaska Performance Scholarship is renewable for up to four years of undergraduate study, as long as the student maintains a minimum GPA of 2.5 and completes a certain number of credit hours each year.
Benefits of the Alaska Performance Scholarship
The Alaska Performance Scholarship provides several benefits to students who receive the award. These benefits include:
- Financial assistance: The scholarship provides financial assistance to help students pay for college expenses, such as tuition, books, and room and board.
- Encourages higher education: The scholarship program encourages high school students to pursue post-secondary education in Alaska, which can help build a stronger and more educated workforce for the state.
- Supports academic excellence: The program rewards students who demonstrate academic excellence in high school by meeting rigorous academic requirements.
- Opportunity for career advancement: Students who receive the Alaska Performance Scholarship have the opportunity to earn a degree in a field that interests them, which can lead to career advancement and higher salaries.
Conclusion
The Alaska Performance Scholarship is a merit-based scholarship program that provides financial assistance to eligible students who graduate from an Alaska high school with a high GPA and who meet specific requirements in core academic areas and college entrance exams. The scholarship program encourages high school students to pursue post-secondary education in Alaska, supports academic excellence, and provides opportunities for career advancement. If you are a high school student in Alaska, it is worth exploring whether you are eligible for the Alaska Performance Scholarship and how it can help you achieve your educational and career goals.