Education Scholarship

AHFC encourages families to advance their career goals through an Education Scholarship. Scholarship awardees can receive assistance up to $2,500 to help them achieve a variety of career goals — from technical training to college tuition.

Eligibility Information

  • Applicants must be recipients of AHFC Public Housing rental assistance through an AHFC housing voucher program or as a resident in a unit owned by AHFC.

  • Adults may apply if they wish to attend a vocational, trade, or academic school.

  • High school seniors may apply if they plan to attend a vocational, trade, or academic school in the semester after graduating high school.

ELIGIBLE SCHOOLS & USE

The school must be located within the State of Alaska. Funds may be used to cover tuition, books, and fees directly related to the student’s education.

Funding can be used for training on a specific topic — such as a culinary class, welding program, or computer training — as well as professional development, like a travel career academy. Long-term formal educational endeavors in a one, two, or four-year college program are also eligible. Any training or academic institution recognized by the following will qualify:

“Since the moment I came to this blessed country, I have been trying to learn to be an effective and educated woman to advance myself, my family, my job and my community, which I love. I try to provide the best for it by continuing to teach and work at the same time.”

- Taghreed, Education Scholarship recipient

Read how the education scholarship helped Taghreed pursue a degree in early childhood education.

Application Process

When the application period is open, the application will be available online and linked below. Along with your application, you'll need to provide the following additional materials. There are detailed instructions in the application about how to submit these materials online. Any application received with missing or incomplete information will not be accepted, and AHFC will not consider any applications received after the deadline.

Two Letters of Recommendation
These should be from teachers, employers, property managers, caseworkers or friends explaining why they support your application.

Written Essay
You'll be asked to describe your educational, vocational, or economic goals, and involvement in community or other self-sufficiency activities.

Academic Record
This requirement is for continuing students only — individuals who currently attend a high school, trade or vocational school, or college/university.

  • If you are a high school senior applying for post-secondary school, you'll submit a copy of your most recent report card.
  • If you already attend a post-secondary school, you'll attach your most recent transcript.

Deadline

The 2024 application period closed on May 31 at 5:00 p.m. Alaska time. We encourage you to apply next year!

Selection Criteria

The selection committee makes its decision based upon four categories:

  • Timely submission of all requirements;
  • Completeness of the application;
  • Two letters of recommendation from teachers, employers, property managers, case workers, or friends explaining why they support the application;
  • A written essay by the applicant describing his/her educational, vocational, or economic goals, and involvement in community or other self-sufficiency activities.

“I depend on my academic success to achieve financial growth and responsibility. My experiences at UAA have enhanced my leadership and professional skills.”

— Phillip, Education Scholarship recipient

Read how the education scholarship helped Phillip earn degrees and build his professional development.

Disbursement of Funds

An award letter is sent to the scholarship recipient and school. Checks are mailed directly to the school, made payable to the student and the school, requiring signature by both parties. AHFC will release scholarship checks only upon proof of actual enrollment in a qualified vocational, trade, or academic school.

Scholarships are valid for two years after the award date. If the student discontinues his or her education, AHFC reserves the right to reclaim any unused portion of the scholarship.

Proof of Completion

A resident who receives an AHFC scholarship must submit a copy of his/her official grade transcripts to AHFC upon completion of his or her training program, college semester, etc. This must occur before AHFC will consider an applicant for a second award.

For More Information

If you have questions about the program or need assistance, please contact Mandi Manning.

Email: amanning@ahfc.us
Phone: (907) 330-6185 in Anchorage or toll free at (877) 254-6257 in the rest of Alaska