Alaska Performance Scholarship – Eligibility and How to Apply

Alaska high school students have the chance to receive a scholarship through the Alaska Performance Scholarship (APS) to assist with the expense of their higher education in Alaska. Alaska high school students can qualify for an Alaska Performance Scholarship to Alaska colleges, universities, or vocational/technical programs if they complete a more challenging curriculum, get good grades, and perform well on college placement or work-readiness exams. The Alaska Performance Scholarship provides four years of funding that must be used within six years of graduating from high school.

What are performance scholarships?

Performance-based scholarships are merit-based scholarships often awarded throughout the course of the semester in installments. This indicates that aid is distributed to students throughout the course of the semester rather than in a single major payment.

Who can get the APS?

Alaska citizens who met the qualifications and graduated from an Alaska high school in 2011 or later, whether it was public, private, or home schooled, are eligible for an APS scholarship award.

HOST SCHOOL:

The Alaska Performance Scholarship can be used at any participating college or university in Alaska. It can also be used for approved career and technical education programs in Alaska.

VALUE/INCLUSIONS:

There are three annual prize levels that are the highest possible: $4,755, $3,566, and $2,378. Based on a minimum GPA and exam results, maximum levels are determined. After taking into account all other non-loan help the student is qualified for, an APS award cannot exceed qualifying costs of attendance (which often include tuition, fees, necessary books, supplies, and equipment, housing and board, and transportation). Students may continue to be eligible for up to 8 semesters, but they must use the APS entirely within six years of graduating from high school.

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS:

Alaska residents who graduate from an Alaska high school (public, private, or home school);

Take a rigorous curriculum;

You must earn minimum of 2.5 GPA;

Meet qualifying score on college/career entrance exam

HOW TO APPLY:

• Meet with your high school counselor to develop a course plan to complete the APS curriculum.
• Work to achieve the highest GPA you can.
• Prepare for and take the SAT and/or ACT test. Take the test early in case you wish to retake the test for a better score. Explore options based on WorkKeys scores.
• Research participating Alaska colleges and training programs and select one that is best for you.
• File the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) soon after October 1, the fall before the semester starts, for every year you want to use the APS award.
• (Optional) Create an Alaska Student Aid Portal (ASAP) through the State of Alaska in order to better track your progress. Some account features available will be the ability to review your eligibility for the APS, verify your award amount, track your grant and scholarship use to date and update your contact information.

ACCEPTANCE RATE:

It has a very low acceptance rate because it is a performance based scholarship and can only be used in Alaska colleges, universities, or vocational/technical schools.

APS expires so it must be used within six years of graduating high school unless the recipient qualifies for an extension. Students who want to request an extension must give the commissioner a written request and a signed letter from the university or college they are currently enrolled in.  The State Board of Education and Early Development will establish additional permissible extensions through a public policy.

CONTACTS:

Adam Weed

Operations Analyst

acpe@alaska.gov

Tel: 907-465-6685

Address:

3030 Vintage Blvd

PO Box 110505

Juneau, AK 99811-0500

ANY OTHER RELEVANT INFORMATION:

For more information and specific requirements go to APS.alaska.gov.