Kenai Peninsula College Scholarships

For more information or questions contact the KPC Financial Aid Office at 907-262-0332 or email kpc.financial.aid@alaska.edu.

UA Scholarship Portal

The UA Scholarship Portal is now open for 2025/2026 academic year applications. 

Students can apply through the link below or through their UAOnline student account.

Deadlines:

• Students in a UAA degree program must submit completed applications by February 15th, 2025
• Students in a KPC degree program must submit completed applications by April 18th, 2025

Students are also encouraged to submit their 2025-2026 FAFSA before the deadline.

UA Scholarship Portal 

Thanks to generous scholarship donors KPC awarded over 50 scholarships for the 24/25 academic year! Don't miss out, apply now!

 

KPC Tuition Waiver Scholarships

• Certified Nursing Assistant Scholarship

  Scholarship Application and CNA Course Registration Deadline: December 13, 2024

  The Certified Nursing Assistance Scholarship is available to students who have registered for the Spring 2025 CNA course by December 13th, 2024.

  Award Amount: 3 credit tuition waiver ($702 value)

  To apply for this scholarship, please follow these steps:

  1. Submit an application to the Kenai River Campus CNA program.
  2. Submit a brief essay (approximately 300 words) describing 
     1. your motivation for pursuing a career as a CNA.  
     2. how this scholarship will support your educational goals. 
     3. include your name, UA student ID (if applicable) and contact information.
  3. Essays are to be attached to the CNA Scholarship Application.

  Certified Nursing Assistance Scholarship Application
• Rising Tide Award

  Application is currently open and will close April 18th, 2025

  Kenai Peninsula College offers several tuition waiver scholarships to graduating seniors from all KPBSD schools and home-school programs who will attend courses at either KPC’s Kenai River Campus (Soldotna) or Resurrection Bay Extension Site (Seward).  The tuition waiver scholarship can cover up to 24 credits for the following academic year in the form of 12 credits for each of the Fall and Spring semesters.

  *Students must have a UA ID in order to log into the application*

  To Apply Students Must:

  • Apply for Admission to KPC or UAA
  • Complete the 2025/2026 FAFSA
  • Attach a High School Transcript showing a cumulative GPA of at least 2.8
  • Attach a Personal Statement describing your Career and Education Plans
  • Attach two (2) Letters of Reference- one (1) from Faculty or Staff member from your High School and one (1) from a Community member

  Rising Tide Award Application

  For more information or an application contact the KPC Financial Aid Office at 907-262-0332 or email kpc.financial.aid@alaska.edu.

• Tuition Waiver Scholarship

  Spring 2025 application is currently open and will close January 17, 2025

  KPC Tuition Waiver Scholarships offer up to 3 credits of tuition waived on KPC courses, valued at $702.

  Eligibility Criteria:

  • Must be enrolled in 3 credits at Kenai River Campus. (KPC tuition waivers cannot pay on other campus courses).
  • Must submit a brief essay (approximatley 300 words) to include:
    • a little about yourself and how your personal journey has landed you here at KPC.
    • your educational and career goals and why you have chosen to pursue a degree or certification with us

  Award Guidelines:

  • Preference given to those with demonstrated financial need and pursuing a degree or certification with KPC.
  • Jumpstart and Middle College students are not eligible for this award. Please contact Dawn Edwards-Smith at (907) 262-0335 to apply for supportive funds. 

  Tuition Waiver Scholarship Application 

 

Scholarship Opportunities 

• Kachemak Bay Campus Scholarships

  Students applying for any of the scholarships listed below must submit their completed Scholarship Application Packet to KBC Student and Enrollment Services by January 6th, 2025 at 5pm.
  
  Address for mailing or drop off:
  Kachemak Bay Campus/Scholarships
  533 E. Pioneer Ave
  Homer, AK 99603
  
  Questions? Email kbc.info@alaska.edu.

  • Kachemak Bay Campus Tuition Waiver

    KPC offers a limited number of tuition waivers to assist members of our community in engaging in courses they would not otherwise be able to take, primarily for financial reasons. Applicants must demonstrate financial need, and preference is given to first-time awardees. Recipients are responsible for meeting eligibility criteria and paying all fees and expenses not covered by waiver.

    Eligibility:

    • Must be registered for one or more KBC credits (audit credits not eligibile)
    • Must be 18 years old or have a high school or GED diploma
  • South Peninsula Hospital Foundation

    The South Peninsula Hospital Foundation, through the Kachemak Bay Campus, sponsors this $500 scholarship towards the cost of tuition, fees, and books for classes earning credit towards a UAA Allied Health program. Applicants must show financial need and capability of successfully completing training:

    Eligibility:

    • Must be seeking an Allied Health related educational goal
    • Must be enrolled in a minimum of six KBC credits that meet requirements for Allied Health degree program
    • Priority will be given to applicants who reflect a commitment to the Homer community as demonstrated in their personal essay
  • Mary Epperson Student Support & Scholarship Endowment

    The KBC Mary Epperson Student Support & Scholarship Endowment is sponsoring one $500 scholarship for the semester. Applicants must attend the Kachemak Bay Campus and demonstrate financial need.

    Eligibility:

    • Must be planning to register for at least 3 KBC campus-based credits
    • Other financial awards may be considered to determine financial need
  • Homer Kachemak Bay Rotary Club

    The Homer Kachemak Bay Rotary Club is sponsoring a $1000 scholarship for a new or returning student attending Kachemak Bay Campus who demonstrates the best combination of financial need, academic achievement, career goals, and the Rotary principle of service.

    Eligibility:

    • Must be fully admitted to a KPC or UAA certificate or degree program by application date
    • Must be enrolled in a minimum of 6 KBC credits with at least one face-to-face credit in Homer during the semester for which the award will apply
    • Preference will be given to applications who reflect a commitment to service and the Homer community as demonstrated in their personal essay

   

• Alaskan Native Resources
  • KPC Resources
    • David Rodriguez Perez Memorial Scholarship

      The David Rodriguez Perez Memorial Scholarship honors the memory of David Perez by offering one (1) $3,000 scholarship to Alaskan Native students pursuing a degree in Anthropology or Alaska Native Studies and who demonstrate an interest in Dena'ina land management and preservation on the Kenai Peninsula. 

      GPA and Enrollment Requirements
      Student must have and maintain a 2.5 GPA and be enrolled at least Part-time (6 or more credits) for the semester in which the scholarship is intended.

      Required documents to upload within the application:

      • Certificate of Indian Blood (CIB) - Funding shall be awarded only to Alaska Native individuals who can provide KPC an official document certifying their membership within their Alaska Native corporation/village/tribe or a copy of their Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) Certificate of Indian Blood (CIB).
    • Alyeska Pipeline Service Company - Alaska Native Scholarship

      Application is currently open and will close January 17th, 2025

      This award is intended to support KPC’s population of Alaska Native students pursuing education, training and development in the strategic focus areas that may lead to future careers at Alyeska or TAPS industry related jobs. This includes Industrial Process Instrumentation, Process Technology and Welding Technology. 

      GPA and Enrollment Requirements
      Student must have and maintain a 2.5 GPA and be enrolled Part-time or Full-time for the semester in which the scholarship is intended.

      Required documents to upload within the application:

      • Resume - The individual will supply KPC with a current resume. A copy of the resume will be shared with Alyeska for future potential recruitment opportunities.
      • Certificate of Indian Blood (CIB) - Alyeska funding shall be awarded only to Alaska Native individuals who can provide KPC an official document certifying their membership within their Alaska Native corporation/village/tribe or a copy of their Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) Certificate of Indian Blood (CIB).
      • Additional Information - Official transcripts and a personal career goals statement must be included in the application.
        Alyeska Pipeline Service Company - Alaska Native Scholarship
        
    • UAA Alaska Native Scholarships

      A current list of scholarships and funding resources for Alaskan Native and Native American Students organized by Native Corporation regions can be found on UAA’s Alaska Native Scholarships and Funding page. 

     

  • Local/ Statewide
    • Kenaitze Indian Tribe

      The Kenaitze Indian Tribe has scholarship opportunities for Alaska Native and American Indian students. Applications are due December 1 for Spring semester and June 1 for Fall semester. 

      Kenaitze Indian Tribe Scholarship Application
    • Schmidt Charitable Trust

      The Schmidt Charitable Trust encourages and assists Alaska Native and other minority students who are pursuing an education in the earth and environmental sciences. Applications are accepted year-round and are reviewed when received or at the quarterly Board of Trustees meeting.

      Schmidt Charitable Trust Scholarships

     

   

• Local Scholarships
  • City of Soldotna 

    The City of Soldotna offers various scholarships. To learn more about each scholarship and submit an application, please visit the City of Soldotna website at the link below.

    Soldotna Chamber Student Programs
  • Homer Electric Association

    Scholarships are awarded in three categories, Senior Academic, Senior Trade School, and Returning Student. 

    Homer Electric Association Scholarships 
  • Soldotna, Kenai, and Homer Elks Lodge

    Find Local Elks Lodge contact information in the link below. 

    Elks Lodge Scholarships
  • Marisol Tapia Cultural Scholarship

    Marisol Tapia was born in Spain in 1952. She was fluent in Spanish, French, and English when she moved to the United States in the early 1980s. Marisol began teaching at Soldotna High School in 1989, where she developed a strong Spanish program. She remained at Soldotna High School until her retirement in 2010. During that time she also taught at Kenai Peninsula College. She sponsored many clubs and events including Amnesty International, Latin and Tango Dancing and was a fierce advocate for LGBTQ rights. Her love of travel was evident in her sponsorship of several student trips including Mexico, Costa Rica, Spain, and Morocco. This scholarship is in recognition of her contributions to education in languages, culture, travel, and the acceptance of all.

    After retirement, Marisol started a new job in a new direction but with a common goal of helping people in need. As a breast cancer survivor, she found herself often in the health care system and became a Medical Interpreter for Spanish speaking patients. Beyond just being an interpreter, Marisol was a strong patient advocate for all she touched, ensuring the patients received the best care available. This became an obsession to help this vulnerable population of immigrants.

    The Marisol Tapia Cultural Scholarship is available to current and former Soldotna High School students and graduates. The $1,000 award is applicable for tuition, fees, room and board, and books at post-secondary institutions or for a foreign exchange program.

    Applications are available at:

    • Soldotna High School
    • KPBSD Website One Stop Portal

     

    Applications must be turned in or postmarked by April 5, 2024 by 5:00pm to:
    Soldotna High School
    425 W Marydale
    Soldotna, AK 9969

    To honor the passions and accomplishments of Marisol's career and life, priority for this scholarship will be given to students with the intent for their future studies to include:

    • Degree or minor in languages including English and foreign languages
    • Foreign exchange opportunities through approved school programs
    • Education with languages and/or cultures as an emphasis
    • Healthcare with emphasis on high patient contact

     

    Applicant Criteria

    • Current (full-time) Soldotna High School student OR Soldotna High School graduate
    • Minimum 2.5 GPA on most recent high school or college transcript
    • Currently enrolled in or plan to enroll in one of the following programs next fall:
      - High school or college foreign exchange program
      - Program in Foreign Language, Multicultural and Diversity or International Studies (certified undergraduate or graduate program)
      - Program in education and/or teaching field (certified undergraduate or graduate program)
      - Program in healthcare field (certified undergraduate or graduate program)

     

    Scholarship Application
    Submit the following (IN ORDER). You may take these sections directly from your Scholarship folder.

    • Cover Sheet (photo optional)
    • Contact Info (phone number, personal email, mailing address)
    • Academic/Community Resume (extracurricular, awards, community service, volunteer work, work experience)
    • Essay
      - The personal essay shall not exceed 500 words in size 12 font, double spaced. 
      - Applicants shall answer the following question: How do your future plans/goals exemplify the values reflected or contributions made by Marisol Tapia to the Soldotna High School community?
    • Transcript (most recent)
    • Recommendation Letters (2 or 3) 
      
      

    The Scholarship Committee at its sole and absolute discretion will score applications based on the qualifications of each applicant. Scholarship recipients will be notified of their award at the Soldotna High School awards ceremony or by mail.

  • Alaska Community Foundation

    In addition to state wide scholarship opportunities, ACF offers a number of local scholarships exclusively for Kenai Peninsula residents.

    The Alaska Community Foundation awards scholarships made possible by passionate community members who are committed to helping Alaskans pursue their educational dreams. The specific criteria, application requirements, and deadline varies by scholarship. Please review the guidelines for each scholarship to determine your eligibility before applying.

    Alaska Community Foundation- Kenai Peninsula Scholarships

   

• State Scholarships
  • Alaska Community Foundation 

    Over 40 scholarships available for Alaskans! 

    The Alaska Community Foundation awards scholarships made possible by passionate community members who are committed to helping Alaskans pursue their educational dreams. The specific criteria, application requirements, and deadline varies by scholarship. Please review the guidelines for each scholarship to determine your eligibility before applying.
    

    Alaska Community Foundation Scholarships

     

  • Alaska Safety Alliance

    Alaska Safety Alliance and Alaska 529 are excited to announce applications are now open for the new Alaska Safety Alliance Training Scholarship!

    Scholarship for Alaska residents enrolled or planning to enroll in an academic or training program leading to a certification, credential, or degree that will support the applicant’s entry or advancement in a career in Alaska’s oil & gas, mining, construction, or maritime industries, or any occupation that crosses over those industries (ex: heavy equipment operators, CDL drivers). Training program must be Alaska-based or unavailable in Alaska.

    Alaska Safety Alliance Scholarship

     

   

 

KPC Student Support Fund 

The Kenai Peninsula College Student Support Fund will be used to assist students enrolled in courses at Kenai Peninsula College who have demonstrated financial need and/or a financial hardship. Funds are limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis. A current FAFSA is required to determine financial need. Jumpstart and Middle College students are eligible to apply and do not need to submit a FAFSA.

For more information on this assistance, please contact our Financial Aid Office at (907) 262-0332 or Academic Advising at (907) 262-0383.

 

Alaska Performance Scholarship

APS is a scholarship offered by the State of Alaska, with UAA being an eligible Alaska institution qualified to participate. To earn this award, Alaska high school graduates must have completed specific courses with either the specified GPA or required national test scores (ACT, SAT, or WorkKeys) before they graduated. To review your eligibility and award amounts for State of Alaska programs, such as the Alaska Performance Scholarship and the Alaska Education Grant, please create an account and login to Alaska's  myAlaska – ACPE Student Aid Portal as these awards will not be reflected on your UAA award letter, until we receive notice from the State in mid-August. Continuing students must meet specific completion benchmarks and file a FAFSA by June 30 priority deadline in order to receive an award in the upcoming academic year. For more information, including eligibility criteria visit UAA's Alaska Performance Scholarship information page.

• Who can receive the APS?

  Alaska residents who graduate from an Alaska high school (public, private, or home school) in 2011 or later and meet the qualifying requirements as determined by the Alaska Department of Education and Early Development (DEED).

  Visit ACPE's website for further information regarding the Alaska Performance Scholarship.

• How do I use the APS at UAA?

  Using the APS scholarship at UAA is a great way to pursue your degree or certificate with as little debt as possible.

  So you've qualified and applied for the APS - now what?

  To receive the first award at UAA, you must also:

  • Apply for admission to UAA before the enrollment certification deadline that you plan to attend using an APS award
  • Be admitted to a qualifying degree or certificate program.
    • Collegiate Track: associate, bachelor's, and/or graduate program
    • Vocational Track: certificate program - NOTE: "Occupational Endorsement Certificates" are not eligible certificate programs.
  • Enroll in either Full-time (FT) credits or more (12+ credits for undergraduate students and 9+ credits for Graduate students) or Half-time (HT) credits (6- 11 undergraduate credits or 5-8 graduate credits).
  • Have unmet costs of attendance of $500 or more listed on the UAOnline Financial Aid Awards after considering all other non-loan aid, such as grants and other scholarships.

   If you want to receive the maximum number of awards, remember:

  1. You must file a new FAFSA every year by June 30th!
  2. You must meet continuing eligibility requirements listed in the "How do I maintain APS continuing eligibility?" section.
  3. You have eight years after high school graduation to fully use up to four years (eight semesters) of awards.
• How do I maintain APS continuing eligibility?

  By the end of your first year:

  • earn 24 semester credits (12 for half-time students)
  • maintain a 2.5+ cumulative GPA     

  By the end of each subsequent year:

  • earn 30 semester credits (15 for half-time students
  • maintain a 2.5+ cumulative GPA     

  As a graduate student:

  • earn 18 semester credits (10+ for half-time students)
  • maintain a 2.5+ cumulative GPA

  *You must also meet UA Satisfactory Academic Progress requirements.

  For APS certification purposes, Full-time (FT) is defined as 12 credits or more for undergraduate students and 9 credits or more for Graduate students. Half-time (HT) is defined as between at least 6 and 11 credits or between 5 and 8 credits for Graduate students.

  Regardless of a student's FT or HT status, the APS is designed as an eight disbursement only format to be used within 6 years of graduation from high school.* This means that a half time student will receive a proration of their eligibility, while a full time student will receive up to 100% of their award. This is contingent on continued eligibility based on academic progress, enrollment status, other need based money student may have received in their budget, Cost of Attendance and that the student maintains the minimum required GPA as outlined below.

  • Certificate students have the additional requirement of completing the certificate in order to meet continuing eligibility requirements.
  • Graduate Students are required to maintain a 2.5 GPA for the entire enrollment period.

 

Contact

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KPC Financial Aid 

Phone: 907-262-0332
Email: kpc.financial.aid@alaska.edu