Higher Education Program

Each applicant is responsible for submitting a complete ABT HEP application packet. The application and all required attachments, including those items sent directly by a third party (e.g., transcripts, letters of recommendations), must be received by the deadline. Incomplete application packets will not be reviewed.

A complete application packet includes the following:

• Completed ABT HEP application form. If questions do not apply, applicant will write “N/A” (not applicable).
• The applicant’s Afognak Shareholder ID number must be noted on the application to provide proof of eligibility.
• Most recent high school or college official or unofficial transcript (whichever is applicable). Vocational applicants do not need to submit transcripts.
• First-time applicants must provide a letter of acceptance from the educational institution they plan to attend.
• All applicants must complete the Budget Sheet. Backup documentation justifying costs noted on the budget sheet must be provided, such as a cost of attendance form from the school. Applicants will not be awarded scholarships valued at more than the total cost of attendance identified on their application.
• First time applicants must provide two (2) Letters of Recommendation that are signed by the letter writer.
  • One Letter of Recommendation must come from an individual who knows the applicant’s character, scholastic, and/or leadership ability, such as a present or former faculty member or employer.
  • The other Letter of Recommendation may be submitted by: a) A faculty member; b) An employer; or c) An individual who knows the applicant well; such as a minister, priest, doctor, or elder in your community.

No Letter of Recommendation from the applicant’s family members will be accepted. The term “family members” is defined as spouse, parents, aunts, uncles, children, and brothers or sisters, either by blood or adoption. Continuing students who are re-applying for the same degree program as the previous year do not have to provide letters of recommendation.

• The Letter of Application may consist of up to two pages. All of the below must be addressed to receive a high score. If you have any questions on this portion, please reach out to Shareholder Services at shareholderservices@afognak.com:A top scoring application must clearly discuss or demonstrate:
  1. Introduction – Personal Background
  2. Education goals (why attending school, school, degree)
  3. Field of Study Relevancy to Career Goals
  4. Demonstrated Leadership
  5. Community Service Contribution
  6. Benefit to Greater Community
  7. Benefit to Alutiiq Community
  8. Family Relationship and History to Afognak
  9. Tribal Affiliation
  10. Demonstrated Overall Writing Quality
• A recent portrait photo of the applicant (optional). By submitting a photograph and signing the Student Pledge, the Applicant grants Afognak and ABT the right to use, publish, display, and distribute his/her image.
• All required items listed above must be submitted using my.Afognak.com  or by mail, fax, email, or personal delivery to:

Afognak Benefits Trust Higher Education Program
300 Alimaq Dr.                                   3909 Arctic Blvd., Ste. 500
Kodiak, AK 99615                              Anchorage, AK 99503
scholarships@afognak.com            Fax (907) 222-9501

• An ABT HEP applicant may also apply for a Career Enhancement Program (CEP) scholarship during the same year. CEP funds cannot be awarded for the same purpose.