DEVELOPMENTBeringia Settlement Trust Scholarship Program
The purpose of the Beringia Settlement Trust Scholarship Program is to provide opportunities and benefits for BSNC original shareholders and direct lineal descendants of original shareholders in support of educational and vocational activities.
Since 1991, BSNC has provided more than $4 million in funding to support the postsecondary educational goals of BSNC shareholders and descendants.The Beringia Settlement Trust Scholarship (BST), Sitnasuak Foundation, Kawerak, Inc., Norton Sound Economic Development Corporation and Norton Sound Health Corporation have partnered to ease the process of applying for scholarships for the people of our region. The application is called “CACHE” which stands for “Combined Application for College and Higher Education.”
Simplified Application Process
Applicant Guidelines
• All applicants must submit a basic profile on MyCache. Shareholder Development will review the cumulative GPA for new applicants, and the most recent GPA for continuing applicants.
• Applicants must upload a current official transcript into Mycache (an unofficial transcript from a student account is acceptable) or a copy from each college previously attended (or high school if first-time freshman).
Full-Time Students: 12+ semester credits,
10+ quarter credits, or 9+ graduate credits.
Part-Time Students: 6-11 semester credits,
6-9 quarter credits, or 3-8 graduate credits.
Apply Via Paper Application!
If you do not have access to apply via the preferred online method, please email the Shareholder Development Department at shdevelopment@bsnc.net if you need to request a paper application. Please read thoroughly to be familiar with all deadlines, requirements and application language. We will not accept any applications that are submitted on outdated forms.
Contact
Martin L. Olson Memorial Scholarship
• The Martin L. Olson Memorial Scholarship award will be selected from applicants who apply for the BST Scholarship. A separate application is not necessary.
• Applicants must be one quarter (¼) or more Alaska Native and enrolled to BSNC, a village corporation, or as an “At Large” member of BSNC.
• This scholarship is for the fall semester only and one award is given each year. Applicants must be accepted and enrolled in an accredited institution or vocational school, enrolled full-time and maintain a 2.0 GPA or higher. This award is up to $500.
Tim Towarak Memorial Scholarship
• A $10,000 merit-based competitive scholarship which is awarded annually to
one high-performing student enrolled in an accredited college or university.
• Candidates for this scholarship are professional career-track BSNC shareholder
or descendant students with a passion for advocating for (or serving) Alaska Native people.
• Students do not need to apply separately for this scholarship.
• Candidates must have a minimum GPA of 3.5.
• Candidates must be a full-time junior or senior undergraduate student, or a full-time graduate student. One award is given each year.
• Preference for the scholarship award will be given to students who are Alaska residents.
Deadlines
• Fall: June 30 for courses that typically begin in August and end in December.
• Spring: Dec. 1 for courses that typically begin in January and end in May.
• Summer: Not currently funded.
Eligibility
Eligible applicants must be an original shareholder of Bering Straits Native Corporation or a direct lineal descendant of an original shareholder. Lineal descendants are direct descendants of an original shareholder, including natural or legally adopted children that are Alaska Natives or a descendant of an Alaska Native as defined by ANCSA, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and their respective direct lineal descendants. College/ university student applicants must be a high school graduate or GED recipient attending an accredited college or university and must have a 2.5 cumulative GPA or higher.
Vocational program applicants must be a high school graduate or GED recipient attending a vocational program and must have a 2.5 cumulative GPA or higher.
If you obtained a GED, include a copy of your official transcript with the total score. If you have been out of high school for more than 10 years at the time you apply, then the GPA requirements do not apply, but proof of a diploma is required.
Applicants must demonstrate financial need after all other sources of funding have been considered.
Funding Amounts
UNDERGRADUATE AWARDS
• $2,000 for full-time attendance with a GPA of 3.0 or higher.
• $800 for full-time attendance with a GPA between 2.5-2.99.
• $500 for part-time attendance with a GPA of 2.5 or higher.
GRADUATE AWARDS
• $3,000 for full-time attendance with a GPA of 3.0 or higher.
• $800 for full-time attendance with a GPA between 2.5-2.99.
• $500 for part-time attendance with a GPA of 2.5 or higher.
VOCATIONAL AWARDS
• $2,000 depending upon available funding.
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Other Scholarships and Financial Aid
Nome Eskimo Community Scholarship: This scholarship is available to tribal members of Nome Eskimo Community.
Alaska Commission of Postsecondary Education
The Alaska Commission on Postsecondary Education (ACPE) is Alaska’s state higher education agency, and promotes access to and success in education and career training.
CIRI Foundation
The CIRI Foundation publishes the Education Resources Handbook to provide education and career planning information for students interested in pursuing a successful career after high school. The handbook contains valuable information to assist in preparing to attend a postsecondary education program including financial aid, internship, fellowship and training opportunities.
Federal Student Aid
Free Application for Federal Student Aid: Determine eligibility for federal student financial aid (including Pell grants, Stafford loans, PLUS loans, and work-study programs). In addition, most states and schools use information from the FAFSA to award non-federal aid.
BSNC Offers Scholarship for Maritime Career
BSNC is offering qualified shareholders and descendants a one-time scholarship for up to $2,000 for a career opportunity with Edison Chouest Offshore (ECO). The scholarship will help hired candidates obtain prerequisite TWIC and U.S. Coast Guard Merchant Mariners certificates, and pay for air travel to ECO’s training facility in Louisiana.
Once hired, training starts immediately. Classroom training is two weeks, followed by three months of on-the-job training in the Gulf of Mexico. Whether you are an entry-level candidate or an experienced mariner, each candidate will have an individual development plan to work toward higher U.S. Coast Guard licenses and higher pay.
ECO training includes:
- STCW Basic Training
- Basic Marine Safety Training
- Environmental Awareness Training
- Vessel Security Training
- Marine Rigging Training
- On-the-job training onboard a vessel while acquiring sea time and working towards advancement
ECO’s state-of-the-art training center is one of the most advanced in the world. Staffed by U.S. Coast Guard-Certified Instructors, the ECO training staff will provide Alaska Native hires with the training and qualifications needed to build a successful career in the maritime industry.
For more information contact:
Brent Lirette
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