Background will give you the background information
about the development of the tuition waiver project (just
in case you want to know).
Eligibility describes what the requirements are to
be awarded an ETV and Tuition Waiver.
Other Financial Aid will tell you about the requirements
for researching at least two other sources of funding for
this scholarship, and give you some links to go to to research
financial aid.
Background
The University of Alaska Foster Youth Tuition Waiver provides
young people who were in Alaska OCS custody on or after their
16th birthday a chance to have a university education. The
Tuition Waiver may be combined with an Education or Training
Voucher (ETV) that will pay for up to $5,000 per year towards
books fees, room and board. Since tuition is waived,
this combination will allow the successful applicant a nearly
cost free education at the University of Alaska.
There are five tuition waivers offered per year. These waivers
are available to students whom the Office of Children's Services
awards based upon eligibility criteria, need, and scholarship.
Each waiver is effective for four years, (eight semesters)
of full-time attendance at any campus of the University of
Alaska. Waivers will not be used for less than full-time
attendance. University criteria will apply (i.e.: good academic
standing, financial requirements met, and student code of
conduct standing) to continue the waiver.
Students who receive the tuition waiver are also eligible
for an ETV. The Tuition Waiver Application may be used
as the ETV application. Continuation requirements for the
ETV are similar to those of the Tuition Waiver. If
receiving housing assistance, the first two years (four semesters)
of housing assistance must be in University housing or with
former foster care providers. For more information, see ADDITIONAL
ASSISTANCE below.
If more than five (5) applications are receive for the Foster
Youth Tuition Waiver, a committee comprised of OCS staff
and University staff will review all applications and determine
awards. Those not awarded a Tuition Waiver may still
be eligible for an ETV.
Eligibility
In order to be eligible for an Education or Training Voucher
or the University of Alaska Presidential Tuition Waiver,
you must:
- Currently be in foster care and over age 16; or
- Have been in foster care on or after their 16th birthday
and not yet 21.
- Be accepted for full time attendance at a qualifying
education or training program
.
If you are awarded an ETV and/or a Tuition Waiver, you do
not need to reapply for it so long as you:
- Are a full-time student/trainee,
- Maintain good academic standing or good standing
in the training program
- Maintain good student code of conduct standing, and good
financial standing with the school/training program.
- Demonstrate progress towards completion
ETVs may be awarded at a reduced rate to youth enrolled
in part time education or training programs. Eligibility
for part time assistance is based on the same criteria as
above and a specific education or training plan that
describes the progress towards completion of the education
or training program.
The University of Alaska Presidential Tuition Waiver does
not include payment of University Fees, student housing,
costs for books and other materials, or the meal plan. The
Office of Children's Services offers limited assistance for
fees, housing, and the meal plan for students who are awarded
a Presidential Tuition Waiver. You may request Additional
Assistance for housing, the meal plan, and University fees
on your College Scholarship application.
To be eligible for assistance with fees, books and other
materials assistance, you must:
- Have been in OCS custody on or after your 16th birthday
but not attained 21 years of age,
- Be receiving the University of Alaska Presidential Tuition
Waiver in good standing.
To be eligible for assistance with housing and meal plan
costs, you must:
- Be in OCS custody or have turned 18 while in OCS custody,
- Complete your first two years at the University in University
Housing or with your former foster care
providers,
- Be receiving the University of Alaska Presidential Tuition
Waiver in good standing.
Just like the Tuition Waiver, you do not need to reapply
for this assistance so long as you remain a full-time student
in good standing and are within the age limits for additional
assistance. You must, however, live in University housing
(if available) or with your former foster care providers
for the first two-years of school attendance. After two years,
you can choose to remain in University housing or receive
housing assistance up to the amount that a dormitory-style
room would cost at your campus.
While you must be receiving the Tuition Waiver to receive
Housing, Fee, Room and Board assistance, you are not required
to receive the additional assistance to be awarded the waiver.
Additionally, you may request or be awarded partial assistance
depending upon your need.
Other Financial Aid
Because there are only a limited number of University of
Alaska College Scholarships to award each year, applicants
are encouraged to research other scholarship opportunities
in addition to this program. The application format for this
program is very similar to the University of Alaska Foundation
Scholarships application, so applying for additional opportunities
is easy. Two applications for other scholarships are required
in order to be eligible for the Foster Youth Tuition Waiver.
Here are some useful links to research other financial
aid:
Cook Inlet Tribal Council
Educational Center If you are an Alaskan Native, Cook Inlet Tribal Council Educational Center can help you find a scholarship. Contact
them at (907) 561-1469.
University of Alaska Financial Aid and Scholarships:
University of Alaska
UA Foundation
Scholars Program
UAA - Chugiak-Eagle
River - Kenai Peninsula - Prince William Sound
UAF - Northwest UAS - Ketchikan
The Casey Scholars Program A national program funded by Casey Family Programs and administered
by the Orphan Foundation of America. http://www.orphan.org/scholarships.html
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