ASRA :: Financial Aid

ASRA has very limited financial aid. To apply, fill out our secure financial aid form: Financial Aid Form

Many ASRA students need financial help, and DONATIONS from generous ASRA Alumni, Families, and businesses help support students! If you know of a potential donor, please send them to our DONATIONS PAGE.

ASRA is always seeking additional aid for students who would otherwise be unable to attend. If you know of anyone who wants to make a difference in the lives of students who will be future leaders please let us know (contact information below).

Awards offered through ASRA are based first on need, then by criteria outlined below. We do not give full scholarships, except in very rare cases.
Note that some scholarships are open to all applicants with financial need, and others are restricted. For example some are for rural students, others for specific modules.

Students are encouraged to look in other places, such as local businesses, corporations, and the Alaska PTA for help.

Alaska Statewide PTA grant.

The Alaska PTA has a small scholarship fund for students wishing to attend an academic camp. Look for the "Grant" form on this page: Alaska PTA Forms

Douglas Schamel Memorial Fund (up to $500)
Doug Schamel was the Director of ASRA from 2001 until his untimely death in 2005. He was passionate about science and education, especially when it involved sharing with young students. The Douglas Schamel Memorial Fund has $500 to help students who have a similar passion for sharing their love of science.

To apply for this scholarship write an essay on the Financial Aid Form explaining your passion for science and your desire to share that passion. Examples of sharing include any public service you may have done to show others how cool science can be, or a story about turning another human being on to the wonders of science.

Chancellor's Award (up to $500)
This scholarship is a merit based award from the Chancellor that will go to students who are academic achievers and good citizens. The Chancellor is particularly interested in helping those who plan to explore UAF as a possible college choice. Successful applicants will write about what makes them stand out among their peers. Grades are not the only criteria, and weight will be placed on community service and success in areas outside academics. We are looking for students who will be shining examples to others, and who plan to make a difference in the world.

Interior Alaska AHEC (Area Health Education Center) Award
This award is for students enrolled in the BioMedicine module. Two awards of $500 each are available to students from the rural villages of Interior Alaska. To apply for this financial aid interview two people in your community who are involved in health care and fill out the AHEC section of the financial aid form. The interview questions are listed below:

• Who is available to help when an emergency happens?
• What kind of training or education did they receive?
• Tell something about the people you interview and how they are involved.
• Where do people and children go for their regular check-ups?
• What is the community clinic like? How many exam rooms, who works there, what kind of services can a patient get there, what hours is it open, etc?

Kenai River Sportfishing Association Award (up to $1250)
This award is for students in the Marine Biology module. Preference is given to Alaska residents near the Kenai river, Cook Inlet or Southcentral Alaska. Click here for a map If no applicant fills this criteria, then the rest of Alaska will be considered. If no one from Alaska applies then studednts from the lower 48 will be considered. To apply, write an essay describing your passion for the science of fisheries or marine biology. This is the second year that the Kenai River Sportfishing Association has offered this support.

Barbara Johnson Award ($250)
This award is for a deserving student in the Marine Biology module. Barbara is an individual donor who is giving because she believes in the positive impact of ASRA. We are humbled by her generosity.

SpringBoard Scholarship (Three awards, up to $1000 each)
SpringBoard, a program of the Juneau Economic Development Council, is a statewide program to help transfer and commercialize US Department of Defense (DoD) technology. As an important component of this program, Springboard includes an initiative to enhance science and math programs in grades K-12.

SpringBoard recognizes ASRA as an example of best practices in science instruction and is offering three $1,000 scholarships to Southeast Alaska students for attendance at ASRA, Summer 2008. This scholarship is for students participating in the Glacier Bay Module.

Scholarship requirements:
* Resident of a Southeast Alaska community, accepted into the Glacier Bay Module.
* A student in good standing in a public school in Southeast Alaska, in grades 8-12, during the 2007-08 school year.
* Submission of a one page essay answering "What intrigues you about STEM fields and the ASRA module to which you are applying? How will you share what you learn at ASRA with your community and/or classmates?"