The Alaska Performance Scholarship (APS) is a merit-based financial aid program designed to support Alaska high school graduates pursuing postsecondary education. The scholarship aims to encourage academic excellence and provide financial assistance to students attending colleges, universities, and approved career and technical education programs within Alaska. This comprehensive guide will cover the requirements for the Alaska Performance Scholarship, including eligibility criteria, application processes, award amounts, deadlines, and more.
Overview of the Alaska Performance Scholarship
The Alaska Performance Scholarship is administered by the Alaska Commission on Postsecondary Education (ACPE). It rewards students who complete a rigorous high school curriculum and achieve specific academic benchmarks. The scholarship is available to students who graduated from an Alaska high school in or after 2011.
Key Features of the Alaska Performance Scholarship
- Award Amounts: The APS offers varying amounts based on academic performance, with three levels of awards available.
- Eligibility Criteria: Students must meet specific GPA and standardized test score requirements.
- Application Process: Students must complete the FAFSA and submit their high school transcripts.
- Continuing Eligibility: Students must maintain certain academic standards to continue receiving the scholarship.
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for the Alaska Performance Scholarship, students must meet the following criteria:
- Residency: Applicants must be residents of Alaska.
- High School Graduation: Students must graduate from an Alaska high school, including public, private, or homeschool programs, after 2011.
- High School Curriculum: Students must complete a specified rigorous high school curriculum, which includes:
- Four years of English
- Three years of Math (including Algebra I, Algebra II, and Geometry)
- Three years of Science (including two lab sciences)
- Three years of Social Studies
- Two years of a foreign language or a vocational education program
- GPA Requirements: Students must achieve a minimum GPA based on the award level they are applying for:Award LevelMinimum GPAACT ScoreSAT ScoreWorkKeys ScoreLevel 13.5251210Platinum (18)Level 23.0231130Gold (15)Level 32.5211060Silver (12)
- Standardized Test Scores: Students must achieve qualifying scores on one of the following tests:
- ACT
- SAT
- WorkKeys
Application Process
The application process for the Alaska Performance Scholarship involves several steps:
Step 1: Complete the FAFSA
Students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) as soon as possible after January 1 and no later than June 30 of the year they plan to use the scholarship. The FAFSA is essential for determining financial need and eligibility for the APS.
Step 2: Submit High School Transcripts
Students must submit their official high school transcripts to the ACPE. Transcripts should reflect the completion of the required high school curriculum and the student’s GPA.
Step 3: Application Deadlines
| Event | Deadline |
|---|---|
| FAFSA Submission | June 30 each year |
| High School Graduation | Must graduate after 2011 |
| Scholarship Application Deadline | Varies by institution |
Award Levels and Amounts
The Alaska Performance Scholarship offers three levels of awards based on academic performance:
- Level 1: Up to $7,000 per year for students with a GPA of 3.5 or higher and qualifying test scores.
- Level 2: Up to $5,250 per year for students with a GPA of 3.0 or higher and qualifying test scores.
- Level 3: Up to $3,500 per year for students with a GPA of 2.5 or higher and qualifying test scores.
Maintaining Scholarship Eligibility
To continue receiving the Alaska Performance Scholarship, students must meet specific ongoing requirements:
- Enrollment Status: Students must be enrolled in an eligible degree or certificate program at an accredited postsecondary institution in Alaska.
- Credit Completion: Students must complete a minimum number of credits each academic year:
- First Year: Complete 24 semester credits (or equivalent) for full-time students; 12 credits for half-time students.
- Subsequent Years: Complete 30 semester credits (or equivalent) for full-time students; 15 credits for half-time students.
- Cumulative GPA: Students must maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 throughout their postsecondary education.
- FAFSA Renewal: Students must file a new FAFSA each year by June 30 to remain eligible for the scholarship.
- Unmet Costs: Students must demonstrate unmet costs of attendance of $500 or more after considering all other non-loan aid, such as grants and scholarships.
Important Dates and Deadlines
| Event | Deadline |
|---|---|
| FAFSA Submission | June 30 each year |
| High School Graduation | Must graduate after 2011 |
| Scholarship Application Deadline | Varies by institution |
Alaska Performance Scholarship 2024 Updates
In June 2024, recent legislation was signed that resulted in various updates to the Alaska Performance Scholarship program. These updates include increased award amounts, expanded eligibility criteria, and an extended term of use.
New Award Amounts
The new award amounts under the updated legislation are as follows:
| Award Level | Previous Amount | New Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Level 1 | $4,755 | $7,000 |
| Level 2 | $3,566 | $5,250 |
| Level 3 | $2,378 | $3,500 |
Alaska Performance Scholarship Application
To apply for the Alaska Performance Scholarship, follow these steps:
- Complete the FAFSA: Ensure you complete the FAFSA by the June 30 deadline.
- Submit Your High School Transcript: Provide your official high school transcript to the ACPE.
- Check Eligibility: Confirm that you meet all eligibility requirements, including GPA and standardized test scores.
- Alaska Performance Scholarship Login
- Students can access their scholarship information through the Alaska Student Aid Portal (ASAP). To log in:
- Visit the ASAP website.
- Enter your login credentials: Use the information provided during your registration.
- Access your scholarship information: Review your application status, award amounts, and eligibility.
- Alaska Performance Scholarship Amount
- The amount awarded through the Alaska Performance Scholarship varies based on the level achieved by the student. As outlined earlier, the scholarship can provide up to $7,000 per year for top-performing students.
- Alaska Performance Scholarship Deadline
- The primary deadline for the Alaska Performance Scholarship is June 30 each year for FAFSA submission. It is advisable to complete the FAFSA as early as possible to maximize scholarship opportunities.
- Alaska Performance Scholarship 2021 Overview
- For students who graduated in 2021, the eligibility requirements were similar to those currently in place. Students had to complete the required high school curriculum, achieve qualifying test scores, and maintain a minimum GPA. The scholarship amounts were also reflective of the performance levels achieved.
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