GCI opened its doors for business in 1979 and has been serving Alaskans ever since. GCI provides data, mobile, video, voice and managed services to consumer, business, government, and carrier customers in more than 200 communities throughout Alaska. GCI is more than just Alaska’s technology leader; it is a company founded and operated by Alaskans committed to being good neighbors and supporting our local communities.
We strategically created our application criteria to reach students that may not qualify for other scholarships. We also include a focus on students who want to pursue a major, trade or vocational training relevant to science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM). The applicant’s education and training endeavors should help to ensure an adequate, well-trained workforce in technology.
This may include but not limited to coding, web design, gaming (Esports), IT, cyber security, product technology, medical technicians, health aides and installing and maintaining networks.
Applicants who live in Rural Alaska and applicants who express an intention to return to Alaska to start their careers are strongly encouraged to apply.
Over the past 7 years, GCI has donated more than $14 million in cash, products, services, and scholarships to Alaskan organizations. GCI also provides employees with 16 hours of paid leave to volunteer with local organizations. In 2022, more than 664 employees volunteered nearly 4,500 hours to Alaskan nonprofits.
Over the last 20 years, GCI has awarded $6 million in scholarship funds to hundreds of Alaskan students attending accredited colleges and vocational/trade schools.
The 2023 GCI Scholarship is a $40,000 investment in Alaska’s next generation of leaders. This year GCI will provide twenty (20) $2,000 scholarships.
GCI employees and contracted staff, and their children, are not eligible to apply for this scholarship award.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Graduating senior of an Alaskan high school (2023).
- GPA of 3.0 or higher.
- In the top 75% of their graduating class.
- Seeking degree or certification with a STEM focus.
- Attending or enrolling in an accredited college or university or trade school.
Preferences:
- Applicants who express an intention to return to Alaska to start careers.
- Applicants living in a rural location. Rural is outside the Municipality of Anchorage, Fairbanks North Star Borough and the City of Juneau.
Applicants are asked to provide:
- Personal Essay
- Resume
- High School Transcripts
- One letter of recommendation from a teacher, former or current employer, clergy members (preachers, pastors, rabbis, imams, etc.), a coach, school counselor or advisor, or a leader of an organization with which you are associated
IMPORTANT: Scholarship recipients must submit their student ID number and program information to ACF through the online system before their award can be disbursed. If we do not receive the above information by June 30, 2024, the scholarship may not be awarded. Please contact ACF is you cannot send in the information by this date.
Contact The Alaska Community Foundation with questions: scholarships@alaskacf.org or 907-334-6700