Alaska Sea Services Scholarships Now Available

The Navy League and Naval Education and Training Command (NETC) announced Oct. 10, eligibility requirements for the Alaska Sea Services Scholarship for academic year 2014-2015.

The program awards up to six $1000 scholarships annually for undergraduate education to dependent children and spouses of U.S. Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard personnel (active duty, Reserve or retired), including those who were serving at their time of death or missing-in-action status. Service members must also be legal residents of Alaska. Applicants who meet eligibility requirements will be ranked according to academic proficiency, character, leadership ability, community involvement and financial need.

“Any scholarship is beneficial for offsetting the costs associated with an undergraduate education,” said Alaska Commissioner of Education and Early Development Mike Hanley. “We strongly encourage all qualified Alaskans to apply for and take advantage of this great opportunity in order to make college education more affordable for the dependents of our sea service members.”

The scholarships are made possible by funds raised as a war bond by Alaska citizens as a gift to honor the Sailors of the USS Juneau (CL 52) during World War II. After the war, the Governor of the Territory of Alaska and the Secretary of the Navy agreed that the bond would be left on deposit until an appropriate use for the fund could be found. In 1986, the Navy established the Alaska Sea Services Scholarship Fund.

Applicants must show acceptance at an accredited college or university for full-time undergraduate study toward a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science degree. No more than two scholarship awards may be given to any individual during pursuit of the four-year degree.

Applications will be accepted from November 1, 2013 through March 1, 2014. The FY-14 selection board convenes in April 2014.

A selection board will be held by the Navy League Foundation, and the nominee packages with the highest rankings will be forwarded to NETC for final approval. Selectees will then be notified and scholarship funds disbursed to the appropriate academic institution.

“The Navy League Foundation encourages all Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard family members to seize this wonderful opportunity while financial assistance is available. All qualified Alaska residents should apply for the Alaska Sea Services Scholarship and also look into their eligibility for any of the other 25 endowed scholarships available to them,” said James H. Offutt, Navy League of the United States national president.

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Press Release, October 16, 2013; Image: US Navy