Sitnasuak Foundation awards higher education scholarships to new and continuing students as well as vocational scholarships for specialized short-term training programs.  Scholarships are awarded twice annually on a term/semester schedule.  The size of the scholarship depends on the funding available and the applicant's financial need.  Applications are reviewed and selected by a committee before the beginning of each term/semester.  Checks are mailed directly to the recipient's Financial Aid Office.  Each recipient is informed in writing of the selection results every term/semester. 

Application Process
The Bering Straits Foundation, Kawerak, Inc., Norton Sound Economic Development Corporation (NSEDC), Norton Sound Health Corporation (NSHC) and Sitnasuak Foundation have joined together in creating one application for students applying for scholarships from any of the five organizations.  This application is called the Seward Peninsula Application Network Scholarship or simply SPANS.  These five organizations require much of the same information when applying for scholarships and have joined together to make the process efficient and easier for students.

Students interested in applying for a scholarship must complete a scholarship application.  Applications are submitted on-line and are e-mailed directly to Kirsten Timbers at the Bering Straits Foundation.

The applications go directly to the Bering Straits Foundation which has agreed to assist our shareholders and shareholder descendants by providing a more streamlined application process.  If you have any questions, please contact Executive Vice President Kirsten Timbers.  She can be reached by phone at (907) 443-4305 or by fax at (907) 443-2985.  

Requirements and Qualifications

1. Must be accepted to an accredited college or vocational program.
2. Must demonstrate financial need after other funding sources have been considered.
3. Must have earned a GED or high school diploma with a 2.0 grade point average (GPA).
4. Must complete the scholarship application and submit it by the deadline.
5. For first time high school graduate applicants, an official high school transcript and letter of reference must accompany the application.  The letter should describe the student's involvement in the community as well as accomplishments.
6. For continuing college students, an official college transcript or copy of the previous semester grades must accompany the application.  If grades have not yet been posted please see the registrar office about having an official transcript mailed directly to us as soon as they are available.
7. It is the applicant's responsibility to send Verification of Enrollment to the Sitnasuak Foundation.  Once the Verification has been received; a scholarship check will be mailed to your college's financial aid office.
8. Full-time undergraduate students must maintain a 2.0 GPA and complete 12 credits.  Full-time graduate students must complete 9 credits.

Deadlines to Submit Scholarship Applications

Rename SPANS Contest
SPANS is looking for a new name!  If you would like to submit a name for consideration please notify Kirsten Timbers.  The name must include a definition and reason why it was chosen.  The winning name will be utilized on the application and the winner will receive a prize from each organization.  Ideas can range from catchy acronyms, Inupiaq/St. Lawerence Island Yupik/Yupik words, words relating to education or working together.  Let your imagination run wild!