KEF Vocational Award
Award: Up to $5,000; subject to funding
Deadline: No deadline, ongoing; Please allow up to 4 weeks for processing.
Purpose: To assist Koniag Shareholders and registered Descendants whom have chosen to further their education through vocational training. The KEF Vocational award provides funding for non-degree seeking individuals enrolled in accredited vocational or technical programs and training.
Requirements: Any qualified student who is accepted to or enrolled in an accredited, or state or municipally recognized vocational school and:
- Must be Alaska Native Shareholders or Descendants of the Koniag Region.
- Maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.50 or the equivalent.
- Demonstrate how the training will assist student in gaining employment, job security, and/or advancement.
Applicants who are not currently enrolled in the Koniag Descendant or Shareholder database must complete the descendant database form and submit the form to Shareholder Records at Koniag. Please see form for details. For more information regarding the Descendant Database Form and enrollment Shareholder ID’s, please e-mail shareholderrecords@koniag.com or call (800) 658-3818.
Required Documents for Vocational Scholarship
The following documents must be submitted for consideration of this scholarship award:
- Essay: Your essay must include at least a paragraph on each of the following:
1) A brief personal and family history including how you or your family is connected to Kodiak Island.
2) What are your career goals and how will taking this class/program help you achieve them? If you are changing career paths, what makes you a good fit for this new career?
3) How will this class/program enhance your ability to find employment and/or improve current employment?
- Recent Resume with employment history and any additional education/training you've had.
- 1 Letter of Recommendation: A signed and dated letter of recommendation (LOR) should be from current/former employer, mentor or coach who knows you well and can reflect on your character and potential. The recommender should detail their relationship to you, how long they have known you, and why you would be an ideal candidate for this scholarship. Letters from immediate family members are not accepted. LOR's must be signed, dated, and not more than one year old.
- Photo: A recent headshot.
Review Process:
Vocational applications are scored by the KEF Scholarship Committee. While all eligible applicants will receive funds, the amount applicants will receive will be based on their application score. Each portion of the application has a point value and awards are based on the of the personal essay (25 points possible), letter of recommendation (15 points possible), and resume (10 points possible).
Disbursement of Funds:
If awarded, you will be notified by email. The awarded funds will be sent directly to the recipient’s school/program and may be used for reasonable expenses in conjunction with the courses taken which the Executive Director determines as acceptable costs. Any funds not used by the recipient will be returned to the Foundation.
*Because KEF is a private nonprofit, IRS regulations require that all scholarship and career development funds must be sent directly to the institute where training is taking place.
2024-25 KEF Vocational Award
KEF Vocational Award
Award: Up to $5,000; subject to funding
Deadline: No deadline, ongoing; Please allow up to 4 weeks for processing.
Purpose: To assist Koniag Shareholders and registered Descendants whom have chosen to further their education through vocational training. The KEF Vocational award provides funding for non-degree seeking individuals enrolled in accredited vocational or technical programs and training.
Requirements: Any qualified student who is accepted to or enrolled in an accredited, or state or municipally recognized vocational school and:
- Must be Alaska Native Shareholders or Descendants of the Koniag Region.
- Maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.50 or the equivalent.
- Demonstrate how the training will assist student in gaining employment, job security, and/or advancement.
Applicants who are not currently enrolled in the Koniag Descendant or Shareholder database must complete the descendant database form and submit the form to Shareholder Records at Koniag. Please see form for details. For more information regarding the Descendant Database Form and enrollment Shareholder ID’s, please e-mail shareholderrecords@koniag.com or call (800) 658-3818.
Required Documents for Vocational Scholarship
The following documents must be submitted for consideration of this scholarship award:
- Essay: Your essay must include at least a paragraph on each of the following:
1) A brief personal and family history including how you or your family is connected to Kodiak Island.
2) What are your career goals and how will taking this class/program help you achieve them? If you are changing career paths, what makes you a good fit for this new career?
3) How will this class/program enhance your ability to find employment and/or improve current employment?
- Recent Resume with employment history and any additional education/training you've had.
- 1 Letter of Recommendation: A signed and dated letter of recommendation (LOR) should be from current/former employer, mentor or coach who knows you well and can reflect on your character and potential. The recommender should detail their relationship to you, how long they have known you, and why you would be an ideal candidate for this scholarship. Letters from immediate family members are not accepted. LOR's must be signed, dated, and not more than one year old.
- Photo: A recent headshot.
Review Process:
Vocational applications are scored by the KEF Scholarship Committee. While all eligible applicants will receive funds, the amount applicants will receive will be based on their application score. Each portion of the application has a point value and awards are based on the of the personal essay (25 points possible), letter of recommendation (15 points possible), and resume (10 points possible).
Disbursement of Funds:
If awarded, you will be notified by email. The awarded funds will be sent directly to the recipient’s school/program and may be used for reasonable expenses in conjunction with the courses taken which the Executive Director determines as acceptable costs. Any funds not used by the recipient will be returned to the Foundation.
*Because KEF is a private nonprofit, IRS regulations require that all scholarship and career development funds must be sent directly to the institute where training is taking place.