Competitive Scholarships and Designated Endowments
TCF offers competitive, merit-based scholarships to full-time degree-seeking students to recognize academic excellence and contributions to the Alaska Native community.
Competitive Scholarships
Award Terms
- Evaluated on purpose statement, community service, and intent to contribute to the Alaska Native community.
- Paid in two installments: Must maintain funding requirements to be eligible for the second payment.
Funding covers direct educational expenses and up to $500 per term for personal expenses if other costs are covered.
Achievement Annual
Scholarship
- Merit-based scholarship for students with a minimum 3.0 GPA.
- For full-time students in a 4-year undergraduate or graduate degree program.
- Award: Up to $8,000 for one academic year.
- Deadline: June 30.
Excellence Annual
Scholarship
- Merit-based scholarship for students with outstanding academic and community service records.
- Minimum 3.5 GPA required.
- For full-time students in a 4-year undergraduate or graduate degree program.
- Award: Up to $10,000 for one academic year.
- Deadline: June 30.
Special Excellence Annual Scholarship
- Merit-based scholarship for students with exceptional academic achievements and community service.
- Minimum 3.7 GPA required.
- Preference for fields including business, education, math, sciences, health services, and engineering.
- For full-time students in a 4-year undergraduate or graduate degree program.
- Award: Up to $20,000 for one academic year.
- Deadline: June 30.
Designated Endowments and Named Funds
Charles "Chuck" G. Anderson, Jr. Fund
- Established in 2022 in recognition of Charles “Chuck” G. Anderson, Jr.
- Awards for students pursuing education and training in Law Enforcement, Public Safety, Justice, Cyber Security, Homeland Security, or related fields.
- Awarded annually, similar to other Foundation excellence and achievement scholarship awards and career technical education scholarships.
Charles Anderson served as the Chief of Police in Anchorage and on the CIRI Board of Directors for nearly 30 years.
Susie Qimmiqsak Bevins Endowment Fund
- Established in 1990 for a semester scholarship in the visual, performing, and literary arts.
Susie Qimmiqsak Bevins was a prominent figure in the arts, contributing significantly to the cultural heritage of the Native community.
Margaret L. Brown Scholarship Fund
- Established by Cook Inlet Region Inc. (CIRI) in 2013 in recognition of Margaret L. Brown.
- For students pursuing degrees in Land Use Policy and Planning, Conservation Economics, Environmental Science, Education Policy, or related fields.
Margaret L. Brown is a vigorous advocate for post-secondary education and served as CIRI President/CEO from 2005 to 2012.
Penny Carty
Scholarship Fund
- Established in 2021 in memory of Penny Carty.
- Awards for general or career technical education scholarships.
- Preference for Alaska Native women pursuing a business degree, focused on leadership, or serving on boards for education and Alaska Native Community organizations.
Penny Carty was a dedicated member of the CIRI Foundation Board from 2001 to 2005, known for her commitment to education and community service.
John N. Colberg
Endowment Scholarship Fund
- Established in 2003 in memory of John N. Colberg.
- Preference for students pursuing law studies.
John N. Colberg served as Chairman and Chairman Emeritus on the CIRI Board of Directors for almost 30 years.
Roy M. Huhndorf
Endowment Scholarship Fund
- Established in 1995 by Southcentral Foundation in recognition of Roy M. Huhndorf.
- For students pursuing health science degrees.
Roy M. Huhndorf served as CIRI President/CEO from 1975 to 1995 and was a strong advocate for healthcare services and higher education.
Peter Kalifornsky
Memorial Endowment Fund
- Established in 1993 in memory of Peter Kalifornsky.
- Preference for students enrolled in Alaska Native studies.
Peter Kalifornsky was a self-taught writer and scholar of Dena’ina Athabascan descent, preserving the Dena’ina language and culture.
Howard Keck/Westmin Ltd. Endowment Scholarship Fund
- Established in 1986.
- Scholarships available in all fields.
Howard Keck was a prominent businessman and philanthropist, known for his contributions to education and community development.
Carl H. Marrs
Scholarship Fund
- Established in 2001 in recognition of Carl H. Marrs.
- For students in business administration, economics, finance, organizational management, accounting, or similar fields.
Carl H. Marrs served as CIRI President/CEO from 1995 to 2004, advocating for education opportunities for CIRI shareholders and their descendants.
Lawrence Matson Memorial Endowment Scholarship Fund
- Established in 1989 in memory of Lawrence Matson.
- For students in language, education, social sciences, arts, communications, and law.
Lawrence Matson served on the CIRI Board of Directors and had deep convictions about his Native heritage and the importance of education.
Kirby McDonald Education Endowment Scholarship Fund
- Established in 1991 by Kirby McDonald.
- Scholarships for culinary arts (preferred), business administration, and engineering.
Kirby McDonald was the president of Universal Ogden Services, a worldwide caterer of remote sites.
George Miller, Jr. Management Leadership Endowment Fellowship
- Established in 1996 in memory of George Miller, Jr.
- Scholarships for fostering improvement of tribal/cultural and corporate management skills.
George Miller, Jr. was the first President of CIRI and President of Kenai Natives Association.
Jason Moore Scholarship Fund
- Established in 2018 in memory of Jason Moore.
- For students in public relations, journalism, communications, or related fields.
Jason Moore was a respected figure in the field of communications.
William D. Phillips Scholarship Fund
- Established in memory of William D. Phillips.
- Annual scholarships at the special excellence level for students in government and public policy, public administration, budget and public finance, social policy, or education policy.
- Applicants must be original shareholders of CIRI or their lineal descendants.
William D. Phillips was a dedicated public servant and advocate for effective governance and policy.