Governor Dunleavy has signed legislation aimed at keeping more students in Alaska. HB 148 is a House Education Committee bill carried by Representative Justin Ruffridge. The bill seeks to update the Alaska Performance Scholarship (APS), one of Alaska’s signature education scholarship programs, raise scholarship award levels, increase eligibility, and add a Career and Technical Education track to qualify for the scholarship.
The APS program began in 2011 and has disbursed more than $112 million in scholarships since its inception. Over the past 13 years, more than 30,000 Alaska students have earned the scholarship. The APS is a highly valuable program that incentivizes Alaska’s talented students to attend postsecondary education in Alaska.
“In the past, students were notified of that scholarship in their senior year. This new update actually does a few things. It notifies them earlier in their high school path, and it allows those dollar amounts actually to be increased,” said Representative Ruffridge. “So, the goal of the bill is actually to have students be able to qualify for the scholarship, qualify earlier, have the scholarship amounts be meaningful so kids can stay in state and get their education, [and] join the workforce.”
According to Ruffridge, the scholarship should see more applications with the bill no signed into law. “More Alaskan students will take advantage of the APS because of the increased scholarship levels and eligibility changes.”
HB 148 provides additional financial resources to help students reach their educational goals by raising the award levels for students attending Alaska postsecondary institutions. Level 1 students will now receive $7,000 per year, Level 2 students $5,250, and Level 3 students $3,500.
“This legislation is a tremendous step forward for our students and our state. By increasing financial support and expanding opportunities through the APS program, we empower our youth to pursue their dreams while contributing to Alaska’s future. I am proud to carry the Senate version of this initiative and see it come to fruition,” said Senator Forrest Dunbar, D-Anchorage, sponsor of the Senate version of House Bill 148.
Legislation from the bill changes eligibility by allowing students to qualify for the APS using either their GPA or standardized testing. Earlier notification of the APS program and eligibility requirements helps families to plan further ahead. More students remaining in-state for their postsecondary education will positively impact our workforce needs for many years to come.
The bill also extends the Education Tax Credit program, which allows schools, foundations, and industries to plan further ahead and achieve higher monetary and equipment contributions over time.
