Alaska Performance Scholarship

1. Alaska Performance Scholarship

2. Graduate from an Alaska high school in 2011 or later Complete a qualifying rigorous high school curriculum Achieve a high school GPA of at least 2.5, or equivalent Earn a minimum score on SAT, ACT, and/or WorkKeys prior to high school graduation NOTE: The APS Eligibility Progress Checklist is a great tool. You can find it at APS.alaska.gov Initial Academic Eligibility

3. Curriculum Requirements – Class of 2013/2014/2015* *Starting with the class of 2015, courses in each subject must be selected from a list of approved courses. See next slide.

4. Alaska’s Learning Network • DISTANCE ED COURSES: • Highly Qualified, Alaskan teachers • Identified for Alaska Performance Scholarship • Supplemental… works WITH districts as a resource • Credit is awarded through home district • $150/semester • All $$ goes to sponsoring district (not outside Alaska) • 1) On-line and Blended Distance Ed Courses • www.aklearn.net • 2) Professional Development • Training for Alaskan teachers • 3) Resources for all for free • www.alaskadigitalsandbox.org

5. Award Levels

6. The best way to qualify for the APS is by using ACT or SAT scores. Students with only WorkKeys scores can qualify for a CTE APS Award, which can be used for a career and technical education certificate program, not for an associate’s or other degree. • Encourage students to take the ACT and/or the SAT by spring of their senior year. • Free resources such as the ACT/SAT pre-tests are available through the Statewide Library Electronic Doorway (SLED) at sled.alaska.edu/databases/az.html • Students must have scores sent directly to their high school NOTE: Test score reports can take up to 8 weeks. Test scores must be included on the permanent student record before graduation. Testing Information

7. Students must apply for the award by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for each upcoming academic year, beginning their Senior year of high school, by June 30th. • The FAFSA becomes available for filing in January. • Students must list Alaska as their state of residency; and should list at least one Alaska postsecondary institution to receive their FAFSA information. • Students must be admitted to a program at a participating Alaska institutions • Remind students to work closely with their financial aid office to make sure they have all the information needed to certify their APS enrollment. Additional Requirements

8. Students can go to APS.alaska.gov to create an ASAP account Gives students access to check on APS eligibility status, monitor APS usage, and more. Setting up an ASAP account is not required, but useful. Alaska Student Aid Portal (ASAP)

9. During 1st year of as a APS recipient: • 24 semester credits or equivalent for full-time students • cumulative GPA of at least 2.0 on a 4.0 scale • During subsequent years as a APS recipient: • 30 semester credits or equivalent for full-time students • cumulative GPA of at least 2.5 on a 4.0 scale • Graduate students: • cumulative GPA of at least 2.5 on a 4.0 scale Continuing Eligibility Students must also file a new FAFSA every year!

10. Success Center/Dimond Mall Get help completing the FAFSA, researching colleges and careers, and understanding the financial aid process for higher education. Call toll free 877-577-3367 or in Anchorage 269-7980 ACPE Customer Service call toll free 800-441-2962 or in Juneau 465-2962 www.akcis.org Free education and career planning tools for Alaskans. For more information contact (877) 269-7974 or akcis@alaska.gov Other Resources for Students

11. Conor Williamson Outreach Specialist Alaska Commission on Secondary Education (ACPE) (907) 269-7978 (907) 269-7991 Fax conor.williamson@alaska.gov Contact Information