University Of Alaska Anchorage: The Power Of Scholarships

Press release from the University of Alaska Anchorage:

February 9, 2022

1. About UAA

   1. 
      About UAA
      
      

      UAA is the premier university in the heart of Alaska's largest city with campuses throughout
      Southcentral Alaska. Where culture, innovation and adventure converge, the unique
      locations provide unparalleled access to industry connections, Arctic research, outdoor
      recreation and more, facilitating once-in-a-lifetime experiences, groundbreaking education and
      impactful careers.

Popular links

1. UAA 2025: Strategic Plan
2. Chancellor
3. Equity, Compliance and Title IX

Popular links

1. Visit and Tour
2. Academic Programs
3. Transfer to UAA
4. FAFSA, Aid and Scholarships

Locations

1. Enrollment Services Center

1. 
   About UAA
   
   

   UAA is the premier university in the heart of Alaska's largest city with campuses throughout
   Southcentral Alaska. Where culture, innovation and adventure converge, the unique
   locations provide unparalleled access to industry connections, Arctic research, outdoor
   recreation and more, facilitating once-in-a-lifetime experiences, groundbreaking education and
   impactful careers.

   Popular links

   1. UAA 2025: Strategic Plan
   2. Chancellor
   3. Equity, Compliance and Title IX

2. About UAA

   ---

   1. Diversity and Inclusion
   2. Equity, Compliance and Title IX
   3. Green and Gold News

3. Administration

   ---

   1. Chancellor
   2. Academic Affairs
   3. Administrative Services
   4. Advancement
   5. Student Affairs

4. Campuses

   ---

   1. Kenai Peninsula
   2. Kodiak
   3. Matanuska Susitna
   4. Prince William Sound

5. UAA 2025: Strategic Plan
   

   ---

   1. About UAA 2025
   2. Putting Students First
   3. 
      Embracing Diversity and
      Inclusion
      
   4. Community Partner
   5. Impact through Innovation
   6. 
      Excellence Through
      Continuous Improvement
      

1. UAA 2025: Strategic Plan
2. Chancellor
3. Equity, Compliance and Title IX

1. Diversity and Inclusion
2. Equity, Compliance and Title IX
3. Green and Gold News

1. Chancellor
2. Academic Affairs
3. Administrative Services
4. Advancement
5. Student Affairs

1. Kenai Peninsula
2. Kodiak
3. Matanuska Susitna
4. Prince William Sound

1. About UAA 2025
2. Putting Students First
3. 
   Embracing Diversity and
   Inclusion
   
4. Community Partner
5. Impact through Innovation
6. 
   Excellence Through
   Continuous Improvement
   

1. 
   Academics
   
   

   UAA offers more than 100 degree and certificate programs that consistently prepare students for success after
   graduation. State-of-the-art classroom instruction and hands-on learning collide in UAA's innovative academic
   programs, which feature unique courses that train students to lead Alaska into the future.

   Popular links

   1. Academic Programs
   2. Advising
   3. Dates and Deadlines
   4. Academic Affairs

2. Colleges and Schools

   ---

   1. Arts and Sciences
   2. Business and Public Policy
   3. Engineering
   4. Health
   5. Community and Technical
   6. Honors
   7. School of Education
   8. Graduate School

3. Provost

   ---

   1. Apprenticeship Programs
   2. Continuing Education
   3. Business Enterprise Institute

1. Academic Programs
2. Advising
3. Dates and Deadlines
4. Academic Affairs

1. Arts and Sciences
2. Business and Public Policy
3. Engineering
4. Health
5. Community and Technical
6. Honors
7. School of Education
8. Graduate School

1. Apprenticeship Programs
2. Continuing Education
3. Business Enterprise Institute

1. 
   Admissions and Financial Aid
   
   

   Learn more about admissions processes, taking
   classes, tour UAA in-person or virtually, and find out more about Financial Aid available at UAA. Whether you are a new or continuing student,
   the Office of Financial Aid is available to offer support and advice so you can make informed decisions regarding
   college funding options. Get help at the Enrollment Services Center: offering virtual and walk-in appointments to
   help students apply to UAA; get help with financial aid, scholarships, and the FAFSA.

   Popular links

   1. Visit and Tour
   2. Academic Programs
   3. Transfer to UAA
   4. FAFSA, Aid and Scholarships

   Locations

   1. Enrollment Services Center

2. Admissions

   ---

   1. How to Apply
   2. Transfer to UAA
   3. Academic Programs
   4. Visit and Tour
   5. Request more Info
   6. Contact Admissions

3. Financial Aid

   ---

   1. FAFSA, Aid and Scholarships
   2. Additional Payment Options
   3. Check your Status
   4. Student Responsibilities
   5. 
      Cost of Attendance, Aid Types and Planning Tools
      
   6. Military and Veteran Student Services
   7. Student Accounts and Refunds

1. Visit and Tour
2. Academic Programs
3. Transfer to UAA
4. FAFSA, Aid and Scholarships

1. Enrollment Services Center

1. How to Apply
2. Transfer to UAA
3. Academic Programs
4. Visit and Tour
5. Request more Info
6. Contact Admissions

1. FAFSA, Aid and Scholarships
2. Additional Payment Options
3. Check your Status
4. Student Responsibilities
5. 
   Cost of Attendance, Aid Types and Planning Tools
   
6. Military and Veteran Student Services
7. Student Accounts and Refunds

1. 
   Athletics
   
   

   From 13 competitive NCAA teams to recreation and intramural and club sports, students have the opportunity to
   excel in athletics at every level. The Alaska Airlines Center and Seawolf Sports Complex offer recreation as well
   as hosting community events and concerts. Students can take advantage of cheering for SeawolfNation with free
   tickets to many games.

   Popular links

   1. Seawolf Online Store
   2. Recreation
   3. Intramurals

   Locations

   1. Alaska Airlines Center
   2. Seawolf Sports Complex

2. Go Seawolves

   ---

   1. Upcoming Seawolves Games
   2. Tickets
   3. Staff Directory

3. Women's Sports

   ---

   1. Basketball
   2. Cross Country
   3. Gymnastics
   4. Skiing
   5. Track and Field
   6. Volleyball

4. Men's Sports

   ---

   1. Basketball
   2. Cross Country
   3. Hockey
   4. Skiing
   5. Track and Field

1. Seawolf Online Store
2. Recreation
3. Intramurals

1. Alaska Airlines Center
2. Seawolf Sports Complex

1. Upcoming Seawolves Games
2. Tickets
3. Staff Directory

1. Basketball
2. Cross Country
3. Gymnastics
4. Skiing
5. Track and Field
6. Volleyball

1. Basketball
2. Cross Country
3. Hockey
4. Skiing
5. Track and Field

1. 
   Research
   
   

   UAA is a hub for cutting-edge theoretical and applied research in health, engineering, and the physical and
   social sciences. In nearly every discipline, undergraduate and graduate students have the opportunity to join
   research teams and collaborate with experienced faculty mentors.

1. Sponsored Programs
2. Research Integrity and Compliance
3. Graduate School

1. 
   Student Services
   
   

   Explore the wide variety of services and resources available at UAA to help promote your
   academic and personal
   success and well-being. From academic advising to student clubs and residence life, we're
   here to help you have an
   amazing university experience.

   Popular links

   1. Advising
   2. Bookstore
   3. Dates and Deadlines
   4. Transcripts
   5. USUAA Student Governance
   6. Library
   7. 
      Student Health and
      Counseling Center
      

   Locations

   1. Student Union
   2. Enrollment Services Center
   3. Student Health and Counseling Center

2. Current Students

   ---

   1. Advising
   2. Bookstore
   3. Registration, Dates and Deadlines
   4. Military and Veteran Student Services
   5. Degree Progress
   6. Transfer Credit
   7. Graduation
   8. Career Services
   9. Student Account (Bursar)
   10. Dean of Students
   11. Disability Support Services

3. Student Life

   ---

   1. Engage
   2. Organizations and Clubs
   3. Activities and Programs
   4. Student Union
   5. Multicultural Student Services
   6. Recreation

4. Residence Life

   ---

   1. Housing Options
   2. Apply for Housing
   3. Current Residents
   4. Info for Parents/Guardians
   5. Contact Residence Life

5. Student Leadership
   

   ---

   1. USUAA Student Governance
   2. Student Media
   3. Concert Board
   4. Green Fee Board
   5. Club Council
   6. Emerging Leaders Program

1. Advising
2. Bookstore
3. Dates and Deadlines
4. Transcripts
5. USUAA Student Governance
6. Library
7. 
   Student Health and
   Counseling Center
   

1. Student Union
2. Enrollment Services Center
3. Student Health and Counseling Center

1. Advising
2. Bookstore
3. Registration, Dates and Deadlines
4. Military and Veteran Student Services
5. Degree Progress
6. Transfer Credit
7. Graduation
8. Career Services
9. Student Account (Bursar)
10. Dean of Students
11. Disability Support Services

1. Engage
2. Organizations and Clubs
3. Activities and Programs
4. Student Union
5. Multicultural Student Services
6. Recreation

1. Housing Options
2. Apply for Housing
3. Current Residents
4. Info for Parents/Guardians
5. Contact Residence Life

1. USUAA Student Governance
2. Student Media
3. Concert Board
4. Green Fee Board
5. Club Council
6. Emerging Leaders Program

1. 
   Alaska Natives
   
   

   Located in the ancestral homelands of the Dena'ina, Ahtna Dene, Alutiiq/Sugpiak, Chugachmiut and Eyak peoples,
   Alaska Native curriculum at UAA provides an in-depth perspective on contemporary Alaska Native societies,
   languages, cultures, history, politics, art, governments and corporations.

2. Academic Programs

   ---

   1. 
      Alaska Native Studies
      — Anchorage Campus
      
   2. 
      Alaska Native Studies
      — Kenai Peninsula College
      
   3. 
      Alutiiq Studies — Kodiak
      College
      
   4. Alaska Native Business Management Minor

3. Student Support

   ---

   1. Native Student Services
   2. Alaska Native Science & Engineering Program (ANSEP)
   3. 
      Alaska Native
      Community Advancement in Psychology (ANCAP)
      
   4. 
      Alaska Native, Indigenous & Rural Outreach
      Program (ANIROP)
      
   5. 
      Recruitment and Retention of
      Alaska Natives into Nursing (RRANN)
      

1. 
   Alaska Native Studies
   — Anchorage Campus
   
2. 
   Alaska Native Studies
   — Kenai Peninsula College
   
3. 
   Alutiiq Studies — Kodiak
   College
   
4. Alaska Native Business Management Minor

1. Native Student Services
2. Alaska Native Science & Engineering Program (ANSEP)
3. 
   Alaska Native
   Community Advancement in Psychology (ANCAP)
   
4. 
   Alaska Native, Indigenous & Rural Outreach
   Program (ANIROP)
   
5. 
   Recruitment and Retention of
   Alaska Natives into Nursing (RRANN)
   

 Lora Volden, vice chancellor for enrollment services, lives and breathes financial
aid. When she arrives at her office each day, the first order of business is to review
the “enrollment dashboards” to analyze the day's numbers.

Volden, who’s worked in UAA’s Office of Financial Aid for more than a decade, has
watched the tumultuous rise and fall of the university’s enrollment over the years.
One of the biggest challenges for students pursuing higher education in Alaska — or
anywhere in the United States — is tuition costs. With increased financial costs,
affordability for earning a bachelor’s degree and beyond has become increasingly difficult.
While the university’s enrollment numbers are mainly out of UAA’s hands, what can
be controlled is institutional scholarships and programs designed to alleviate the
financial burden many students face.

“We know students who get an education have overall higher earnings throughout their
lifetime,” said Volden. This is why UAA, beginning in spring 2020, created the first
of three institutional scholarships designed to aid students who were starting their
higher education journey, earning a degree or looking to return and complete their
degree program. “We wanted to get some money into students' hands to make college
affordable because we believe in education and the difference it can make.”

In April 2020, the university unveiled the 49th Finishers Scholarship, aimed at encouraging
Alaskans who had either earned college credit from another institution or had started
a degree program at UAA and never finished, to return and complete their program.

“Life happens,'' said Volden. “Sometimes you think you're going to come back, but
then life gets in the way. That really resonated with people.”

According to Volden’s Impact of Financial Aid Report, released at the end of the fall
2021 semester, since 49th Finisher’s creation, 140 students benefited from $280,000
in scholarship funding, earning a total of 137 baccalaureate degrees and three associate
degrees. 

“What was really cool about the 49th Finishers is that it was our first multi-year
scholarship,” Volden said. “As long as students continued along their degree path,
they had the opportunity to continue earning scholarship funds.”

Fueled by the success of the 49th Finishers Scholarship, the second institutional
scholarship developed was Seawolf Start, designed to encourage recently graduated
high school students to dip their toes into higher education. Volden said in Alaska
and across the country, many high school students were choosing to delay college or
forfeit attending altogether. 

She said her team reached out to the high schoolers who had initially said they had
planned to attend UAA in the fall and then never enrolled to see if they could be
convinced to take one class, particularly if there was financial assistance available.

“The hope was just to get their foot in the door,” said Volden. “If they took just
one class, maybe they would continue, but if they decided not to continue, they could
take the $500 with no other obligations to UAA.”

The data from the report showed 538 students enrolled at UAA, totaling 6,591 credits
during the fall 2021 semester. Volden said the scholarship program was a success,
boosting the university’s first-time student enrollment numbers.

As the pandemic wore on and students’ abilities to focus and complete their courses
successfully waned, the numbers of students satisfactorily passing their classes dropped
significantly. The Fresh Start scholarship is just that, a fresh start for students
struggling to keep up with coursework during the pandemic. UAA offered 2,248 students
the opportunity to retake a class at no additional cost to them, and of those offered,
520 students took advantage, re-enrolling in the summer and fall 2021 semesters.

“I think it’s important in this time of, ‘Our budget is down, our enrollment is down,
and we’re all a little exhausted,’ to show that what we’re doing is making a difference,”
said Volden of the report. “I think it’s also important for people to know and understand
how necessary scholarships are. I think that’s the right path forward for us and that
we need to continue to invest in our students.”

As a result of the positive feedback from students on UAA’s various scholarships,
Volden is hopeful about the conversation regarding specific need-based scholarships.
She said offering specific financial aid is a way for the university to convey that
it is listening to the needs and wants of the student and greater community. Additionally,
successful programs like 49th Finishers have pulled in donors who resonate with the
scholarship's message and want to continue the fund to encourage more Alaskans who
started their schooling to finish.

“I think anytime we make college an opportunity for somebody who couldn't see that
for themselves before, is pretty exciting,” said Volden. “That’s what makes this job
worth it.”

This press release was produced by the University of Alaska Anchorage. The views expressed here are the author’s own.