CBPP Awards More Than $75,000 in Scholarship Funds
June 22, 2021This spring the College of Business and Public Policy (CBPP) awarded more than $75,000 in scholarships to 46 students from 27 different scholarship funds. Due to the generosity of donors to those funds, CBPP students have the opportunity every year to apply for scholarships that help defray tuition costs.
There are scholarships in general categories and also for specific areas of study, including accounting, economics, logistics, marketing, and business administration. Many honor legacies of alumni, former faculty and community members.
“Scholarships are having greater and greater impact on the ability of UAA students to earn their degrees,” said Julia A. Martinez, Senior Development Officer at CBPP. “For many donors, creating a scholarship is a dream fulfilled and expression of their personal values and passions. We create opportunities, when feasible, for donors to meet many of their student recipients which is meaningful – and magical – for both.
Impact of Scholarships
Donations to the scholarship fund add up to big opportunities for students, setting them up for success in their careers beyond UAA. We asked some CBPP alumni to reflect on the importance of scholarships during their student years.
“Earning scholarships was hugely impactful and let me focus on and immerse myself in my studies,” said Tyler Kirn, who graduated in 2018. “It helped alleviate external, financial stressors.” Kirn said his coursework at CBPP helped him immensely in his career. He is currently a Project Manager at Taylored Restoration. “My coursework, and especially my excellent professors, gave me lots of tools to think critically and to identify root problems to address. It gave me the perspective to solve complex problems.” As a student, Kirn was awarded the Greg Wolf Global Logistics Scholarship , which is among several scholarships established by Anchorage community leader Greg Wolf. Wolf is the executive director of the World Trade Center Anchorage, member of the World Affairs Council, and Vice Chair of CBPP’s Advisory Board.
Yelena Sinyawski graduated magna cum laude in 2018 with a double major in accounting and management. She was a recipient of the CBPP Scholarship, among others. “The vast number of CBPP scholarships I received allowed me to graduate college debt-free,” she said. “The CBPP donors made a long-lasting impact on my life and I will be forever grateful for their generosity.” Sinyawski is now a civilian Budget Analyst in the Air Force and is pursuing a Masters in International Relations: US Foreign Policy and National Security from American University. She said that CBPP coursework taught her to manage time and priorities, pay attention to details, and think critically. “My experience at CBPP significantly molded me into the person I am today. The faculty took the time to mentor me and develop me personally and professionally. Further, my experience as President of the Accounting Club and the lessons I learned have guided me in my position in the United States government. I highly recommend the CBPP program to anyone, regardless of age, background, or experience. Thank you for your investment in me!”
Pearl Foster graduated in Spring 2020 with a double major in business management and marketing. She is now a Media Specialist for the University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF) Bristol Bay Campus. “My undergraduate experience would not have been possible without the gracious help from scholarships like the one CBPP granted me,” she said. “I was even able to graduate with my bachelor's degree debt free!” One of Foster’s scholarships was the Jan and Glenn Fredericks Scholarship , named after Alaska Native leader Glenn “Tiny” Fredericks, who played a central role in the formation of the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA).
“I’m extremely thankful I was able to receive the benefits of the scholarship, get a job in my desired career field and continue my education,” Foster said. “Thank you to everyone who contributed to the CBPP scholarship I received!”
2022 Scholarship Applications
Students may apply for next year’s scholarships through UA’s portal between October 1 and February 15. In the meantime, Financial Aid advisors encourage students to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid(FAFSA®), as it takes a couple of weeks to process once a student has completed it. The FAFSA has an impact on some scholarships and is also tied to whether students are considered for the State of Alaska Education grant.
Creating or contributing to scholarship funds
Every donation makes a difference for a student, and new scholarship funds are developed regularly. Learn more about the 35 existing scholarship funds and the incredible stories of scholarship donors .
Contact Julia Martinez at (907) 786-1107 for more information about setting up an endowed or annual scholarship, or make a gift now.