Student Leadership & Membership Guide
Membership: How to join
A teacher leader starts a chapter by registering their school through the Educators Rising National Portal.
Once the teacher leader is registered:
- Students create their own accounts on the national portal.
- Select their school and choose the “Middle or High School Student” role.
- Use the Promo Code provided by their teacher leader to waive the $15 national membership fee.
2025-26 Deadlines to Qualify for Conferences & Competitions:
- National Registration: Due by October 31, 2025
- State Registration via Nextgen: Due by October 31, 2025
Why Join? Benefits of Membership
- Early exposure to teaching careers
- Leadership development and résumé-building opportunities
- State and national conferences and competitions
- Micro-credentials to showcase skills
- Dual credit and college/career exploration through UA partnerships
- Community and cultural engagement—especially for rural and Alaska Native students
- Mentorship and support from current educators
Student Leadership Opportunities
Educators Rising Alaska student officers go beyond the classroom to lead at the state and national level. They've participated in the AASB Youth Leadership Institute and Youth Advocacy Institute, testified before the Alaska State Legislature, and represented student voices in education policy discussions. Their leadership has earned them invitations to national events, where they connect with peers, advocate for the profession, and work to shape the future of education.
| Role | Description | Skills Gained |
|---|---|---|
| National Student Officers | Represent students nationwide, speak at national events, and advocate for the profession. | Public speaking, national advocacy |
| Educators Rising Ambassadors | Share your story on a national platform and connect with peers. | Leadership, virtual networking |
| National Delegates | Vote on national issues and represent Alaska at the conference. (We have two in 2025!) | Policy engagement, decision-making |
| National Student Senate | Participate in governance and shape national policy. | Leadership in governance |
| Student Voice Team | Submit proposals, join surveys, and contribute to educational conversations | Thought leadership and influence |
| Role | Description | Skills Gained |
|---|---|---|
| State Officers |
Lead Educators Rising Alaska, represent the state, and help plan the SLC.
Applications open in December; officers announced at the SLC. |
Leadership, statewide advocacy |
| Student Networking Ambassadors | Support peer connections across Alaska and strengthen our student network. | Community-building, mentorship |
| Conference Planning Committee | Help design and organize state-level events and activities. | Event coordination, teamwork |
| Chapter Leaders | Coordinate local activities, mentor members, and lead your school's chapter. | Peer leadership, communication |
Scholarships
The PDK International Scholarship Program offers more than 30 scholarships. There is a single application designed to capture any specific eligibility criteria designated by the donor(s), and you will be considered for all scholarships for which you are eligible! One-time and renewable awards range from $500 to $4,000.
The University of Alaska Foundation offers a variety of scholarships to help Educators Rising students fund their college education and pursue careers in teaching across Alaska.
Alaska Native Corporation scholarships—like those from CIRI, Doyon, Chugach, Sealaska, Bering Straits, Calista, Aleut, Bristol Bay, Koniag, and NANA—offer valuable financial support to Educators Rising students pursuing higher education and careers in Alaska’s communities.
- CIRI Foundation Scholarships
- Doyon Foundation Scholarships
- Chugach Heritage Foundation Scholarships
- Sealaska Heritage Institute Scholarships
- Bering Straits Foundation Scholarships
- Calista Corporation Scholarship
- The Aleut Foundation
- Bristol Bay Native Corporation Education Foundation (Portal)
- Koniag Education Foundation
- Robert Aqqaluk Newlin Sr. Memorial Trust Fund (NANA Scholarships)
The Alaska Commission on Postsecondary Education and organizations like the Central Alaska Retired Educators Association, Association of Alaska School Boards, and Arctic Education Foundation offer scholarships to help Educators Rising students advance their education and teaching careers in Alaska.