Did you know UA Scholars are sharing their success stories in a new video series?

November 25, 2025

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Since 1999, more than 10,000 scholars have attended UA. The program has paid more than $76 million in scholarship awards. Last year, UA Scholars celebrated their 25th year and the award was increased from $12,000 to $15,000. Nursing, biological science and elementary education were the top majors for last year’s awardees. 

This year, 1,019 high school seniors have been identified for the $15,000 award, one of the largest UA Scholars classes in more than a decade. The students represent the top 10 percent of graduates from more than 250 Alaska high schools. 

As regional UA Scholars receptions get underway around the state, the program is sharing a new way to see what the award makes possible: a series of video interviews with UA Scholars from the past 26 years. 


The “UA Scholars Success Stories” playlist on YouTube features graduates who used their awards to pursue degrees and careers in fields that are critical to Alaska and beyond. The collection includes:

  • Evans Callis is a homeschooled student from Fairbanks. Evans graduated from UAF with a Bachelor of Science in physics and mathematics and currently works for UAF at the Geophysical Institute.
  • Cristina graduated debt-free from UAF with a degree in Biological Sciences and then continued her education at dental school in Oregon and is now back in Alaska.
  • Ben Shier attended UAS and graduated with a degree in public administration. He now serves as the University of Alaska’s chief information technology officer.
  • Danielle Dallmann is from Haines, Alaska. Danielle attended both UAS and UAF. Danielle graduated with a degree in nursing and is currently working in Alaska as a nurse.
  • Florence Kargi is a Rural Alaska Honors Institute (RAHI) graduate and UAF alum in social work and Yuupik. She is from Hooper Bay, Alaska.

Each video offers a short, first-person account of how the award reduced financial barriers, expanded options, and helped these students focus on their goals. The interviews also show the range of pathways UA Scholars take, from research and internships to teaching, health care, public service, and technical careers.

You can view the full playlist here: UA Scholars Success Stories YouTube playlist.


What is UA Scholars
The UA Scholars Award recognizes academic achievement and encourages Alaska students to attend college in their home state. High schools identify the top 10 percent of their junior class based on GPA. Those students are then offered the award to use at any UA campus. 

The $15,000 award is flexible. Students can combine it with other aid, including the Alaska Performance Scholarship and UA campus-based scholarships, to reduce or eliminate tuition costs. Recipients can even use the award for experiences such as study abroad programs while still paying in-state tuition.

The program also allows Scholars to take up to four semesters off for travel, work, family responsibilities, or other life events and still retain their eligibility.


How the Award is funded
The University of Alaska Land Grant Endowment Trust Fund is what funds UA Scholars. The endowment receives revenue from property sales and responsible resource development on university lands, which are managed by the University of Alaska Land Management office. The UA Scholars program is the largest beneficiary from the proceeds.

UA’s land holdings are part of its land grant status, and currently sit at about 150,000 acres. The university is currently in process to receive all 360,000 acres that were originally guaranteed. 

Put simply:

  • UA Land Management oversees university lands and generates revenue.
  • That revenue supports the Land Grant Endowment Trust Fund.
  • Earnings from the endowment help fund the UA Scholars Award for top Alaska students.


Celebrating the class of 2026
The new video series comes during a season of momentum for the program. The class of 2026 represents one of the largest cohorts in recent years. Over the coming weeks, regional receptions across Alaska will recognize these students, introduce them to UA opportunities, and connect them with advisors, faculty, and other students.

For many families, the combination of UA Scholars and the Alaska Performance Scholarship makes staying in Alaska a practical and competitive option compared with out-of-state choices.

As the next class begins its journey, the university hopes these stories help future scholars, families and communities see what is possible when Alaska students choose UA.

Rebecca Lawhorne is the integrated media manager for the University of Alaska System Office of Public Affairs.