Find Scholarships

Award: Varies depending on annual budget; multiple recipients per year.
Opens December 15 and closes March 15 annually – (Funding for the following Fall and/or Winter, and/or Spring). This award must be applied for annually.

KEF offers merit-based scholarships to Koniag Shareholders and registered  Descendants who are pursuing an undergraduate or graduate degree through an accredited educational institution. These scholarships are competitive and are scored by an independent scholarship review committee. While all eligible applicants will receive funds, the applicants with the highest scores, will receive the highest awards. Each portion of the application has a point value, including the students’ cumulative grade point average (GPA), therefore it is important to put forth maximum effort into the application.

Qualified applicants will also be eligible for an additional special scholarship without having to submit an application. The Godfrey, Parsons, Matfay, & Drabek special scholarships will be awarded to the students with the highest application points in each specified major. Please note that students who do not declare a major on the application will not be considered for these special scholarships.

KEF is a private nonprofit and the IRS regulations require that all scholarship funds must be disbursed directly to the university and cannot be applied to accounts in arrears (past due).

Online applications must be complete with all required documentation uploaded and submitted by the posted deadline. Late or incomplete/unsubmitted applications will not be considered.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Must be a Koniag Shareholder or registered Descendant. If not a registered Descendant, applicant must submit a Shareholder Descendant application and be approved by Koniag Shareholder Records prior to any disbursement of award. The Descendant database form is located here (https://www.koniag.com/our-shareholders/records-forms/) . For more information, please e-mail [email protected] or call (800) 658-3818.
• Members of the Koniag Education Foundation Board of Directors and their immediate family members are not eligible to apply for KEF scholarships and grants.
• Must meet the GPA requirement which vary by award.
• Must be in good standing with KEF’s other scholarship programs (e.g., maintain communication, provide transcripts and/or proof of completion as required).

General Information & Requirements

• Award amounts vary annually depending upon availability of funds.
• Awarded funds are disbursed directly to the program or school and cannot be applied to accounts in arrears or directly to students.
• All writing is graded not only for content, but also spelling, grammar, punctuation, and formatting. While it is permissible to have someone else proofread your work prior to submitting, the work you submit must be your own. It is not permissible for parents, guardians, etc. to apply on behalf of the student.
• Special Scholarships have additional requirements for field of study which must be met.
• Scholarships administered on behalf of our partners also have additional eligibility requirements which are detailed in the description of each award.

What Will I Need to Complete the Application?

• Your Koniag Shareholder or Descendant ID number.
  
• A recent resume with employment history, school activities, volunteer/community service, awards/honors, and any additional education/training. (2-page maximum)
  
• Most recent high school, GED, or college transcript(s). This MUST be followed up with an official transcript sent directly to KEF from your educational institution either by having it mailed to 194 Alimaq Drive, Kodiak, AK 99615 , or e-mailed to [email protected] through your school’s secure electronic transcript delivery network (such as Parchment, eScript, National Student Clearinghouse, etc.). Official transcripts must be received in order to receive your award.
  
• An essay is required for all scholarships.  The essay should be written specifically for the scholarship you are applying for and include the following:
  
  a) Understanding Alutiiq Heritage is very important in forming your cultural identity. Please share your cultural or family history and/or connection to Kodiak Island. This is a good opportunity to reach out to family members to learn more about your family history.
  b) What attributes do you have that make you a good candidate for this scholarship?
  c) What are your career and educational goals?
  d) Share an example of how you have participated in or contributed to your family and/or community.
  
  AND
  
  e) If you received a KEF Scholarship last year, update any relevant changes of a. through d. from above, AND choose one of the following topics and elaborate so our committee can continue to get to know you as you progress in your education.
  
  • What have you learned during this past year that has convinced you that you are on the correct educational path?
  • The lessons we take from obstacles we encounter can be fundamental to later success. Share a challenge, failure, or setback. How did it affect you, what did you learn from the experience, and what was the outcome?
  • Discuss an accomplishment, event, or realization that sparked a period of personal growth and a new understanding of yourself or others.
  • Relationship: How might the work you hope to do one day support the Alutiiq/Sugpiaq people or communities?
  
  AND/OR
  
  f) If you currently have lower than a 2.5 cumulative grade point average (GPA), answer a. through d. AND describe the steps you will take to improve yourself as a student and your GPA.

5. One letter of recommendation (LOR) is required for all applicants who did not receive a KEF General Scholarship the previous year, or students beginning a new degree program. Students who have received a KEF General the past year are not required to resubmit a letter of recommendation.

Letter requirements:

* Be from a teacher, faculty member, academic advisor, current/former employer, mentor or an activity leader who knows you well and can reflect on your character, academic, scholastic and leadership ability and potential for success in your chosen career field. Letters from family members are not accepted.
* Recommender should explain their relationship to you and how long they have known you.
* All letters must be signed and dated by the recommender.
* Can not more than one year old.

If any of these items are missing, you will receive 50% less points will will reduce your award. Click here for a form to share with your recommenders.

6. Recent headshot photo.

Review Process:
The KEF Scholarship Committee scores all applications. Award amounts are based on the funding available and application scores combined with student’s GPA.

Disbursement of Funds:
If awarded, applicant will be notified by email the first part of June. Students will be required to sign back into their account and accept the award and provide additional information. The awarded funds will be sent directly to the recipient’s school/program by late August. If a student’s official transcripts are submitted late, the award will be late as well.

*Because KEF is a private nonprofit, IRS regulations require that all scholarship and career development funds must be sent directly to the institute where training is taking place.

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Ready to Try College Again?

Opens December 15, closes March 15 annually.

Ready to try college again, or perhaps didn’t do very well in high school? This one-time scholarship is designed for students who do not currently have the required 2.50 cumulative high school or college grade point average (GPA). The student will have up to one academic year to bring their GPA into compliance in order to be qualified to receive funds through the KEF General Scholarship.

Criteria:

• Must be a Koniag Shareholder or registered Descendant.
• Must be enrolling into an accredited college.
• Must not have received a KEF General Scholarship in the last two years.
• Must be enrolled in at least two classes (6 credits) per term.

Please call or email KEF with any further questions.

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This scholarship is for students who missed the March 15 deadline or are only attending the spring term. Apply beginning August 1 of each calendar year; the deadline is October 31. The requirements will be exactly the same as for the KEF General Scholarship.

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Summer scholarships are for degree seeking students who catch up or get ahead with their degree work. The requirements will be exactly the same as for the KEF General Scholarship.

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Koniag Angayuk (Partner) Scholarship & Internship

Award: $10,000.00 per year until completion of degree program; multiple recipients per year.
Deadline: Opens November 15 and closes March 15 .

Purpose: Koniag has established an internship/scholarship program to seek out Koniag’s best and brightest Shareholders and Descendants to intern in Koniag’s offices or subsidiaries. Students who successfully participate in the internship will receive renewed funding of $10,000 each year until graduation, provided they successfully complete the annual summer internships, maintain full-time student status, and a minimum of a 3.0 cumulative GPA. This award allows students to focus on their field of study and gain related work experience for a 6 to 10-week period during the summer, while helping Koniag identify, cultivate, and encourage future leaders who wish to be part of the Koniag family. Students studying in a field that leads to a career with Koniag or a Koniag subsidiary (such as business, finance, accounting, environmental engineering, or computer and IT) are strongly encouraged to apply.

Special Requirements: To qualify, students must be attending as a full-time student of sophomore level or higher, have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0, agree to intern in any one of Koniag’s offices or subsidiaries each summer while they are enrolled in their degree program, and be willing to relocate for a period of six to 10 weeks during the summer months. 

Previous Angayuk Scholarship recipients may apply for the scholarship again if they enroll in a new degree program (e.g. master’s degree, PhD program) and successfully completed the Angayuk program the first time they participated. Student may apply for this scholarship in conjunction with other KEF scholarships.

Required Documents
1) Applicant Essay/Qualification Summary:
 In your essay, include:
a) A brief personal and family history including how you or your family is connected to Kodiak Island.
 b) Description of your community involvement and/or volunteer activities.
  c) Educational and career goals.
  d) Qualification summary: Talk about where and why you would like to intern, the more specific you are, the better. For information on Koniag’s subsidiaries, visit: https://www.koniag-gs.com/companies/.
  e) Discuss the qualities that make you an ideal candidate for this internship.

2) Recent resume: Employment history, school activities, volunteer/community service, awards/honors, additional education/training. (2 pages maximum)

3) Most Recent Transcript:  You may upload a copy of your most recent unofficial transcript but must also provide an official transcript to be sent to KEF directly from your educational institution by the end of your spring term or by June 30. The official transcript can either be mailed directly from your college to 3900 Centerpoint Ste 700, Anchorage, AK 99503, ATTN: Scholarship Manager, or e-mailed to [email protected] through a secure electronic transcript delivery network.

4) Two Letters of Recommendation: LOR’s should be submitted by a teacher, faculty member, academic advisor, employer, or an activity leader who knows you well and can reflect on your character, academic, scholastic and leadership ability and potential. Family members may not provide letters of recommendation. The recommender should detail their relationship to you, how long they have known you, as well as why you would be a good fit for this specific scholarship and internship. Letters must be signed, dated and not more than one year old from the scholarship deadline.

5) Recent headshot photo.

*Because KEF is a private nonprofit, IRS regulations require that all scholarship funds must be sent directly to the college.

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Alyeska generously provides scholarship funding to organizations with the goal to provide partial monetary support to Alaska Natives for training, education, and internships that are needed in preparation for careers with Alyeska and on the Trans Alaska Pipeline System (TAPS) or other oil industry related jobs. This funding is strategically focused to increase the pool of qualified Alaska Native applicants in specific job categories. !!!!

Application Process:
The Alyeska program is an in-house matching scholarship. Students who qualify will be identified by KEF and notified individually if they are eligible. No additional application is necessary.

Other Opportunities with Alyeska Pipeline Service Co.:

• Alyeska Summer Internship Opportunities
• Alyeska Employment Opportunities

Koniag Government Services (KGS) is proud to sponsor 5 KEF students to attend the annual American Indian Science & Engineering Society (AISES) National Conference. This generous scholarship pays for conference fees, round-trip transportation, and room/board to attend the conference.

The AISES conference is a unique, three-day event focusing on educational, professional, and workforce development for Indigenous peoples of North America and the Pacific Islands in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) studies and careers. Attendees include Indigenous high school and college students, educators and professionals, including representatives from Tribal Nations, Tribal enterprises, and Indigenous-owned businesses. The conference also includes the LARGEST college and career fair in the U.S. for Indigenous students and professionals! Exhibitors at the College and Career fair represent a diverse range of corporations, educational institutions, government agencies, nonprofit organizations, Tribes, and Indigenous-owned businesses.

• KGS Employment and Internship Opportunities
• Learn more about KGS
• AISES Conference
• Learn more about AISES

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Ag’wanermiut Liitut means ‘we are learning’ in Alutiiq. The Native Village of Afognak (NVA), located in Kodiak, AK, generously sponsors this annual award of $1500 for two students that are enrolled into NVA.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Must be an enrolled member of the Native Village of Afognak
• Must be a high school graduate or GED equivalent by June 30 of application year.
• Be accepted to or attending an accredited vocational or college program.
• Must have and maintain a minimum of a 2.5 GPA or equivalent and make satisfactory academic progress as defined by the institution.
• Preference given to first-time degree-seeking and vocational students.
• Must meet all other KEF eligibility requirements

Application Requirements:

• Provide proof of enrollment
• One letter of recommendation
• Most recent high school or college transcripts
• Recent resume
• Recent headshot photo
• Essay

Special Essay Requirements:

The Native Village of Afognak Ag’wanermiut Liitut Award requires a two-part essay. (500 word minimum)

1) Include a description of your:

a) Personal and family history and how you or your family is connected to the Native Village of Afognak, b) Community and/or family involvement
c) Volunteer activities/awards
d) Educational and career goals
e) How would receiving this award impact you?

2) Select and answer one of the following three questions:

• What does Afognak mean to you?
• What does education mean to you?
• What does community mean to you?

*KEF offers merit-based scholarships to Koniag Shareholders and Descendants. These scholarships are competitive and are scored for completeness by an independent scholarship review committee. Applications must be postmarked or time-stamped by deadline.

**Because KEF is a private nonprofit, IRS regulations require that all scholarship funds must be sent directly to the institute where training is taking place.

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AWARD DETAILS

The Margaret “Agnguarta” Roberts Memorial Scholarship is in honor) of the late Elder Margaret “Agnguarta” Roberts. The Tangirnaq Native Village recognizes and memorializes Margaret’s tireless efforts to showcase Alutiiq culture through language, dance, and wellness initiatives, as well as her advocacy in promoting education, vocational and career enhancement of our Tribal citizens. Margaret’s lifetime advocacy for the Alutiiq people will live on and help to guide future generations. 

The TNV Scholarship offers awards up to $4,000 per year (dependent upon available funding) to eligible full-time students, and up to $2,000 per year (dependent upon available funding) to eligible part-time students. Checks will be made payable directly to the institution.  Applications are open March 1st and have a deadline of June 1st annually. 

We are excited to share that Leisnoi, Inc. will match TNV’s Higher Education Scholarship awards to all approved applicants.  Eligibility requirement in addition to TNV is applicants must be a Leisnoi, Inc. Shareholder AND an enrollment citizen of TNV.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Applicants must be a Tangirnaq Native Village Tribal Citizen.
• Applicants must indicate if they are a Leisnoi, Inc. Shareholder to receive their scholarships match.
• Applicants must be a high school graduate or GED equivalent by June 30.
• Be accepted by an institution that is an accredited college or university, trade school, or such other educational institution as the Committee may approve.
• Students are required to have and maintain a 2.5+ GPA and satisfactory academic progress as defined by the institution.
• Preference will be given to full-time students.
• Must meet all other KEF eligibility requirements.

Application Requirements:

1.Proof of tribal enrollment in the TNV and proof of Leisnoi Inc. Shareholder if wishing to have scholarship match by Leisnoi, Inc. 

2. Letter of Recommendation:
New applicants are required to provide one letter of recommendation (LOR)  which must be signed, dated, and less than one year old. The letter can be from an employer, teacher, coach, etc. but not a family member. The recommender should indicate how long they have known the applicant, how they know them, and speak directly to the student’s ability to successfully complete their degree program. Returning applicants (those who received this award the previous year) do not have to provide an LOR unless they are beginning a new degree program. 

3. Essay:

    a)  A brief description of your personal and family history and how you or your family are connected to Woody Island. 
    b) Community and/or family involvement
    c) Volunteer activities/awards
    d) What are your long term goals? How will your educational experience help you to achieve them?
    e) If you have received this scholarship previously, share what you’ve learned during the past school year. For instance,  what were your challenges or setbacks and how did you overcome them? What were your triumphs or accomplishments?

4. Most recent high school or college transcripts (unofficial transcripts are accepted for application but must be followed up by official transcripts by June 30).

5. Recent resume.

6. Proof of acceptance or letter from school stating you have applied.

7. Recent headshot photo.

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Rhea Mae Knagin, a founding member of the Native Village of Port Lions, was dedicated to serving her community. In honor and recognition of her service the Native Village of Port Lions Traditional Tribal Council established the Rhea Mae Knagin (RMK) Scholarship. The RMK Scholarship is designed to provide financial support to enrolled members of the Native Village of Port Lions (NVPL), who demonstrate scholastic achievement or interest in furthering their professional career. The RMK Scholarship is administered by Koniag Education Foundation (KEF) and all applications are reviewed by the KEF Scholarship Committee. Applications are scored based on criteria set forth by the Port Lions Traditional Tribal Council.  Applications are available beginning March 1st of each year and have a deadline of June 1st.

AWARD DETAILS

The RMK Scholarship offers three (3) awards: one (1) award for $1,000.00 – to the applicant receiving the highest total score and two (2) awards for $500.00 each – to two applicants receiving the second and third highest total scores, based on scoring criteria. Checks will be made payable directly to the institution.

Who May Apply

• Applicants must be an enrolled member of the Native Village of Port Lions
• Applicants must be a high school graduate or GED equivalent
• Have a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 2.5
• Plan to attend a university of vocational school in the State of Alaska
• Previous recipients of the Rhea Mae Scholarship are welcome to reapply

Application Requirements

1. Completed application – Incomplete applications will automatically be disqualified
2. Short essay describing who you are and your educational goals
3. Proof of tribal enrollment in the Native Village of Port Lions
4. One (1) letter of reference
5. Most recent high school or college transcripts (unofficial transcripts are accepted)
6. Proof of acceptance or letter from school stating you have applied
7. Applicant portrait with signed consent form

*Because KEF is a private nonprofit, IRS regulations require that all scholarship funds must be sent directly to the institute where training is taking place.

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Award:   Up to $5,000 for two individuals (subject to availability of funding)
Deadline: No deadline, ongoing; Please allow up to 4 weeks for processing.

Purpose: The TNV Vocational Grant is to assist Tangirnaq Native Village enrolled citizens whom have chosen to further their education through vocational training. Vocational Grant provide funding for non-degree seeking individuals enrolled in an accredited vocational, technical program or training.

Requirements: Any qualified student who is accepted to or enrolled in an accredited, state or municipally recognized vocational school and:

• Must be enrolled in the Tangirnaq Native Village, and
• Must be a Koniag shareholder or registered descendant
• Maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.50 or the equivalent
• Demonstrate how the training will assist student in gaining employment or job security and/or advancement.

Applicants who are not currently enrolled in the Tangirnaq Native Village must complete enrollment form and provide required documentation.  For more information on enrollment contact TNV offices at [email protected] or by calling 907-486-9872.

Required Documents for Vocational Scholarship
The following documents must be submitted for consideration of this award:

• Essay:  Your essay must include at least a paragraph on each of the following: 1) a brief personal and family history including how you or your family is connected to Woody Island and/or  Kodiak Island, 2) community involvement/volunteer activities, 3) career and educational goals, and 4) Explain how this education will enhance your ability to find employment and/or improve current employment. (Min. 500 words)
• Recent Resume with employment history, volunteer/community service, additional education/training, 2 pages maximum.
• One Letter of Recommendation: A signed and dated letter of recommendation (LOR) should be from current/former employer, mentor or coach who knows you well and can reflect on your character and potential. The recommender should detail their relationship to you, how long they have known you, and why you would be an ideal candidate for this scholarship. Letters from immediate family members are not accepted. LOR’s must be signed, dated, and not more than one year old.
• Photo:  A recent headshot

Review Process:
KEF will review all information on the vocational grant application, this would include post-training verification. KEF will provide the TNV Executive Director for the list of applicants for approval.

Disbursement of Funds:
If awarded, applicants will be notified by email. The awarded funds will be sent directly to the recipient’s school/program and may be used for reasonable expenses in conjunction with the courses taken which the committee determines as acceptable costs. Any funds not used by the recipient will be returned.

All vocational grant funds must be sent directly to the institute where training is taking place

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Tangirnaq Native Village Career Development Grant

Award: Up to $1,000; four recipients per year.
Deadline: No deadline; open continuously. Please allow up to 3 weeks for processing.

Purpose: TNV Career Development Grants (CDG) are to assist TNV enrolled citizens who have chosen to further their education/training through short-term, non-degree seeking programs such as licensing and certification trainings, seminars, workshops or other career advancing programs.

Deadline: No deadline; open continuously. Please allow up to 4 weeks for processing.

Requirements: Any qualified student who is accepted to or enrolled in a career development course and can demonstrate how the education/training will assist the student in gaining employment or job security and/or advancement. The program must be accredited or meet state or industry standards. Proof of program completion is required.

• Must be enrolled in the Tangirnaq Native Village, and
• Must be a Koniag shareholder or registered descendant
• Maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.50 or the equivalent
• Demonstrate how the training will assist student in gaining employment or job security and/or advancement.

Applicants who are not currently enrolled in the Tangirnaq Native Village must complete enrollment form and provide required documentation.  For more information on enrollment contact TNV offices at [email protected] or by calling 907-486-9872.

Required Documents for Career Development Grant
The following documents must be submitted for consideration of this grant award:

1) Essay: The purpose of the essay is to provide more detailed background information about you. Your essay should include the following (Minimum 500 words):

1. A brief personal and family history, including how you or your family is connected to Tangirnaq Native Village/Woody Island or Kodiak Island.
2. Community Involvement / volunteer activities.
3. Career and life goals.
4. Explanation on how this education/training will enhance your ability to either obtain employment and/or improve current employment.

2) Recent Resume with employment history, school activities, volunteer/community service, awards/honors, and any additional education/training (2 page maximum).

3) Proof of Cost of Program: An invoice and/or cost of attendance from the education/training program.

4) Profile Photo:   A recent headshot photo of yourself that you’d use in a professional capacity.

Review Process:
A committee will review and select recipients of awards. Awards are based on the personal essay and completeness of information in the application.

Disbursement of Funds:
If awarded, applicant will be notified by email. The awarded funds will be sent directly to the recipient’s education/training and may be used for reasonable expenses in conjunction with the courses taken which the committee determines as acceptable costs. Any funds not used by the recipient will be returned.

All career development grant funds must be sent directly to the institute where training is taking place

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The Brent Parsons Memorial Scholarship of $5,000.00 is awarded annually to one student majoring in finance and/or accounting with the highest combined KEF General application and GPA score. The student who qualifies will be identified by KEF and notified individually if they are eligible. No additional application is necessary.

Requirements:

• Must be a Koniag Shareholder or registered descendant
• 3.0 minimum cumulative GPA
• Majoring in finance and/or accounting
• Must have full-time student status
• Upperclassman preferred
• Must meet all other KEF eligibility requirements

About Brent Parsons:
There are few forces in the world with the potential to positively impact a community so much as a single experienced, passionate and dedicated leader. A person like this gives selflessly of their time and their energy, and influences everything they touch. Brent Parsons was such a man. To honor Brent’s memory and lasting impact to our Alutiiq people, Koniag and KEF are pleased to announce the Brent Parsons Memorial Scholarship.

Brent was a long-time partner in an audit firm and was integral in keeping Koniag a financially strong corporation. He drew on his vast knowledge of financial and accounting best practices to strengthen benefits for shareholders. Always a mentor, Brent worked with many of Koniag’s board members and staff to help them realize their own potential. And as a life-long learner and recipient of a KEF scholarship, Brent understood and valued education.

There is a quote from the artist Makoto Fujimura that goes, “generative paths lead to resourcefulness, patience, and general creativity in life. They lead to cultural – and human – thriving.” Brent walked a generative path in everything he did, and through this scholarship for Koniag shareholders and descendants in the fields of Accounting and Finance, Brent’s legacy will thrive for our students as they pursue their own educational goals. We know that Brent will be looking down and smiling as future generations receive degrees and achieve their fullest potential.

*Because KEF is a private nonprofit, IRS regulations require that all scholarship funds must be sent directly to the university being attended.

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The Godfrey Scholarship of $5,000.00 is awarded annually to one student majoring in community service and/or civic duty field with the highest combined KEF General application and GPA score. This scholarship was established to help our Alutiiq people pursue education in careers that exemplify positive leadership roles. The student who qualifies will be identified by KEF and notified individually if they are eligible. No additional application is necessary.
Requirements:

• 3.0 minimum cumulative GPA.
• Educational focus in community service and/or civic duty roles.
• Sophomore class standing or higher.
• Full-time student status.
• Ability to demonstrate continued community service or civic duty roles.
• Must meet all other KEF eligibility requirements.

About Glenn Godfrey:
The Glenn Godfrey Sr. Memorial Scholarship is named in honor of Mr. Glenn Godfrey Sr., an Aleut political and social leader raised on Kodiak Island. Glenn Godfrey led an exemplary career with the State Troopers, from walking a beat to finding innovative ways to improve law enforcement in rural communities, and finally serving as Commissioner of Public Safety for the State of Alaska. At his retirement, after 32 years with the Department of Public Safety, Governor Tony Knowles said, “He has distinguished himself by his selfless dedication to public service, his commitment to protecting Alaska’s children, and meeting the unprecedented public safety challenges that followed September 11th.” 

Glenn was born and raised in Kodiak and joined the Alaska State Troopers in 1970. He served as a patrol trooper in Anchorage, Juneau, and Northway, where he was responsible for drug enforcement along the Canadian border. In 1978, he was promoted as post commander for Western Alaska in Bethel where he was instrumental in the development of the Village Public Safety Officer (VPSO) program. Godfrey was later assigned to the director’s office in Anchorage and was put in charge of the VPSO program, statewide search and rescues, and the Trooper’s Special Emergency Reaction Team. Godfrey went on to serve as chief of Rural Enforcement and deputy director of the Alaska State Troopers. Knowles promoted Godfrey to director of the Trooper Division in 1995 and he succeeded Ron Otte as Commissioner of the Department in August of 2000. Upon his retirement, he was appointed to Gov. Tony Knowles’s cabinet as the Commissioner of Public Safety. Mr. Godfrey was the first Alaska Native in both posts. Godfrey also served as chairman of Koniag Inc., the ANSCA regional corporation for Kodiak, and was named “Citizen of the Year” by the Alaska Federation of Natives in 1999. 

*Because KEF is a private nonprofit, IRS regulations require that all scholarship funds must be sent directly to the university being attended.

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The Matfay scholarship of $1,000.00 is awarded annually to one student majoring in anthropology, history, Alaska Native/American Indian Studies, or other disciplines with a course of study of Alutiiq culture. The student who qualifies will be identified by KEF and notified individually if they are eligible. No additional application is necessary.

The Larry Matfay Cultural Heritage Scholarship is named in honor of Larry Matfay, an Alutiiq elder and the last chief of Akhiok. He freely shared his extensive knowledge of the Alutiiq culture to revitalize and renew our heritage and pride.

About Larry:
Larry Sava Matfay was born in 1907 in Akhiok, which was also the home of his parents, Pelagia Kejuk and Sava Matfay. Known as the last chief of Akhiok, he passed away in 1998. Mr. Matfay was a distinguished language and culture bearer, storyteller, trapper, reindeer herder, commercial fisherman, and community leader. He contributed to the revival of Alutiiq dance and to the exhibition project Looking Both Ways: Heritage and Identity of the Alutiiq People. [Last updated in 2006]

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The Drabek Award of $2,000 is awarded annually to one student majoring in education, arts, and/or cultural studies with the highest combined KEF General application and GPA score. The student who qualifies will be identified by KEF and notified individually if they are eligible. No additional application is necessary.

About Maggie:
Magnel “Maggie” E. Drabek was born in Afognak village in 1926 to Olga (daughter of Evdokia (Nekrasoff) and Peter Paul Naumoff of Afognak) and Louie Larsen (a fisherman and merchant marine originally from Alesund, Norway). Maggie was known for her fortitude, practical leadership, diplomacy, humor and creativity.

In 1947 she married Henry “Hank” Alvin Drabek of Springville, N.Y., after they met in Seattle, Wash., while Hank was decommissioning the aircraft carrier Bonhomme Richard after World War II. Together they raised two sons, Anthony “Tony” John and Alvin Lawrence. Hank was overseas for many years serving in the Navy during the Korean War. Regardless of where they lived, Maggie was always involved in community activities and recognized for her talents. For example, during their years living on the Coronado Naval Base in Southern California, she won numerous artistic awards for hat designs, publicity posters and costumes.

They returned to live in Kodiak after Hank retired from the Navy. Maggie worked for many years in the Kodiak school system as a cook and later as a teacher’s aide before retiring for health reasons. Prior to her work in Kodiak schools, she served as forelady for several prominent fish processors. Maggie’s family remembers when the 1964 earthquake and tsunami struck, the only household item she grabbed before heading for high ground was her “Big Ben” alarm clock so she wouldn’t be late for work the next morning. Ironically, while she had her alarm clock, the cannery she worked at had been washed away in the night, along with her house and all the family’s belongings.

When Maggie was a young, single woman living in Washington, she gave birth to a son who she was unable to care for at the time. Maggie made the difficult decision to give him up for adoption. Her son, Roger McCracken, now lives in Bellevue, Wash., and was reunited with his two brothers in 1998 after Tony’s search for Roger proved fruitful.

Maggie passed away in 1990. The memory of her as a loving mother, wife, friend, sister, aunt and daughter, as well as her passion for education and Alutiiq culture, lives on.