Providing connectivity to 240 Alaska communities requires a lot of investment to build, maintain and service our networks. But GCI recognizes that our most-important investments are those that support our customers and the communities we serve. That is why, over the past 20 years, GCI has awarded over $6 million in scholarships to hundreds of Alaska students attending accredited colleges and vocational/trade schools across the nation.
This year GCI has committed $100,000 to support 50 Alaska students through two different scholarships. Forty students will be awarded scholarships through the GCI Scholarship Program. An additional 10 scholarships will be awarded to Alaska Pacific University students through the GCI Donovan Walsh Scholarship.
About the GCI Scholarship Program
Forty Alaska students who have decided to pursue a career in Science, Technology, Education and Math (STEM) will each receive a $2,000 scholarship through the GCI Scholarship Program for the 2021-22 academic year, which can be used for tuition and books.
Applicants for the GCI Scholarship must be a graduating senior of an Alaska high school and be seeking a degree or certification in the fields of science, technology, engineering, math, or business/innovation with the intention of returning to Alaska to start their career. Preference will be given to applicants who participate in STEM-based extracurricular activities, including E-Sports through the Alaska School Activities Association.
Applications must be submitted no later than 5 p.m. AKST on March 18, 2021. Click here for more information about the GCI Scholarship Program.
About the GCI Donovan Walsh Scholarship
GCI is providing an extra boost of academic support for 10 Alaska students through a $20,000 donation to Alaska Pacific University in honor of Donovan Walsh, an Alaskan who suddenly passed away in late August 2020. APU will use the donation to administer the GCI Donovan Walsh Scholarship.
Donovan was the son of Bob Walsh, a longtime GCI employee beloved by all who have worked with him. As GCI’s Director of Rural Affairs, Bob played a key role in delivering connectivity to small, rural communities statewide. Bob retired from GCI in 2019.
Ten scholarships will be awarded to students based on need for the fall 2021 semester. While these scholarships are available for all current and incoming students, preference will be given to students from rural Alaska and Alaska Native and Native American students. The university will oversee the student application and selection process.
Second consideration will be given to students who demonstrate financial need. Individuals wishing to apply for the scholarship provided by GCI must:
- Be enrolled at least part-time in an undergraduate or graduate program
- Be in good academic standing with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0
Students can apply for the scholarship through APU’s scholarship webpage. Students will be expected to fill out a short application and submit a biography and essay explaining why they are applying for the scholarship and how it will help them meet their goals.
GCI employs almost 2,000 Alaskans and is one of Alaska’s leaders in corporate philanthropy, donating approximately $2 million each year in cash, products and connectivity to organizations across the state. A skilled workforce has always been essential to Alaska’s economy, which is why GCI has been offering scholarships to Alaska students for more than 20 years.