Needs Based reasoning:

The cost of attending UA has increased 56% in the last four years, and will only increase in the near future.  In addition, the cost of text books and meal plans are rising significantly, and the cost of residing on campus is expected to rise significantly in the very near future. 

These rising costs are making it increasingly more difficult for Alaskans to attend their own University.

Alaskans who WANT and are WILLING and ELIGIBLE to earn a degree to better themselves, and so the state of Alaska, should not be denied that opportunity simply because they cannot afford it.

A University of Alaska education allows its graduates to contribute to the Alaskan economy.

Merit Based reasoning:

According to the National Center for Education Statistics, Alaska ranks 42nd in high school graduation rates at 60.7%.  Lieutenant Governor Sean Parnell has recognized and publicly stated that if we improve this graduation rate by 5% we can reduce law enforcement and prison costs by millions of dollars. 

The idea, as shared by Parnell, is that a Merit Scholarship would act as an incentive for students to graduate.  The requirement of a C+ average to qualify for the scholarship was discussed. 

A merit based scholarship would reward those students that have achieved and so encourage them to continue their education so they may better contribute to Alaska.

Economic – A new economy requires a higher-ed degree.  The fastest growing sectors of a thriving economy require a higher-ed degree.

The growing health sciences field hires EVERY UA graduate that applies.  Yet, we import 60% of the health workforce because UA is not producing enough graduates.  The imported workforce costs 3 times as much as hiring an Alaskan, leading to an artificially high cost of living.

The North Slope also hires EVERY UA graduate that applies.  Yet we import a vast majority of the workforce as well.  The imported workforce generally retires outside of Alaska, putting their earning in another state’s economy. 

Alaskans should fill Alaskan jobs FIRST.  This means that every academically eligible Alaskan should be able to receive the proper education to fill those jobs.

Intellectual – A higher education develops critical thinkers who tend to be more civically involved.  The University provides an environment for people from different backgrounds to interact with each other and to learn from each other, and develop an appreciation for one another.

The state of Alaska will be facing many challenges in the future that will require a citizenry that is engaged and able to critically evaluate the situation to develop effective solutions. 

Alaska has many diverse needs and the University provides the opportunity for students to meet others and learn about those needs.  Urban students interact with rural students and vice versa.  As a result, they value each other.

Occupational – Quite simply, an Alaskan who earns a University degree will earn on average, $1 million more then if they had not.  That is $1 million that will be spent and used in the economy.  That is $1 million that the graduate can use to sustain themselves without the help of government programs.

Health –

Society –

Alaska Achievers Incentive Program

Those most in financial need are those least likely to graduate high school.

The AAIP will encourage, through reward, students to graduate high school.

Those that achieve success through good grades and have demonstrated a financial need will be aided in their pursuit of a higher education.