The Kuskokwim Educational Foundation (KEF) is a private foundation with a mission to contribute to the future of our region by providing effective educational assistance in order for students to obtain the tools, knowledge and skills to become successful and contributing members of their communities. In our pursuit of higher education and training, KEF has provided more than $650,000 to shareholders and Yukon Kuskokwim region Alaskans since its inception. A Board of Directors oversees the operation of the foundation and reviews all scholarship applications. Board Members are Dana Diehl, Quentin Simeon, Christina Beshaw, Charlene Hoffman and Amanda Hoffman.
Competitive Scholarship Awards
Glenn Fredericks Memorial Scholarship
Tiny was a leader in the formation of the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA and played a major role in the merger of TKC’s ten Village Corporations. The scholarship award varies from year to year.
Leo Morgan Memorial Scholarship
Leo Morgan Memorial Scholarship was formed to honor Leo. Leo was very active with The Kuskokwim Corporation and was one of TKC’s founding fathers. The scholarship award varies from year to year.
Nixie Mellick Memorial Scholarship
Throughout Nick Mellick’s life, he was a bush pilot, fur trader, lodge owner, fishing guide, Native leader, businessman and historian. The Nick “Nixe” Mellick Memorial Scholarship is for students entering into the field of business. The scholarship award varies from year to year.
Mary Morgan-Wolf Memorial Scholarship
The purpose of the Mary Morgan Wolf Memorial Scholarship Fund is to honor her life by making a scholarship available to a Native Student from the Middle Kuskokwim region who is entering into a health-related field. The scholarship award varies from year to year.
Palmetto Scholarship
Palmetto Scholarship was created by a generous donation by Cheryl & Sam Boyle. It is available to any TKC shareholder in recognition of the close ties between TKC and the State of South Carolina. Cheryl and Sam Boyle are the major donors to this special scholarship application. The scholarship award varies from year to year.
Scholarship Qualifications
Students planning to attend a college or university must have a high school diploma or possess a G.E.D. All applicants must be in good academic standing. Full-time college undergraduates must maintain at least a 2.5 grade point average (GPA where 4.0 = A) and complete a minimum of 12 credit hours or the equivalent per semester.
All KEF applications must be accompanied by:
- A letter or essay describing the student’s personal background, educational objectives and plans for financing their education (Returning students need to state their intention to enroll for the next semester and write about their academic experience in the last semester)
- A recent photo (no copyright photos please)
- Two letters of recommendation (new students)
- Official transcripts from high school, vocational schools or colleges (applies to new and returning students)
Due Dates due date for applications:
Fall Semester: July 15th
Spring Semester: December 15th
Non-Profit Tax Status
The Internal Revenue Service recognizes the Kuskokwim Educational Foundation, Inc. as a non-profit private foundation fully funded by donations from private individuals and companies. All donations made to KEF qualify for the charitable contribution deduction when filing your income taxes.
