Scholarships at PWSC
Prince William Sound College Scholarships
All new and current degree-seeking PWSC students enrolled in financial aid–eligible programs may apply for PWSC scholarships. PWSC scholarships are competitive awards supported primarily through local community donations. Eligibility criteria, application deadlines, and award amounts vary by scholarship. Only one application is required to be considered for all PWSC student scholarships.
Award amounts vary and typically range from $250 to $1,250 per semester.
For questions, please contact Student Affairs at (907) 834-1600 or email pwsc.student.services@alaska.edu.
All scholarship funds are disbursed after the add/drop deadline each semester.
How to Apply
PWSC has transitioned away from Kaleidoscope to AWARDED, the University of Alaska’s new scholarship management platform. However, there is a transition period for Spring 2026, and AWARDED will not be available until after that semester.
During this gap period, students must submit their Spring 2026 scholarship application through the PWSC Scholarship Application (Google Form).
Apply here: PWSC Student Scholarship Application
Eligibility Requirements
To receive a PWSC scholarship, students must:
- Be degree-seeking at Prince William Sound College
- Meet Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP)
- Be enrolled in at least 6 PWSC credits during the award semester
Application Requirements
Students must submit:
- One letter of recommendation (uploaded in the application or emailed to registration@alaska.edu)
- A 500–700 word essay response to the following prompt:
- In 500–700 words, describe an experience that has shaped your goals or who you are today. This could include contributing to your family or community, challenging an idea or decision, or navigating a moment of personal growth or new understanding. Please also share how this scholarship would support your educational or career goals.
- A completed FAFSA (recommended depending on funding source)
Some scholarship funds may give preference to students who graduated from Valdez High School, students who have lived in Valdez for at least three years, and U.S. military veterans or active-duty service members.
Deadlines
- Fall: August 15, 2025 by 11:59 pm AKT.
- Spring: January 2, 2026 by 11:59 pm AKT.
Award Notification
- Students will be notified of scholarship decisions through their preferred email before the add/drop deadline. As part of receiving a scholarship, students are required to submit a thank you statement before funds can be applied to their student account.
Contact Information:
Phone: (907) 834-1600
Email: pwsc.student.services@alaska.edu
- PWSC Student Scholarship
PWSC Merit Scholarship
Recognizes scholastic achievement, degree progress, and community engagement of first-year, continuing, and transfer students. Academic record, in addition to in-class and out of class activity and commitment to both scholarly and civic pursuits, will be considered.
Award amount: varies on GPA, scholastic achievement and civic pursuits.
Stan Stephens Memorial Scholarship
The PWSC Stan Stephens Memorial Scholarship recognizes scholastic achievement, degree progress, and community engagement for first-year, continuing, and transfer students.
Award amount: varies
Minimum GPA: 2.5
Part-Time Student Scholarship
The PWSC Part-Time Student Scholarship recognizes scholastic achievement and degree progress for the first year, continuing, and transfer students enrolled in 6-11 credits.
Award amount: varies
Minimum GPA: 2.5
GED Completion Grant
Supports students admitted to a degree program who completed their GED from PWSC within the past year.
Award amount: $250-$500 per semester
Note: One grant awarded per semester. Minimum enrollment of 6 credits per semester. Renewable with at least a 2.5 semester GPA. The award is contingent on positive endorsement by the PWSC Alaska Adult Education (ABE) coordinator.
Eyak Award
Available to students holding Eyak Tribal membership, students enrolled at the Cordova Extension Center, or residents of Cordova studying at the main campus in Valdez. Scholastic record, community involvement, and need will be considered.
Award amount: varies
Minimum GPA: 2.5
Note: To be eligible for this scholarship, students need only be enrolled in at least 6 credits. Students will not be considered for both the Regional High School Award and the Eyak Award. Fall awards renewable to spring; minimum GPA to maintain scholarship is a 2.25.
Application Deadline
- Fall: August 15, 2025
- Spring: January 2, 2026
Note: Students will not be considered for both the Merit Scholarship and the Regional High School Graduate Award. Fall awards are renewable for spring; minimum GPA to maintain scholarship is a 2.0, and drop in semester grades may result in reduction of the original award amount.
- Dr. John Devens Endowed Scholarship
The Dr. John Devens Endowed Scholarship provides financial assistance for tuition and other related educational expenses to students enrolled at Prince William Sound College. Recipients must have minimum high school grade point average (GPA) of 2.0. Recipients must have minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.0. Recipients must submit an essay, of about 500-700 words, on one of the following three topics: 1. Discuss the ways in which they have contributed to their family or community. 2. Describe a time they have challenged or questioned an idea or action, and what the outcome was. 3. Describe an event that brought about personal growth and new understanding. Preference will be given to students who have graduated from Valdez High School, or who have lived in Valdez for at least three (3) years.
Award amount for 2024-2025: Minimum $1,000
- PWSC Active Duty and Veterans Scholarship
The PWSC Veterans and Active Duty Scholarship offers financial assistance for tuition and other related educational expenses to part-time or full-time military affiliated students at Prince William Sound College. Students selected to receive a Fall semester scholarship award are renewable for the next Spring semester as long as the student maintains eligibility and continues to meet Satisfactory Academic Progress eligibility.
Award amount: varies
Minimum GPA: 2.5
Application Deadline
- Fall: August 15, 2025
- Spring: January 2, 2026
Note: Fall awards are renewable for spring; minimum GPA to maintain scholarship is a 2.0, and drop in semester grades may result in a reduction of the original award amount.
- PWSC Early Admissions Scholarship
The PWSC Early Admissions Scholarship offers financial assistance for tuition and other related educational expenses to full-time newly admitted students at Prince William Sound College. Students selected to receive a Fall semester scholarship award are renewable for the next Spring semester as long as the student maintains eligibility and continues to meet Satisfactory Academic Progress eligibility.
Award amount: varies
Minimum GPA: 2.0
Application Deadline
- Fall: February 15, 2025
Note: Fall awards are renewable for spring; minimum GPA to maintain scholarship is a 2.0, and drop in semester grades may result in a reduction of the original award amount.
- Regional High School Graduate Award
Recognizes scholastic achievement and civic involvement of recent area high school graduates (Valdez, Cordova, Glennallen, Kenny Lake, and Slana High Schools). The scholarship is awarded in May to high school seniors who enroll at PWSC the following fall semester.
Award amount: varies
Minimum GPA: 2.75
Application Deadline
- Fall: May 14, 2025
Note: Students will not be considered for both the Area High School Graduate Award and the Merit Scholarship. Fall awards renewable to spring; minimum GPA to maintain scholarship is a 2.5, and drop in semester grades may result in a reduction of the original award amount.
- Archery Sportsmanship Scholarship
Supports the full-time study of students actively involved in the PWSC Collegiate Archery Program.
Award amount: varies
Minimum GPA: 2.5
Application Deadline
- Fall: August 15, 2025
- Spring: January 2, 2026
Note: To qualify, applicants must actively participate in the archery program by enrolling in the Collegiate Archery Course and/or demonstrating active involvement in the PWSC Archery Club. No prior archery experience is required for consideration. Withdrawal from participation in the class or the club will result in revocation of the award.