Cook Inlet RCAC Scholarships

The CIRCAC/James Carter Memorial Scholarship is offered for Environmental Sciences, in honor of the late James Carter and in recognition of his dedicated service as Executive Director of the CIRCAC Board of Directors.

The CIRCAC/Captain Barry Eldridge Memorial Scholarship is offered for Maritime Studies. Until his death in October 2012, Capt. Richard “Barry” Eldridge was an integral part of the CIRCAC family. He served as a valued public member of the Prevention, Response, Operations and Safety (PROPS) committee for 17 years.

Both men epitomized volunteerism and generosity in their commitment to the Council and its mission. We are a better organization because of their involvement.

CIRCAC launched its scholarship program to support area students who are pursuing courses of study that can advance our mission and promote future stewardship of Cook Inlet’s waters and shorelines.

Eligibility:

Graduating seniors and recent graduates who are planning to attend a college or university to pursue an undergraduate degree in an environmental science – and who reside in the vicinity of Cook Inlet, Alaska (specifically: Anchorage, the Kenai Peninsula [excluding Seward], Kodiak Island) – are eligible to apply. Seniors must be attending schools in the Anchorage School District, Kenai Peninsula Borough School District, Kodiak Island Borough School District, a home schooling program, or private schools within the boundaries of these districts, or be a recent high school graduate. Recently discharged veterans are also encouraged to apply. Past applicants may re-apply.

Submission:

A completed application package must be submitted and received by the deadline indicated on the application, and must be accompanied by:

• Completed and signed Application Form
• Most recent transcript (copy acceptable)
• Letters of recommendation (at least 2; not from family members)
• Personal essay (500 words or less) outlining: your educational and career goals
• (particularly as they align with CIRCAC’s objectives); a statement of financial benefit; personal accomplishments; and how this scholarship will help you impact the culture and environment of Cook Inlet
• Proof of Alaska residency (copies of PFD eligibility; driver’s license; military ID; other)

Process:

Late or incomplete applications at deadline will be rejected. Materials will be reviewed for completeness and eligibility. A committee of CIRCAC Directors will select the finalists for interviews, which will last about 15 minutes and be conducted via teleconference, typically on a single day. Recipients will be selected that day. All applicants will be notified following the Committee’s selection.

Scholarship Awards will be announced to the community through notices to local media outlets, and through CIRCAC public outreach efforts (newsletter, website, others)

Scholarships are presented in the form of a “Letter of Award” and Certificate issued by CIRCAC to the recipient. Funds will be released in a single payment directly to the school or program upon receipt of verification of enrollment (e.g. - course schedule and Student ID) issued by the school’s proper authority. Scholarship funds may not be used to cover payments for any prior academic period. Scholarships are intended for the upcoming academic year only, without permission from CIRCAC.