UAF launches Nanook Pledge 4-year scholarship program

December 17, 2019

Two students staning outside while it's snowing.

The University of Alaska Fairbanks will offer four-year scholarships to eligible students beginning in the fall 2020 semester.

The new scholarship program, Nanook Pledge, will provide four years of annual assistance to first-year students, transfer students and readmitted students at UAF. Awards will range from $1,000 to $10,000 per year, and will be based on criteria that include test scores, grade-point averages and tuition rates. Funding for Nanook Pledge will come from existing private and university funds.

Currently, many UAF scholarships only provide funding a single year at a time. Nanook Pledge is designed to overhaul the UAF scholarship process to allow for four years of predictable financial assistance to students, said Samara Taber, director of UAF’s Office of Admissions.

“Four-year scholarships enable students to plan their academic career with a greater level of financial certainty so they can concentrate on their coursework,” Taber said. “UAF is committed to supporting student success, and this is one way we can help.”

In addition to providing more financial certainty for students and their families, Nanook Pledge will help maximize students' access to existing scholarship funds.

Nanook Pledge is part of a broader effort to provide incoming UAF students with a better understanding of their higher-education expenses.

Starting in January, admitted UAF students who qualify for the award will start receiving notification of their scholarships. This spring, students will receive a financial aid offer letter detailing their total cost to attend UAF, factoring in Nanook Pledge scholarships, tuition rates and other financial aid. UAF will also provide each newly admitted student with a personalized video that outlines their anticipated financial aid and expenses in clear terms.

“Students are at the heart of UAF’s mission, and we are are excited to invest in our their academic success through the Nanook Pledge scholarship,” Taber said.

More details about the scholarship program are available at https://uaf.edu/finaid/nanook-pledge.php.