Cook Inlet Regional Citizens Advisory Council
Guidelines – 2019 Capt. Barry Eldridge Scholarship for Maritime Studies $2,500.00 Scholarship Available

Background: Congress created the Cook Inlet Regional Citizens Advisory Council (CIRCAC) via the Oil Pollution Act of 1990 (OPA 90). The Council is mandated to perform environmental monitoring in Cook Inlet, Alaska; engage in oil spill prevention and response planning; and educate the citizens of Cook Inlet with information about our work. In that spirit, we are pleased to offer a $2,500 scholarship for a selected student with educational and career ambitions that mirror our Congressional mandates. CIRCAC’s goal is to assist Cook Inlet area students to launch or complete maritime skills training in any of a broad range of applicable programs of study at a Maritime Academy, vocational school or maritime program.

~ Please read and follow these Guidelines carefully; omissions may disqualify applicants ~

Eligibility:

Submission:

Graduating seniors and recent graduates who are planning to attend maritime vocational schools or academies for certifications or undergraduate degrees – and who reside in the vicinity of Cook Inlet, Alaska (specifically: Anchorage, the western Kenai Peninsula and Kodiak Island) – are eligible to apply. Seniors must be attending schools in the Anchorage School District, Kenai Peninsula Borough School District (excluding Seward), 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 encouraged to apply.

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 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 (PFD eligibility; driver’s license; military ID; other)

  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 be conducted via teleconference. All applicants may re-apply for future scholarships. Interviews of about 15 minutes will be held telephonically.

  Scholarships are in the form of a “Letter of Award” issued by CIRCAC to the recipient. Scholarship 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. Any scholarship funds paid to the school and not used within twelve months will be returned by the school to CIRCAC.

  Applicants and their schools will be notified by letter following the Committee’s decision. Scholarship Awards will be announced to the community through notices to local media outlets, and through public outreach.

Process:

~ Completed Applications Must be Received by 5:00 p.m. March 26, 2019 ~

Send Applications and related materials by mail, FAX or e-mail to:

Cook Inlet Regional Citizens Advisory Council – Scholarship Committee
8195 Kenai Spur Highway, Kenai, AK 99611
FAX: (907) 283-6102 ~ jerryrombach@circac.org ~ Questions? Call: (907) 283-7222