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College & Career Training in Alaska

21Jan

Alaska Performance Scholarship: Using it for Career & Technical Training!

Not everyone has a desire to be college bound during their senior year.  Instead, they may be focused on career and technical education (CTE) training options to start their career and enter into the workforce.  Just like college, there can be costs associated with getting an education.  Thankfully, the Alaska Performance Scholarship can be used at CTE Institutions and Training Centers.

What are CTE/Training Centers?

CTE Institutions and Training Centers prepare you for job in a specific industry. This training is usually offered through trade or technical schools that focus on practical application of skills through hands-on-training.  Some types of training include but not limited to barber, hairdresser, culinary arts, welding, and truck driving.  You can use your APS at these approved training institutions (please note only certain programs at each training institution are approved for APS funding).

How to qualify?

  1. Make a plan to complete the APS curriculum with your high school counselor. Start with the checklist for your class year.
  2. Work to achieve the highest GPA you can.
  3. Prepare for and take the SAT, ACT, and/or WorkKeys test. Take it early, so you can retake it if you want to better your score.
  4. Research participating Alaska training programs and choose the one that's right for you. Apply early.
  5. File the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) soon after October 1, the fall BEFORE the semester starts, for every year you want to use the award. If your training program doesn’t accept federal funding, you will need to complete the APS Alternative Application for Non-Title IV Schools
  6. Optional: Create an account in to the Alaska Student Aid Portal (ASAP) to track your status.

If you have any questions about postsecondary options, please come by the ACPE Success Center located at the Dimond Center Mall.  For more information or to schedule an appointment, please call us at 1 (800) 441-2962, option #4.

About the Author

Tyler Eggen

Tyler Eggen

Tyler is Alaskan born and educated, with over a decade of experience in higher education & student affairs.  When he is not serving the next generation of postsecondary education students, he enjoys spending time outdoors while hunting and fishing.

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