Gana-A'Yoo Foundation
Educational, Career, and Cultural Opportunities
Gana-A’Yoo Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Its mission is to promote independence for Gana-A’Yoo shareholders and descendants through educational and career opportunities.
Since 2000, the Foundation has awarded more than $800,000 to students seeking higher education, to include vocational and technical training. Many of our recipients have graduated with certifications and degrees from the Universities of Fairbanks, Anchorage and Alaska Southeast. Students enter programs of their choosing, which empowers them to define success on their own terms.
The Foundation is funded by endowments from Gana-A’Yoo, along with private donations through various fund-raising activities, employee contributions, and through corporate donations like Alyeska Pipeline’s Section 29 Alaska Native Program grant as well. The Foundation’s board of directors gratefully accepts donations through our online platform at any time.
Board of Directors
KAITLYN DEMOSKI
VICE PRESIDENT
CORINNE STICKMAN
SECRETARY/TREASURER
LINDA FLEURY
DIRECTOR
VERA LESTENKOF
DIRECTOR
PAUL MOUNTAIN
DIRECTOR
Our Mission
- Promoting independence for Gana-A’Yoo shareholders and descendants through educational and career opportunities.
Our Vision
- Sustainable investment in our people through strategic partnerships and financial growth.
Our Values
- Communication
- Teamwork
- Equity
- Integrity
Scholarships
Gana-A’Yoo Foundation uses SmarterSelect as an all-online scholarship application, processing, and awarding platform. Students must submit their scholarship applications online.
For assistance, please contact us at:
Deadlines
| Open | Deadline | |
|---|---|---|
| Summer General Scholarship | April 1 | May 15 |
| Fall/Spring Competitive Scholarship | May 20 | July 1 |
| Fall General Scholarship | May 20 | July 1 |
| Spring General Scholarship | October 20 | December 1 |
| Career & Technical Education Scholarship | Available year-round | |
| Travel & Logistics Scholarship | Available year-round | |
| Work Clothes Scholarship | Available year-round |
Competitive Scholarship
Requirements
- 300-500 word personal essay detailing academic and career goals, and cultural leadership/community involvement
- Two professional letters of recommendation (i.e., mentors, faculty/advisor, or employer) *Note: letters from family members or friends are not accepted
- Cumulative GPA of 3.00 and enrollment in at least 12.00 credit hours for both fall and spring semesters
| Undergraduate programs | $1,800 |
| Graduate programs | $2,000 |
| PhD/JD/MD | $2,200 |
General Scholarship
Requirements
- Cumulative GPA of 2.00
- Full-time: Must be enrolled in at least 12 credits per semester
- Part-time: Must be enrolled in at least 3 credits per semester
Fall 2026 General Scholarship:
| Full-time | $750 per semester |
| Part-time | $500 per semester |
Career & Technical Education Scholarship
Are you a Gana-A’Yoo, Limited shareholder or descendant enrolled in a technical or vocational school program? You may be eligible for our Career and Technical Education (CTE) Scholarship.
CTE scholarships may be used to cover training costs, program supplies, travel, food, and lodging.
Requirements
- Applicant must be a Gana-A’Yoo shareholder or descendant
- Must be enrolled in a technical or vocational school program
| CTE Scholarship | $1,500 |
Travel & Logistics Scholarship
Gana-A’Yoo, Limited shareholders and descendants enrolled in a training or certification program may be eligible for our Travel & Logistics Scholarship.
The Travel & Logistics Scholarship may be used to cover airfare, mileage reimbursement, and lodging, up to $1,500.
Requirements
- Applicant must be a Gana-A’Yoo shareholder or descendant
- Must be enrolled in a job training or education program
- Limit one (1) per applicant per 12-month cycle
| Travel & Logistics Scholarship | Up to $1,500 |
Work Clothes Scholarship
Are you a Gana-A’Yoo shareholder or descendant needing help to obtain required work clothing for employment? Our Work Clothes Scholarship helps provide the essential items needed to enter or success in the workforce.
This scholarship may be used to support the purchase of required work clothing and related items, including:
- Arctic/outdoor gear
- EFF gear for firefighters
- Professional clothing
- First-time union dues
- Certification cards
- Short-term trainings (3 weeks or less) that lead to employment
- And other employment-related barriers
Requirements
- Applicant must be a Gana-A’Yoo shareholder or descendant
- Eligible applicants must provide proof of employment
- Applicants must disclose if similar funding was received elsewhere.
- Note: Applicant will not be eligible for awards from multiple organizations in the same term
- Limit three (3) awards per lifetime | one (1) per 12-month cycle
| Work Clothes Scholarship | $1,000 |