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Where do I send my application? Sealaska Heritage Institute, One Sealaska Plaza, Suite 301; Juneau, AK  99801.

May I fax my application? No. Faxed applications will not be accepted.

When will SHI mail my scholarship funds? SHI mails annual scholarship awards in installments, and the timing varies depending on whether students are on a semester, tri-semester or quarter system. Students on the semester system get the first check in fall and a second check in spring. Students on the tri-semester system generally get the first check in fall, a second check in winter and a third check in summer, depending on the number of semesters the students say they are taking. Students on the quarter system get the first check in fall, a second check in winter, a third check in spring and a fourth check in summer, depending on the number of quarters students say they are taking. See also Scholarship Schedule.

I received a scholarship award but I have not received the first check. Why haven't I received it yet? Initial scholarship checks are not mailed until the end of the first week of August. Also, scholarship checks are never mailed directly to the student. The checks are mailed to the school and made payable to the school and the student.

I received my first scholarship check, but I'm still waiting for the second check. Why is it taking so long? Check with your school's Financial Aid Office (FAO). The FAO must return a completed scholarship disbursement form to SHI to receive additional scholarship funds. The form is included with the first scholarship checks mailed to the FAO in August. FAOs may speed up payment by faxing the form to SHI at (907) 586-9293.

If I receive a scholarship award, how much money will I get? Scholarship awards differ from year to year and from person to person. Your scholarship award will be based on the amount of funds received from Sealaska Corp., the number of students who applied, your class standing and your cumulative GPA.

I have 100 Sealaska shares. Do I get more money? No. Scholarship awards are not based on the number of shares owned. Your scholarship award will be based on the amount of funds available, the number of students who applied, your class standing and your cumulative GPA.

My friend received more money than I did. Why did I get less? Your friend may have had a higher class standing or a higher cumulative GPA.

I forgot to renew my scholarship application. Is it too late to get a scholarship? Applications must be postmarked on or before March 1 of every year. Applications postmarked after March 1 will not be considered.

What if I don't receive my official transcripts in time to make the March 1 deadline? If you do not receive your official transcripts on time, SHI will accept a receipt from the school's Financial Aid Office showing proof of payment for transcripts.

I want to get an AA degree (2-year degree). May I apply for a scholarship? Yes.

I want to get my truck driving training in Seattle. May I apply for a scholarship? Yes. SHI provides scholarships for vocational and technical training. However, the Scholarship Selection Committee determines the award amount by length of training.

I'm adopted, but my biological mother (or father) is a Sealaska shareholder. Do I qualify for a scholarship? Yes.

My stepfather is a Sealaska shareholder. However, I am not a shareholder or a Native lineal descendant. Do I qualify for a scholarship? No.

My tuition, books and school fees are paid but I still have scholarship money in my account at the Financial Aid Office. Can I have it? Yes. If tuition, books and school fees have been paid, the remaining funds may be released to the student for living expenses.

I had a low GPA. Am I still eligible for a scholarship? You must have a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher to be eligible. However, the Scholarship Selection Committee may consider applicants with GPAs lower than 2.0. Those applicants must submit a letter with their application explaining why their GPA is below the threshold.

I was denied because I forgot to turn in my transcripts. Do I have any recourse? Students denied a scholarship for any reason may write an appeal letter to SHI President Rosita Worl. Clearly explain your reasons why you are appealing the decision and include documentation to back up your reasons.

I applied to multiple schools and don't know which school I will attend yet. Will that disqualify me? No. You have until July 15 to turn in your school admission/acceptance letter (must be postmarked on or before July 15).

Sealaska Corp. already has a record of my Shareholder Identification Card. Why do I have to submit a copy? Sealaska Heritage Institute is separate from Sealaska Corp., and SHI does not have immediate access to that information. Sealaska Corp's. toll free number is 1-800-848-5921.

If I received a Sealaska scholarship last year, do I need to go through the same process again to get another scholarship this year? You must reapply to get another scholarship. However, the application is different, and you do not have to resubmit some of the documents required of new applicants.

When are scholarship applications due? Applications must be postmarked on or before March 1 of each year.

I can't find my birth certificate and I have to order another one. How do I order another birth certificate? Contact the Bureau of Vital Statistics in the state where you were born.

I have ordered a copy of my birth certificate, but I will not receive it by the March 1 deadline. May I still apply for a scholarship? Yes, but SHI needs proof you have ordered a copy of your birth certificate. You must include a copy of the completed birth-certificate request form with your scholarship application.

I have ordered my Tribal Enrollment Card but I will not receive it by the March 1 deadline. May I still apply for a scholarship? Yes, but SHI needs proof you have ordered your Tribal Enrollment Card. You must include a copy of the completed request form for the card with your scholarship application.

My mom (or dad) wants to gift me Sealaska shares so I can apply for a scholarship. Do they have to do that? No. You already qualify as a descendant.

Still have questions? Please call the Juneau office at (907) 586-9170 or toll free at 888-311-4992 or email us at scholarship@sealaska.com

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