Alaska School Districts: Help Students Qualify for Performance Scholarship Through Research (2026)

The Alaska Opportunity: $7,000 in State Scholarship Funding

Alaska students who complete a rigorous high school curriculum, maintain a 2.5 GPA, and achieve qualifying test scores can receive the Alaska Performance Scholarship (APS)—up to $7,000 per year for four years at Alaska colleges and career training programs.

The Challenge: Students need advanced science and mathematics coursework to satisfy APS rigorous curriculum requirements. Rural and remote Alaska districts often struggle to provide these courses locally.

The Solution: Research fellowships provide advanced STEM coursework accessible to students statewide, helping more Alaska students qualify for state scholarship dollars while building college-ready skills.

Alaska Performance Scholarship Requirements

Rigorous Curriculum Options (AS 14.43.820)

The Alaska Performance Scholarship requires students to complete one of two curriculum tracks:

Option A: Mathematics and Science Curriculum

• 4 units mathematics
• 4 units language arts
• 4 units science
• 4 units social studies (one unit may be world language, fine arts, or cultural heritage)

Option B: Social Studies and Language Curriculum

• 3 units mathematics
• 4 units language arts
• 3 units science
• 4 units social studies
• 2 units world language or Alaska Native language

Additional Requirements:

• Minimum 2.5 high school GPA
• Qualifying test scores: ACT 21+, SAT 1450+, or WorkKeys composite 13+

Award Levels (2024):

• Level 1 (Honors): Up to $7,000/year
• Level 2 (Merit): Up to $5,250/year
• Level 3 (Scholar): Up to $3,500/year

Students may receive awards for up to 8 semesters at qualifying Alaska institutions.

How Research Supports APS Qualification

Advanced Science Credit

Research fellowships provide rigorous science coursework that satisfies APS science requirements.

For Option A Students: Research provides the advanced science content needed to complete 4 units of high school science. Students engage in authentic scientific inquiry—hypothesis development, experimental design, data analysis, evidence-based conclusions—that exceeds standard classroom science courses.

For Option B Students: Research provides the third year of science required, with level of rigor appropriate for college-bound students.

Course Approval Process: Under 4 AAC 43.030(j), districts that offer courses meeting APS requirements but not clearly falling within standard course names may request approval from the Alaska Department of Education & Early Development. Research can be submitted as advanced science independent study for APS approval.

College-Level Academic Rigor

APS regulations require that approved courses must be "college or industry preparatory" and must "meet or exceed the standards and grade-level expectations" in Alaska Standards: Content and Performance Standards for Alaska Students (4 AAC 43.030(g)).

Research fellowships satisfy these requirements through:

Advanced Content: Students work with complex scientific literature, apply advanced mathematics and statistics, and produce publication-quality research manuscripts.

Professional Standards: Research follows protocols used by professional scientists and undergoes peer review process similar to academic publishing.

College-Level Skills: Students develop research design skills, technical writing abilities, and data analysis competencies at collegiate level.

Documented Rigor: Published research manuscripts provide tangible evidence of college-preparatory work for APS verification.

Small and Remote School Solution

Statutory Recognition of Access Challenges

Alaska statute explicitly recognizes that students in small and remote schools may lack reasonable access to required APS coursework. AS 14.43.820(c) allows the Commissioner to waive portions of curriculum requirements for students who demonstrate "lack of reasonable access to the required coursework at a small or remote high school."

Virtual Research as Access Solution

Research fellowships eliminate geographic barriers to advanced STEM education:

No Travel Required: Students participate virtually from any Alaska location—whether Anchorage, Barrow, or rural villages.

Flexible Scheduling: Asynchronous participation accommodates Alaska lifestyles including subsistence activities, fishing seasons, and weather disruptions.

Equal Access: Rural students receive same expert mentorship and research resources as students in urban districts.

Cost-Effective: Districts avoid expenses of teacher recruitment, relocation incentives, or costly distance delivery programs.

Alaska-Relevant Research Topics

Research topics can reflect Alaska priorities and student experiences:

Climate & Environment:

• Arctic climate change impacts
• Permafrost degradation and infrastructure
• Alaska ecosystem responses to warming
• Wildlife habitat changes

Energy & Sustainability:

• Renewable energy for rural Alaska communities
• Microgrids and energy storage in remote locations
• Heating efficiency in Arctic conditions
• Energy independence for villages

Natural Resources:

• Sustainable fisheries management
• Forest health and wildfire impacts
• Water resource management
• Subsistence resource sustainability

This cultural relevance strengthens student engagement while building college applications that showcase Alaska perspectives.

WorkKeys Career Pathway

Career and College Readiness Assessment

Alaska requires all 11th grade students to take a College and Career Readiness Assessment (CCRA) to earn a high school diploma (AS 14.03.075). Districts must offer WorkKeys and either ACT or SAT.

WorkKeys for APS Qualification: Students can qualify for APS using WorkKeys scores instead of traditional college entrance exams. Minimum composite score of 13 (with no individual score below 4) in:

• Applied Mathematics
• Reading for Information
• Locating Information

APS CTE Award: Students qualifying with WorkKeys scores receive APS awards usable at approved career and technical education programs in Alaska.

Research Strengthens WorkKeys Performance

Research fellowships build precisely the skills WorkKeys assessments measure:

Applied Mathematics: Students analyze quantitative data, perform statistical calculations, interpret graphs and charts, and apply mathematical concepts to real-world problems.

Reading for Information: Research requires reading technical documents, scientific literature, and complex instructions—developing the workplace reading skills WorkKeys evaluates.

Locating Information: Data analysis involves finding information in tables, graphs, diagrams, and technical documents—core WorkKeys competencies.

Real-World Context: Unlike test prep, research provides authentic application of these skills in scientific contexts, building deeper understanding that transfers to WorkKeys performance.

Implementation for Alaska Districts

Course Structure Options

Option 1: Advanced Science Elective

• Offer as 1-credit advanced science course
• Satisfies 4th year science for APS Option A
• Transcript: "Advanced Scientific Research" or "Independent Study - Science"

Option 2: Independent Study Credit

• Available to students who have completed standard science sequence
• Provides differentiated learning for advanced students
• Transcript: "Science Independent Study" or "Research Methods"

Option 3: Dual Credit Arrangement

• Partner with University of Alaska for concurrent enrollment
• Students earn both high school and college credit
• Strengthens college applications

APS Approval Process

Step 1: District determines research satisfies APS curriculum requirements under 4 AAC 43.030(j).

Step 2: If course name doesn't clearly fall within standard APS course names, complete department form requesting course approval.

Step 3: Provide course description documenting how research meets Alaska Standards and constitutes college-preparatory work.

Step 4: Include research in student's APS curriculum completion documentation.

Documentation Provided:

• Course syllabus aligned to Alaska Science Standards
• Grading rubric demonstrating college-level expectations
• Sample student work (published research manuscripts)
• Evidence of mentor credentials (PhD scientists)

Timeline

Fall Semester:

• District adopts research as APS-qualifying course
• Students enroll (typically juniors and seniors)
• Student-mentor matching based on research interests

Throughout Semester:

• Students complete 60+ hours research over 15 weeks
• Regular mentor meetings and feedback
• Progressive skill development in research methods

End of Semester:

• Completed research manuscripts
• Published in ISSN-registered journal
• High school credit awarded
• Documentation for APS application

Funding Pathways

Title IV-A: Student Support and Academic Enrichment

Research qualifies under Title IV-A Part A (20 U.S.C. 7117) as:

• Well-rounded education (STEM programming)
• College and career counseling and readiness activities
• Programs to increase access to advanced coursework and dual enrollment

Perkins V: Career and Technical Education

Alaska receives federal Perkins V funding for career and technical education. Research supports Perkins goals:

• CTE programs of study with rigorous academics
• Work-based learning experiences
• Partnerships with employers and industry
• Career exploration and counseling

Alaska Education Grant

Alaska provides state funding for innovative education programs. Research fellowships support state priorities:

• College and career readiness
• STEM education advancement
• Equitable access to advanced coursework
• Support for rural and remote learners

District General Funds

Research offered as regular course within district's curriculum:

• Standard course fee structures apply
• General fund allocation for advanced electives
• Nonprofit pricing reduces cost vs. hiring additional teachers

Cost Comparison:

• Hiring certified science teacher: $70,000-90,000/year + benefits
• Research fellowship: Cost per student significantly lower
• Serves students across multiple schools/grade levels

Benefits Beyond APS Qualification

College Application Strength

Published research provides distinctive college application component:

• Demonstrates initiative and intellectual curiosity
• Shows sustained commitment to complex project
• Provides concrete evidence of college-ready work
• Differentiates Alaska applicants in competitive admissions

UA Scholars Program Synergy

Alaska's UA Scholars Award provides $15,000 to top 10% of juniors from each qualifying high school. Research strengthens student profiles for UA Scholars consideration:

• Advanced coursework completion
• Demonstrated academic excellence
• Leadership in STEM fields

Career Readiness Skills

Research builds transferable workplace competencies:

• Critical thinking and problem-solving
• Data analysis and interpretation
• Technical communication
• Project management
• Collaboration with mentors and peers

These skills prepare students for Alaska's evolving economy—from energy sector jobs to healthcare, technology, and natural resource management.

Alaska Hire Benefits

Many Alaska employers and industries prioritize hiring Alaska residents. Research in Alaska-relevant topics demonstrates:

• Understanding of Alaska-specific challenges
• Commitment to state's future
• Preparation for Alaska careers
• Connection to local communities

Comparison: Traditional vs. Research Approach

Alaska-Specific Considerations

Alaska Native Students

Research fellowships support culturally responsive education:

Traditional Knowledge Integration: Research topics can incorporate traditional ecological knowledge alongside Western scientific methods.

Language Recognition: APS explicitly values Alaska Native languages. Students may explore research topics relevant to Alaska Native communities.

Community Benefit: Research outcomes can address questions important to Alaska Native villages—subsistence impacts, environmental changes, resource management.

College Success: Research experience strengthens preparation for University of Alaska and other institutions.

Small School Districts

Alaska has many small districts (under 500 students) where offering full advanced curriculum is challenging:

Teacher Recruitment: Difficult to recruit and retain certified teachers for advanced courses in remote locations.

Course Viability: Small student numbers make advanced courses financially challenging.

Geographic Isolation: Distance from universities limits dual credit partnerships.

Solution: Research provides turn-key advanced coursework without local staffing requirements.

Boarding Schools and Residential Programs

Alaska Native boarding schools and residential programs can integrate research:

• Structured time for research work
• Cohort-based participation
• Adult supervision and support
• Connection to home communities through research topics

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Does research count as science credit for APS qualification?

A: Yes, if the district determines research meets APS requirements and requests approval under 4 AAC 43.030(j). Research provides college-preparatory science content that meets or exceeds Alaska Standards.

Q: Can students in rural villages participate?

A: Yes. Research is fully virtual and accessible from any Alaska location with internet access. Students participate asynchronously, accommodating irregular schedules and subsistence activities.

Q: How does this help students who need WorkKeys scores for APS?

A: Research builds the applied mathematics, technical reading, and data interpretation skills that WorkKeys assesses. Students develop these competencies through authentic scientific work rather than test preparation.

Q: What if our district doesn't offer 4 years of science?

A: AS 14.43.820(c) recognizes this challenge. Students may request curriculum waiver based on lack of access. Research provides solution by offering advanced science virtually, potentially eliminating need for waiver.

Q: Can research topics focus on Alaska issues?

A: Yes. Students can research Arctic climate, renewable energy for rural Alaska, fisheries sustainability, permafrost impacts, or other Alaska-relevant topics. This cultural relevance strengthens engagement.

Q: How do we document this for APS applications?

A: Districts include research course on student transcripts as advanced science. If requesting course approval under 4 AAC 43.030(j), submit documentation showing research meets Alaska Standards and constitutes college-preparatory work.

Q: Does University of Alaska accept research credit?

A: Students should consult UA admissions regarding transfer credit. The published research manuscript demonstrates college-level work. Some students may arrange concurrent enrollment for dual credit.

Q: What about students with disabilities?

A: Research can accommodate diverse learners. Students work with mentors to develop research projects appropriate to their abilities and interests. IEP teams determine appropriate modifications.

Compliance References

Alaska Statutes

• AS 14.43.820 - Alaska performance scholarship program; eligibility
• AS 14.43.825 - Alaska performance scholarship awards
• AS 14.03.075 - College and career readiness assessment
• AS 01.10.055 - Residency definitions

Alaska Administrative Code

• 4 AAC 43.030 - APS curriculum requirements
• 4 AAC 43.020 - APS award amounts and levels
• 4 AAC 06.075 - High school graduation requirements
• 4 AAC 06.717 - College and career readiness assessments
• 4 AAC 04.140 - Alaska Standards adoption by reference

Federal Funding

• Title IV-A Part A (20 U.S.C. 7117) - Student Support and Academic Enrichment Grants
• Perkins V (20 U.S.C. 2301 et seq.) - Career and Technical Education

Alaska Resources

• Alaska Commission on Postsecondary Education (ACPE) - APS administration
• Alaska Department of Education & Early Development (DEED) - Curriculum approval
• Alaska Standards: Content and Performance Standards for Alaska Students
• Alaska Career Ready - WorkKeys program

Next Steps

For District Administrators: Review APS qualification rates in your district. Identify students who need additional science credits to complete rigorous curriculum requirements.

For Guidance Counselors: Identify juniors and seniors pursuing APS who need advanced science coursework. Evaluate research as option for completing science requirements.

For Rural District Leaders: Assess current advanced course offerings. Determine whether lack of access to rigorous curriculum limits APS qualification for your students.

For CTE Directors: Consider research as work-based learning option supporting WorkKeys career readiness pathway to APS qualification.

This page references Alaska regulations and federal funding statutes for informational purposes. Districts should consult legal counsel and the Alaska Department of Education & Early Development regarding specific implementation decisions. InnoGenWorld is a research program of Terawatt Times Institute, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.