CAREER ENHANCEMENT PROGRAM
POLICIES, GUIDELINES, AND PROCEDURES
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
The Afognak Benefits Trust (ABT) administers the Career Enhancement Program (CEP). Applications are available January 1, through December 15 and are accepted throughout the year until the budget is expended. APPLICATIONS MUST BE postmarked, electronically received by 11:59 PM Alaska time, or hand-delivered to the Afognak Native Corporation Kodiak or Anchorage office by 5:00 PM Alaska time on December 15, unless that date falls on a weekend, in which case complete applications must be hand-delivered by 5:00 PM Alaska time the Friday before the deadline.
Funding can be used to attend events, trainings, and educational classes or courses that enhance career opportunities. Eligible expenses include: tuition, books, fees, supplies, and reasonable equipment, travel and one-time living expenses (e.g., hotel, meals) in conjunction with the CEP training or educational program. The CEP program will not cover the cost of computers or laptops, recurring living expenses (e.g., mortgage, cell phone, groceries), monthly internet fees, college application fees, or other non-training related expenses. Shareholder Services staff may determine which costs are acceptable and adjust awards accordingly.
Applications may apply for reimbursement for travel and registration costs after attending cultural events such as Native Village of Afognak's Dig Afognak Cultural Camp, First Alaskans Elders & Youth Conference or Alaska Federation of Natives Convention. The CEP Program does not fund full-time traditional college or university attendance, which is defined as:
a. Undergraduate – 12 or more credits, or
b. Graduate – 9 or more credits or as defined by graduate program.
Full-time college students may apply for funding through the Afognak Benefits Trust Higher Education Program (HEP).
WHO MAY APPLY
1. The ABT Career Enhancement Program awards scholarships to
- Afognak Native Corporation Voting Shareholders who are Alaska Native or descendants of an Alaska Native.
- Adoptees of an Alaska Native or descendant of an Alaska Native whose adoption occurred prior to majority and is recognized at law or in equity, and an adoptee whose adoption occurred after the age of majority, provided they are both an Alaska Native and a voting Shareholder.
2. Applicants must be accepted to, enrolled in, or registered to take a class or course that will improve career opportunities, current positions, or lifelong learning experiences.
3. Employees and Board members who also meet all other requirements under "Who May Apply", are eligible.
4. Applicants must be in good standing with Afognak's and ABT's other scholarship programs. Applicants not in good standing with Afognak or ABT scholarship programs will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
5. Applicant must be an Afognak Shareholder at the time of the event to qualify for a scholarship.
HOW TO APPLY
Applicants are encouraged to apply through the scholarship portal via my.Afognak.com. Only Afognak Shareholders can register on my.Afognak.com. The Scholarship portal uses SurveyMonkey Apply, which works best when each applicant has their own email address. Once logged in, visit the Scholarship tab, select the CEP program. Contact Shareholder Services if you need assistance registering on my.Afognak.com or have questions regarding the CEP Program. An application can also download from my.Afognak under the Resources > Publications link or requested through Shareholder Services.
REVIEW PROCESS
ABT has designated the Afognak Shareholder Services staff to select the recipients of CEP awards. Upon receiving an application, staff reviews to determine if its complete and if the applicant is eligible. Applications will not be processed unless they are complete, including proof of completion following the event.
Special requests outside of existing policy, conflict of interest for the staff reviewers, or previous violations of the scholarship program policies will be forwarded to ABT's Scholarship Committee for review. Applicants are notified of their award status after a decision is reached.
The decision to consider an application, award scholarship funds, and the amount awarded is at the sole and absolute discretion of the ABT Scholarship Committee.
DISBURSEMENT OF FUNDS
An applicant may apply multiple times, provided they do not receive more than $3,000 total per calendar year. Funds are available until the budget is expended.
PAY VENDOR DIRECTLY
- Funds will be disbursed directly to the educational institution or program in one payment. All awards are calculated and paid in U.S. currency.
REIMBURSEMENT
- A recipient may be reimbursed for related expenses upon submission of proof of payment and proof of completion within the calendar year of the event.
- Per Diem for meals while traveling is provided for the applicant at $50 per day and is paid after the applicant has submitted proof of completion. Alternately, meal receipts can be submitted for reimbursement. Meals are not provided for chaperones or others travelling with the applicant.
- Reimbursement of funds is not guaranteed. The Scholarship Program may adjust awards based on policy.
- A CEP applicant may apply for the ABT Higher Education Program (HEP) and other ABT or Afognak Shareholder Services Programs during the same school year, provided the HEP funds are not awarded for the same purpose as CEP.
SUCCESSFUL APPLICANT RESPONSIBILITIES
COMMUNICATION – Notify the Program immediately if there is a change in contact information, institution/program participation, or enrollment status.
PROOF OF ENROLLMENT – CEP recipient must provide proof of registration or enrollment.
CHANGING OF INSTITUTION/PROGRAM – Awards are based upon the institution/program identified in the recipient's application. Changes in institution/program will result in a re-evaluation of the award amount. Applicants must complete the following:
- Submit a letter o email the ABT Scholarship Program notifying us of the change.
- Submit a new budget sheet if costs have changed and proof of re-enrollment of the institution/program. The recipient's total score will be adjusted to reflect the cost of the new intuition/program, and the CEP award will be adjusted accordingly.
- If the recipient fails to reimburse funds to ABT, future applications will not be considered until remediated. Changing institutions will not result in an increase of the scholarship award but may result in a decrease of a scholarship award, based on new financial need information. The recipient's award can be adjusted to reflect the cost of the new event up to the maximum of $3,000. A recipient who changes their enrollment status, institutions/programs, etc., may be required to reimburse funds to ABT for losses incurred as a result of the change.
FAILURE TO ATTEND/DROP-OUT – If a recipient fails to attend the program for which they have been funded, ABT will require that the CEP funds be returned in full. If the recipient fails to return the funds, future applications will not be considered.
COURSE FAILURE – The recipient must pass all funded courses or trainings identified in the original application. If a recipient fails to successfully pass or complete a course or training, ABT will require that: 1) the portion of the funds attributed to the course or training noted in the original application be returned to ABT in full; or 2) the recipient retake the course at his or her own expense and provide the Program with Proof of Completion. The title of the course or training on the Proof of Completion must match the title or training noted on the original application. The course or training must be similar to the original course or training that failed or meet career development needs.
PROOF OF COMPLETION – Recipients must submit proof of completion following the event. Examples of "proof of completion" can include such documentation as final grades, a certificate, a letter from the educational institution, or the Proof of Completion Form. Future applications will not be considered unless proof of completion is provided from previous funded trainings.
MISUSE OF FUNDS – Misuse or attempted misuse of funds will result in the requirement to return funds in full. Future applications will not be considered, and any current awards will be withheld. In cases of fraud or criminal act, the Program may decline new scholarship applications even if the scholarship recipient repaid funds in full. The Scholarship Program will investigate and make determinations on a case-by-case basis.
CEP APPLICATION PACKET CHECKLIST
A complete application packet must be submitted. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed.
Application must include:
Completed CEP application form. If questions do not apply, applicants should enter "N/A" (not applicable).
The applicant's voting ANC Shareholder ID number.
Completed Budget Sheet. The training and/or course title(s) on the Budget Sheet must match the title(s) in the registration and proof of completion documentation.
Proof of Enrollment, registration, or letter of acceptance from the course providers.
Copy of tuition and related expenses indicated. Participants who are requesting reimbursement must provide the total sum paid and supporting documentation to prove the training costs were paid by the participant.
Proof of Payment and proof of completion if requesting reimbursement.
Letter of Application describing the applicant's future career and educational goals, and how obtaining the training will help the applicant reach his or her goals, one to two pages using Segoe 11 font size.
Signed Participant Pledge
Recent Portrait Photo of the applicant (optional).
Proof of Completion Form following the event to maintain good standing status for future applications.
Eligible applicants are encouraged to apply through the scholarship portal via my.Afognak.com. An email or letter verifying receipt of an application will be sent to the applicant within seven days. Applicants who apply online will receive an automatic email when their application is received. If an applicant applies online and does not receive an automated email within 15 minutes, he or she should log back onto my.Afognak.com to verify that the application was successfully submitted.
Paper applications must be mailed, emailed, faxed, or delivered to:
Afognak Benefits Trust
Career Enhancement Program
300 Alimaq Drive 3909 Arctic Blvd. Ste. 500
Kodiak, AK 99615 Anchorage, AK 99503
Phone: (907) 486-6014/(800) 770-6014 Phone: (907) 222-9500/(888) 292-9580
Fax: (907) 486-2514 Fax: (907) 334-9566
Email: scholarships@afognak.com
Career Enhancement Program (CEP)
CAREER ENHANCEMENT PROGRAM
POLICIES, GUIDELINES, AND PROCEDURES
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
The Afognak Benefits Trust (ABT) administers the Career Enhancement Program (CEP). Applications are available January 1, through December 15 and are accepted throughout the year until the budget is expended. APPLICATIONS MUST BE postmarked, electronically received by 11:59 PM Alaska time, or hand-delivered to the Afognak Native Corporation Kodiak or Anchorage office by 5:00 PM Alaska time on December 15, unless that date falls on a weekend, in which case complete applications must be hand-delivered by 5:00 PM Alaska time the Friday before the deadline.
Funding can be used to attend events, trainings, and educational classes or courses that enhance career opportunities. Eligible expenses include: tuition, books, fees, supplies, and reasonable equipment, travel and one-time living expenses (e.g., hotel, meals) in conjunction with the CEP training or educational program. The CEP program will not cover the cost of computers or laptops, recurring living expenses (e.g., mortgage, cell phone, groceries), monthly internet fees, college application fees, or other non-training related expenses. Shareholder Services staff may determine which costs are acceptable and adjust awards accordingly.
Applications may apply for reimbursement for travel and registration costs after attending cultural events such as Native Village of Afognak's Dig Afognak Cultural Camp, First Alaskans Elders & Youth Conference or Alaska Federation of Natives Convention. The CEP Program does not fund full-time traditional college or university attendance, which is defined as:
a. Undergraduate – 12 or more credits, or
b. Graduate – 9 or more credits or as defined by graduate program.
Full-time college students may apply for funding through the Afognak Benefits Trust Higher Education Program (HEP).
WHO MAY APPLY
1. The ABT Career Enhancement Program awards scholarships to
- Afognak Native Corporation Voting Shareholders who are Alaska Native or descendants of an Alaska Native.
- Adoptees of an Alaska Native or descendant of an Alaska Native whose adoption occurred prior to majority and is recognized at law or in equity, and an adoptee whose adoption occurred after the age of majority, provided they are both an Alaska Native and a voting Shareholder.
2. Applicants must be accepted to, enrolled in, or registered to take a class or course that will improve career opportunities, current positions, or lifelong learning experiences.
3. Employees and Board members who also meet all other requirements under "Who May Apply", are eligible.
4. Applicants must be in good standing with Afognak's and ABT's other scholarship programs. Applicants not in good standing with Afognak or ABT scholarship programs will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
5. Applicant must be an Afognak Shareholder at the time of the event to qualify for a scholarship.
HOW TO APPLY
Applicants are encouraged to apply through the scholarship portal via my.Afognak.com. Only Afognak Shareholders can register on my.Afognak.com. The Scholarship portal uses SurveyMonkey Apply, which works best when each applicant has their own email address. Once logged in, visit the Scholarship tab, select the CEP program. Contact Shareholder Services if you need assistance registering on my.Afognak.com or have questions regarding the CEP Program. An application can also download from my.Afognak under the Resources > Publications link or requested through Shareholder Services.
REVIEW PROCESS
ABT has designated the Afognak Shareholder Services staff to select the recipients of CEP awards. Upon receiving an application, staff reviews to determine if its complete and if the applicant is eligible. Applications will not be processed unless they are complete, including proof of completion following the event.
Special requests outside of existing policy, conflict of interest for the staff reviewers, or previous violations of the scholarship program policies will be forwarded to ABT's Scholarship Committee for review. Applicants are notified of their award status after a decision is reached.
The decision to consider an application, award scholarship funds, and the amount awarded is at the sole and absolute discretion of the ABT Scholarship Committee.
DISBURSEMENT OF FUNDS
An applicant may apply multiple times, provided they do not receive more than $3,000 total per calendar year. Funds are available until the budget is expended.
PAY VENDOR DIRECTLY
- Funds will be disbursed directly to the educational institution or program in one payment. All awards are calculated and paid in U.S. currency.
REIMBURSEMENT
- A recipient may be reimbursed for related expenses upon submission of proof of payment and proof of completion within the calendar year of the event.
- Per Diem for meals while traveling is provided for the applicant at $50 per day and is paid after the applicant has submitted proof of completion. Alternately, meal receipts can be submitted for reimbursement. Meals are not provided for chaperones or others travelling with the applicant.
- Reimbursement of funds is not guaranteed. The Scholarship Program may adjust awards based on policy.
- A CEP applicant may apply for the ABT Higher Education Program (HEP) and other ABT or Afognak Shareholder Services Programs during the same school year, provided the HEP funds are not awarded for the same purpose as CEP.
SUCCESSFUL APPLICANT RESPONSIBILITIES
COMMUNICATION – Notify the Program immediately if there is a change in contact information, institution/program participation, or enrollment status.
PROOF OF ENROLLMENT – CEP recipient must provide proof of registration or enrollment.
CHANGING OF INSTITUTION/PROGRAM – Awards are based upon the institution/program identified in the recipient's application. Changes in institution/program will result in a re-evaluation of the award amount. Applicants must complete the following:
- Submit a letter o email the ABT Scholarship Program notifying us of the change.
- Submit a new budget sheet if costs have changed and proof of re-enrollment of the institution/program. The recipient's total score will be adjusted to reflect the cost of the new intuition/program, and the CEP award will be adjusted accordingly.
- If the recipient fails to reimburse funds to ABT, future applications will not be considered until remediated. Changing institutions will not result in an increase of the scholarship award but may result in a decrease of a scholarship award, based on new financial need information. The recipient's award can be adjusted to reflect the cost of the new event up to the maximum of $3,000. A recipient who changes their enrollment status, institutions/programs, etc., may be required to reimburse funds to ABT for losses incurred as a result of the change.
FAILURE TO ATTEND/DROP-OUT – If a recipient fails to attend the program for which they have been funded, ABT will require that the CEP funds be returned in full. If the recipient fails to return the funds, future applications will not be considered.
COURSE FAILURE – The recipient must pass all funded courses or trainings identified in the original application. If a recipient fails to successfully pass or complete a course or training, ABT will require that: 1) the portion of the funds attributed to the course or training noted in the original application be returned to ABT in full; or 2) the recipient retake the course at his or her own expense and provide the Program with Proof of Completion. The title of the course or training on the Proof of Completion must match the title or training noted on the original application. The course or training must be similar to the original course or training that failed or meet career development needs.
PROOF OF COMPLETION – Recipients must submit proof of completion following the event. Examples of "proof of completion" can include such documentation as final grades, a certificate, a letter from the educational institution, or the Proof of Completion Form. Future applications will not be considered unless proof of completion is provided from previous funded trainings.
MISUSE OF FUNDS – Misuse or attempted misuse of funds will result in the requirement to return funds in full. Future applications will not be considered, and any current awards will be withheld. In cases of fraud or criminal act, the Program may decline new scholarship applications even if the scholarship recipient repaid funds in full. The Scholarship Program will investigate and make determinations on a case-by-case basis.
CEP APPLICATION PACKET CHECKLIST
A complete application packet must be submitted. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed.
Application must include:
Completed CEP application form. If questions do not apply, applicants should enter "N/A" (not applicable).
The applicant's voting ANC Shareholder ID number.
Completed Budget Sheet. The training and/or course title(s) on the Budget Sheet must match the title(s) in the registration and proof of completion documentation.
Proof of Enrollment, registration, or letter of acceptance from the course providers.
Copy of tuition and related expenses indicated. Participants who are requesting reimbursement must provide the total sum paid and supporting documentation to prove the training costs were paid by the participant.
Proof of Payment and proof of completion if requesting reimbursement.
Letter of Application describing the applicant's future career and educational goals, and how obtaining the training will help the applicant reach his or her goals, one to two pages using Segoe 11 font size.
Signed Participant Pledge
Recent Portrait Photo of the applicant (optional).
Proof of Completion Form following the event to maintain good standing status for future applications.
Eligible applicants are encouraged to apply through the scholarship portal via my.Afognak.com. An email or letter verifying receipt of an application will be sent to the applicant within seven days. Applicants who apply online will receive an automatic email when their application is received. If an applicant applies online and does not receive an automated email within 15 minutes, he or she should log back onto my.Afognak.com to verify that the application was successfully submitted.
Paper applications must be mailed, emailed, faxed, or delivered to:
Afognak Benefits Trust
Career Enhancement Program
300 Alimaq Drive 3909 Arctic Blvd. Ste. 500
Kodiak, AK 99615 Anchorage, AK 99503
Phone: (907) 486-6014/(800) 770-6014 Phone: (907) 222-9500/(888) 292-9580
Fax: (907) 486-2514 Fax: (907) 334-9566
Email: scholarships@afognak.com