CAREER ENHANCEMENT PROGRAM
POLICIES, GUIDELINES, AND PROCEDURES
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
The Afognak Benefits Trust (ABT) administers the Career Enhancement Program (CEP). Applications are available from January 1 through December 15 and are accepted throughout the year until the budget is expended.
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 education 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.
Applicants 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:
- Undergraduate: 12 or more credits
- Graduate: 9 or more credits or as defined by the graduate program.
Full-time college students may apply for funding through the ABT Higher Education Program (HEP).
WHO IS ELIGIBLE TO RECEIVE CEP SCHOLARSHIP FUNDS
Those who are eligible to apply for Career Enhancement Program scholarship funds include those who, at the start of the program or event are:
- An Afognak Native Corporation Voting Shareholder;
- Accepted to, enrolled in, or registered to take a class or course that will improve career opportunities, current positions, or lifelong learning experiences; and
- In good standing with the ABT Scholarship Program. Applicants not in good standing with Afognak or ABT scholarship programs will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
Note: Employees and Board members who also meet all other requirements under “Who Is Eligible” are eligible.
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, and 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 > under the Resources > Publications link or requested through Shareholder Services.
WHEN SUBMITTING AN APPLICATION
APPLICATIONS MUST BE:
- Postmarked by 5:00 PM Alaska Time on December 15 and mailed to the Afognak Native Corporation Kodiak or Anchorage office; or
- Electronically received by 5:00 PM Alaska Time on December 15; 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 December 15.
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.
A complete application packet must be submitted. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed. Use the checklist provided below to verify completeness.
CEP APPLICATION CHECKLIST
A complete application packet must be submitted. Incomplete application packets 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 that 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.
REVIEW PROCESS
ABT has designated the Afognak Shareholder Services staff to select recipients of CEP awards. Upon receiving an application, staff reviews to determine if it is 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.
HOW TO RECEIVE SCHOLARSHIP FUNDS AWARDED
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. Once you are notified a scholarship has been awarded, please allow 7 – 10 business days for processing. Based on what you provided in your application, the ABT will award scholarship funds one of two ways, including:
ABT PAYS VENDOR DIRECTLY:
- Funds will be disbursed directly to the educational institution or program in one payment upon proof of enrollment and cost.
- All awards are calculated and paid in U.S. currency.
- Awardee
ABT PROVIDES REIMBURSEMENT TO THE SCHOLARSHIP AWARDEE:
- A scholarship recipient may be reimbursed for related expenses upon submission of proof of payment and proof of completion within the calendar year of the event.
- Reimbursement of funds is not guaranteed and is based on these ABT YEP Policies and Guidelines. The Scholarship Program staff may adjust awards based on policy.
RESPONSIBILITIES TO REMAIN IN GOOD STANDING
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.
CHANGE 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. 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. Applicants must complete the following:
- Submit a letter or email the ABT Scholarship Program notifying us of the change.
- Submit a new budget sheet if costs have changed and proof of enrollment and the CEP award will be adjusted accordingly.
FAILURE TO ATTEND/DROP-OUT – If a recipient fails to attend the program for which they have been funded, ABT will require that the 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 training 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 of 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 that is retaken due to course failure on the Proof of Completion must match the title of the course or training noted on the original application. The course or training retaken must be similar to the original course or training.
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.
Career Enhancement Program
300 Alimaq Dr.
Kodiak, AK 99615
(888) 292-9580 / (907) 222-9500
fax: (907) 334-9566
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 from January 1 through December 15 and are accepted throughout the year until the budget is expended.
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 education 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.
Applicants 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:
- Undergraduate: 12 or more credits
- Graduate: 9 or more credits or as defined by the graduate program.
Full-time college students may apply for funding through the ABT Higher Education Program (HEP).
WHO IS ELIGIBLE TO RECEIVE CEP SCHOLARSHIP FUNDS
Those who are eligible to apply for Career Enhancement Program scholarship funds include those who, at the start of the program or event are:
- An Afognak Native Corporation Voting Shareholder;
- Accepted to, enrolled in, or registered to take a class or course that will improve career opportunities, current positions, or lifelong learning experiences; and
- In good standing with the ABT Scholarship Program. Applicants not in good standing with Afognak or ABT scholarship programs will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
Note: Employees and Board members who also meet all other requirements under “Who Is Eligible” are eligible.
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, and 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 > under the Resources > Publications link or requested through Shareholder Services.
WHEN SUBMITTING AN APPLICATION
APPLICATIONS MUST BE:
- Postmarked by 5:00 PM Alaska Time on December 15 and mailed to the Afognak Native Corporation Kodiak or Anchorage office; or
- Electronically received by 5:00 PM Alaska Time on December 15; 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 December 15.
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.
A complete application packet must be submitted. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed. Use the checklist provided below to verify completeness.
CEP APPLICATION CHECKLIST
A complete application packet must be submitted. Incomplete application packets 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 that 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.
REVIEW PROCESS
ABT has designated the Afognak Shareholder Services staff to select recipients of CEP awards. Upon receiving an application, staff reviews to determine if it is 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.
HOW TO RECEIVE SCHOLARSHIP FUNDS AWARDED
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. Once you are notified a scholarship has been awarded, please allow 7 – 10 business days for processing. Based on what you provided in your application, the ABT will award scholarship funds one of two ways, including:
ABT PAYS VENDOR DIRECTLY:
- Funds will be disbursed directly to the educational institution or program in one payment upon proof of enrollment and cost.
- All awards are calculated and paid in U.S. currency.
- Awardee
ABT PROVIDES REIMBURSEMENT TO THE SCHOLARSHIP AWARDEE:
- A scholarship recipient may be reimbursed for related expenses upon submission of proof of payment and proof of completion within the calendar year of the event.
- Reimbursement of funds is not guaranteed and is based on these ABT YEP Policies and Guidelines. The Scholarship Program staff may adjust awards based on policy.
RESPONSIBILITIES TO REMAIN IN GOOD STANDING
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.
CHANGE 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. 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. Applicants must complete the following:
- Submit a letter or email the ABT Scholarship Program notifying us of the change.
- Submit a new budget sheet if costs have changed and proof of enrollment and the CEP award will be adjusted accordingly.
FAILURE TO ATTEND/DROP-OUT – If a recipient fails to attend the program for which they have been funded, ABT will require that the 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 training 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 of 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 that is retaken due to course failure on the Proof of Completion must match the title of the course or training noted on the original application. The course or training retaken must be similar to the original course or training.
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.
Career Enhancement Program
300 Alimaq Dr.
Kodiak, AK 99615
(888) 292-9580 / (907) 222-9500
fax: (907) 334-9566