ATIA Foundation Scholarships

Student Scholarship Program for High School and College Students:

Students interested in applying for an ATIA Foundation Student Scholarship must be Alaskan residents enrolled or intending to enroll in a program of study in preparation for a career in tourism. Scholarship funds, if awarded, will only be paid directly to an accredited institution on the recipient’s behalf.

TO APPLY: Submit an online application
DEADLINE: The 2025 Foundation Student Scholarship Program is currently accepting applications through January 31, 2025

Please review our Frequently Asked Questions prior to applying.

Professional Development Scholarship Program:

The ATIA Foundation is pleased to offer a program for Alaskan residents currently employed in a travel industry-related business. The ATIA Foundation Professional Development Scholarship Program offers scholarships for individuals seeking to advance or build upon their expertise in a visitor industry-related position. Scholarships – maximum $1,000 – can be applied to registration and materials for continuing education programs such as seminars, webinars, conferences, or similar education program related to employment in Alaska’s visitor industry.

Applications for the Professional Development Scholarship Program are accepted at any time on a first-come, first-served basis.

TO APPLY: Submit an online application.
DEADLINE: Professional Development Program applications are accepted at any time on a first-come, first-served basis.

For questions regarding the Foundation or either scholarship program, please email [email protected].

2024 ATIA Foundation Student Scholarship Awards

$33,500 in scholarships awarded!

Alaska Airlines Scholarship

Lucky Hankins, Seward: $1,000
London Moren, Talkeetna: $1,000
Mathias Speer, Healy: $1,000

Alaska Collection by Pursuit Scholarship

Mila Lassuy, Anchorage: $1,250
Iris White, Juneau: $1,250

Alaska Railroad Scholarship

Caymen Kingery, Talkeetna: $1,000

ATIA 1-Year Scholarship

ValoreeAnn Humphries, Anchorage: $2,500
Mila Lassuy, Anchorage: $2,500
Ella Strong, Eagle River: $1,500

ATIA Rural Scholarship

Cody Jorgensen, Talkeetna: $1,500
Koneal Laguidao, Juneau: $2,000

Chuck West Memorial Scholarship

funded through an endowment established in memory of Chuck West, founder of Westours and Cruise West.
Mackenzie Lam, Juneau: $1,000

Explore Fairbanks Scholarship

Brielle VanDenter, Healy: $2,500

Holland America Line Scholarship

Mila Hargrave, Douglas: $2,500

Kris Geldaker Scholarship

Awarded in memory of Kris Geldaker to students pursuing a tourism or maritime-related degree
Katherine Hostetler, Anchorage: $2,500

Lazy Otter Scholarship

Katrina Church-Chmielowski, Glennallen: $1,000

Premier Alaska Tours Scholarship

Cody Jorgensen, Talkeetna: $2,500

Tania Hancock Memorial Scholarship

Awarded in memory of Tania Hancock to assist individuals who are passionate and tenacious in pursuing a career in tourism.
Dylan Bender, Eagle River: $2,000
Katherine Hostetler, Anchorage: $2,000

Tim McDonnell Mentorship Scholarship

Funded through the support of Alaska Coach Tours in honor of Tim McDonnell, the former vice president of Alaska operations for Princess and Holland America Lines.
Koneal Laguidao, Juneau: $1,000