Offering over 20 unique scholarships. Over $500,000 awarded to local students since 1991.
One $3,000 scholarship is available each year and may be used for expenses related to attending college to continue learning a foreign language, or for undertaking a language/cultural immersion experience in a foreign country. The language/cultural immersion experience may be independently designed and does not have to involve enrollment in a formal program, but there should be a well-articulated plan outlined in the application. This type of award is not an academic scholarship and may trigger a taxable event for the recipient.
Requirements:
Applicant must be a Homer High School current-year graduating senior with a flair for foreign language and a curiosity about other cultures.
One $3,000 scholarship is available each year for students with demonstrated skill and passion for writing. The award may be used for expenses related to continuing education at an accredited two- or four-year institution, or participation in a nationally recognized writing program.
Requirements:
Applicant must be a current-year graduating senior from a high school in Homer Foundation's service area (Southern Kenai Peninsula, from Ninilchik south, including the communities on the south shore of Kachemak Bay) with a demonstrated competency and passion for writing, and a dedication to continuing writing.
One $3,000 scholarship is available each year for a student with demonstrated skill and passion for writing. The award may be used for expenses related to continuing education at an accredited two or four-year institution, or attendance in a nationally recognized writing program.
Requirements:
Applicant must be a graduating senior from a high school in the Homer Foundation's service area (Southern Kenai Peninsula, from Ninilchik south, including the communities on the south shore of Kachemak Bay) with a demonstrated competency and passion for writing, and a dedication to continuing writing.
One $1,000 gift is available each year to assist the chosen candidate to follow in Bill & Liz Johnson's footsteps as an educator.
Requirements:
In applying for this scholarship, students today within the Kenai Peninsula would be too young to have been taught by Bill or Liz Johnson. However, this scholarship was established to preserve their legacy of education on the Kenai Peninsula. Bill and Liz moved to Homer in the late '60s, a few years after graduating from Oregon College of Education in Monmouth. Coach Johnson and Liz fell in love with the Homer community and spent the rest of their lives as a vital force of good, spreading that love to those far and wide for decades. Whether Bill was sewing flannel pajamas for youngsters at Christmastime or inviting everyone to come to their property to bob for apples at their yearly Apple Harvest Festival, they were deeply involved in giving "gifts" to young and old alike in Homer. Their loving touch was felt by friends, neighbors, and many others in the greater Homer area. As sportsmen, artists, musicians, and friends, Bill and Liz touched the hearts of the many children that they taught. They even had foreign exchange students who became life-long friends as adults. Bill and Liz did most things in their lives together, and they taught students from Kindergarten to high school age by guiding and supporting them with many gifts of love and affection. Many remember them for their generosity and kindness, and now together, they are giving once again - through this generous legacy scholarship - as a $1,000 gift to assist the chosen candidate to follow in their footsteps as an educator.
One $1,000 gift is available each year to encourage the chosen candidate to "Shoot for the Stars." This is an endowed scholarship fund to encourage and support young adults who want to attend college, a technical training program, or other educational or career goal.
Requirements:
The family of Diane Wambach established this scholarship in her memory to encourage and support young adults willing to pursue their educational and career goals. Diane Wambach believed in people’s dreams and always encouraged her own children to shoot for the stars. A successful applicant will be able to show strength and resiliency in the face of adversity and be determined to “Shoot for the Stars” to fulfill their dream. The fund provides for an annual award for expenses related to attending college or a technical training program, or pursuing other educational or career goals.
One $1,000 scholarship is available annually for expenses related to attending a two-year or four-year college, technical training programs, or other eligible educational or career goals. Funds must be used within three years of the recipient graduating high school. This scholarship is open to all student-athletes, but preference is given to soccer and basketball players.
Requirements:
The family of Drew Brown established this scholarship in his memory to encourage and support student-athletes. Drew was an avid hockey, basketball, and soccer player who was the quintessential teammate. His spirit and tenacity inspired all those who battled alongside him. He graduated from Homer High School in 2015.
One $1,000 gift is available each year to provide assistance to young adults pursuing careers in the maritime field or who are from fishing families.
Requirements:
The Drew Scalzi Memorial Maritime Scholarship was established in 2006 by the North Pacific Fisheries Association and the Scalzi Family in memory of Drew Scalzi. The underlying philosophy of the scholarship is to nurture young adults pursuing careers in the maritime field or who are from fishing/maritime families. The scholarships can be used to cover tuition costs at an accredited college, university, or approved technical program.First and foremost, Drew was a fisherman, and he firmly believed in helping those who endeavored to advance their knowledge and abilities. Drew also had a love of sports and politics, so in the event there is no qualified scholarship applicant, funds will be directed toward high school-level political science or athletic programs, at the committee's discretion. The awards from this scholarship are typically $1,000 per applicant.
One annual $2,500 scholarship supports Homer area students pursuing higher education in wildlife and/or fisheries.
Requirements:
This scholarship was created by Steve Albert, a resident of Homer who dedicated his life to Fish and Wildlife management for the State of Alaska. The intent is to support Homer area students in pursuit of higher education in wildlife and/or fisheries biology or management, as there was no scholarship available to this field when he began his studies. There will be preference for students who are planning on working in Alaska after completing their program.
One annual $1,000 scholarship to support career and technical education on the southern Kenai Peninsula. This scholarship is to be used for approved career and/or technical education (CTE) programs. See the list of approved programs below for eligibility requirements.
If you are unsure whether your program qualifies, please contact us at info@homerfoundation.org.
The Gabriel LeBlanc Memorial Vocational Fund was established by his family and community to celebrate the memory of Gabriel LeBlanc. Gabriel was a polite, helpful young man, quiet and reserved, except when talking about his passion for cars and trucks. He enjoyed being a mechanic and was working towards a lucrative career in the automotive industry. Gabriel's name will live forever in the Homer community through this scholarship, becoming an everlasting legacy where he will give someone else a head start in their next step. Candidates should demonstrate a desire to improve their skills, an eagerness to learn, and be respectful, productive members of our community.
This scholarship provides assistance to students from the lower Kenai Peninsula (from Ninilchik south) who are pursuing a career in a health care related field. Awards vary from $1,000-$5,000 and generally there are multiple awards per year.
Requirements:
The Health Care Providers Scholarship has provided an annual award to lower Kenai Peninsula high school graduates since 1985. In 2006, local healthcare providers established a permanent endowment at the Homer Foundation to ensure that the scholarship would continue in perpetuity. The purpose of the scholarship is to provide financial assistance to students from the lower Kenai Peninsula who are pursuing a career in a health care-related field at an accredited professional or technical school. Applicants may apply as a high school graduate or in any given year of their post-graduate studies but may receive the award only once.
This is an endowed scholarship fund that supports attendance at Faith Christian Preschool.
This is a $1,000 annual scholarship that supports area students pursing a science education.
Requirements:
The Homer Community Science Scholarship was established by Homer High School Science teacher Stan Eller in 2000 to encourage Homer High School graduating seniors to pursue the life sciences in their post-secondary education. The community continues to support the fund, and in turn, the fund will be here to provide support to students pursuing the life sciences – forever.
The LFI Scholarship will help a student attain the goal of their choice by allowing them to determine what their financial needs are and how the money is to be used to further their education. This fund was started by anonymous donors who recognize the significant gap that can be found for students trying to reach their goals. This scholarship does not have specific requirements like GPA, volunteerism, or specific activity involvement, but rather is looking for the student with good character and goal-setting.
A $1,000 scholarship in support of post-secondary education in memory of Marilyn Wythe.
Demonstrated financial need is emphasized, but decision-making will not be solely based on financial need.
The family of Marilyn Wythe established this scholarship in her memory to encourage and support young adults willing to pursue their educational and career goals. Marilyn believed that anyone could achieve anything with enough confidence and determination. She also loved this community, and the family wants to support students from this community. The fund provides an annual award for expenses related to attending college or technical training programs, or other educational or career goals, and must be used within three years of the recipient graduating high school.
A scholarship with a typical award of $7,000 for students attending an accredited university pursuing a major in the fields of physical or biological sciences. Students must be a graduate from an accredited high school program who resided in the service area of the Homer Foundation at the time of high school graduation (southern Kenai Peninsula, from Ninilchik south, including the communities on the south shore of Kachemak Bay). Current college students may apply annually as long as they meet the application criteria and are pursuing a major in physical or biological sciences.
Fields of Study Include (but are not limited to):
Astronomy, Astrophysics, Atmospheric Science, Biochemistry, Biology, Biotechnology, Botany, Cell Biology, Chemistry, Chemical Physics, Climatology, Earth Sciences, Ecology, Environmental Science, Genetics, Geology, Geophysics, Integrative Biology, Marine Biology, Materials Sciences, Mathematics, Meteorology , Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Nanotechnology, Neuroscience, Oceanography, Organic Chemistry, Paleontology, Physics, Planetary Science, Statistics, Zoology, Majors with 36+ science semester credits
Requirements:
A scholarship with a typical award of $9,500 to provide financial support for accepted expenses associated with an accredited institution for educational, professional, technical, or vocational training.
Requirements:
The Nikki Geragotelis (Fry) Memorial Scholarship was established by the family and friends of Nikki in honor of the life she lived. The goal of the scholarship is to keep Nikki's memory alive by helping hard-working students continue their education. Nikki was a team captain with a positive attitude who always finished what she started. On a personal level, Nikki enjoyed people and always advocated for those less fortunate.
The Nikki Geragotelis (Fry) Memorial Scholarship is a scholarship emphasizing character, leadership, work ethic, and kindness over academics. Because of that emphasis, successful applicants will exemplify Nikki's qualities of sportsmanship, athleticism, integrity, compassion, friendliness, and empathy.
Candidates must demonstrate they are reliable teammates with a loving spirit that give their best every time they step on the field, whether at practice or for a game, and show kindness and empathy towards others. Superior academic success is not part of the evaluation criteria. One scholarship will be awarded toward covering the cost of tuition at any accredited educational, technical, or vocational institution.
This is a $1,500 scholarship for students pursuing a nursing profession.
Requirements:
The Nursing Studies Scholarship Fund was established to celebrate the memory of Eileen Albert. Eileen was a nurse throughout her life in Alaska, primarily as a school nurse practitioner, as well as a mentor within her field. This scholarship is intended to honor her love of nursing and to support students who are seeking this profession.
This is a $3,000 scholarship to encourage and assist local high school students in furthering their education in the visual arts.
Requirements:
Open to students, including juniors, up to age 21 in the Homer Foundation service area (Southern Kenai Peninsula, from Ninilchik south, including the communities on the south shore of Kachemak Bay). It can be used for summer school, workshops, apprenticeships, college, supplies, etc. Applicants are limited to the visual arts i.e. painting, film, graphics, fiber, pottery, sculpture, mixed media.
Additional Requirement:
The field of applicants will be narrowed to up to three finalists. Those three will be asked to present their work and themselves at an April meeting. The final selection will be made at that time.
The participating artists of the Ptarmigan Arts Gallery established the Ptarmigan Arts Visual Arts Scholarship to encourage and assist local high school students to further their education in the visual arts. The Ptarmigan Arts Scholarship is now supported by a permanent fund administered by the Homer Foundation. The recipient/s will be determined at the April Ptarmigan Artists meeting where selected applicants will be asked to make presentations. The award will be sent directly to the recipient’s designated art program, school, or vendor. Questions can be directed to Gary Lyon at 299-2000 or sealion@xyz.net.
This $2,500 scholarship provides one award annually to a graduate from an accredited high school program who resided in the service area of the Homer Foundation at the time of high school graduation. The scholarship is for students attending an accredited technical or collegiate institution. Current high school seniors and college students may apply as long as they meet application criteria.
Requirements:
This scholarship offers $1,000 to be used at a 4-year, 2-year, or vocational school within Alaska. It is for candidates who show ambition, give their absolute best while staying positive, have a passion for life, and show strength while pursuing their best life.
Requirements:
The Sutton James Miller Scholarship was established in the memory of Sutton James Miller, of Homer, Alaska. In his short 6 months on the Earth, he showed a willingness to strive to learn new skills, excelled greatly in all areas of development, had an amazing love for people around him, and a standout attitude, which made an everlasting impression on those who met him.Everyone's life was touched by his standout presence, and remembers his giggle, sparkle in his blue eyes, as well as his heart-melting smile. Sutton James' name will forever live in the Homer community, via this scholarship, becoming an everlasting legacy where he will give a graduating senior a head start in their next step in furthering their education.
Still have questions? Contact our team for help.