Supporting access to health and human services careers
Vocational Scholarships help cover expenses for those pursuing training and certificate programs in health and human services fields. Many of the fastest-growing jobs in Alaska are in healthcare and human services, and with the right training, Mat-Su residents can seize these opportunities.
Some examples of such careers include: medical and dental assistants, personal care aides, lab technicians, medical office personnel, mental health technicians, phlebotomists, radiology technicians and EMTs.
If you are looking for a scholarship for a degree program, please visit the Academic Scholarships page.
Eligibility and requirements
What types of academic programs are eligible?
- Local, state, or national educational training providers that are accredited. Credentials must be accepted by the State of Alaska Certification bodies and/or National Accreditation agencies.
- Eligible programs will provide you an accredited certificate or continuing education units upon completion.
- Eligible programs include: Certified Nurse Aide, Emergency Medical Technician, Medical Billing and Coding, Graduate Certificate in Behavioral Health, Children’s Mental Health Graduate Certificate, Behavioral Health Support Specialist, and more.
Who is eligible to apply?
- Individuals eligible to apply for Federal Student Aid
- Individuals with Mat-Su Borough residency for a minimum of one year at the time of application.
- Individuals pursuing short-term training (a few months to less than two years) in health or human services careers, such as early childhood education, special education, physical education, and healthcare and human services.
Who is not eligible to apply?
- Mat-Su Health Foundation Board of Directors
- Mat-Su Health Foundation Executive Leadership staff, and program staff who participate in reviewing scholarship applications, or their family* members
- Mat-Su Regional Medical Center Board of Directors MSHF staff, directors, officers, program committee members, and family* members of the above.
* Family members of a disqualified person include a disqualified person’s spouse, siblings (whether by whole or half-blood), spouses of siblings (whether by whole or half-blood) and their children by whole or half blood or by adoption, ancestors, children (including a legally adopted child), grandchildren, great grandchildren, and spouses of children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren (whether by whole or half-blood).
Applications are accepted year-round.
Submit application at least 60 days before training starts.
Cost of Attendance (COA) for the training program
Start and end dates of the program
Purpose Statement: Please describe the purpose of this certification/training and how you plan to use it to advance your career goals.
Proof of Residency in the Mat-Su borough. Options for proof include:
Government issued ID card
State of Alaska voter registration card for the Mat-Su borough, and/or
Proof of residency through your Permanent Dividend Fund.
We award up to $5,000 per vocational scholarship.
Vocational Scholarship Application Timeline
The total decision-making timeline can take between 70 and 90 days (2.5 to 3 months).
Our application process will move through the following stages:
Submit Application
Review Period
Up to 45 Days
Applications will be reviewed for eligibility. Applicants will be contacted if additional information is needed.
Decision Period
5 – 7 Days
Applications will undergo a final review, and an award decision will be made.
Notification
5 – 7 Days
Applicants will be informed of the award decision via email. If awarded a scholarship, applicants must complete an award confirmation form.
Payment
15 – 30 Days
Payment request sent to accounts payable vendor (Stampli) for processing and issuance. Scholarship checks are mailed directly to school.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I save and return to my application later?
Yes, you can save your progress and return later to finish.
Can I edit my application after submitting?
No. Once submitted, applications cannot be edited. Contact scholarships@healthymatsu.org to report changes.
Can I apply for more than one scholarship?
You may apply for both an academic and vocational scholarship in the same year. Only one academic scholarship is awarded per year.
What other costs can be considered?
The cost of attendance includes tuition and fees, books and supplies, gas to support transportation, internet cost and lodging and car rental (for out-of-state). Costs not included airfare or amounts already paid.
How is the scholarship paid?
Scholarship funds are sent directly to the educational institution.
Have more questions?
- Call us: (907) 352-2863
- Email us: scholarships@healthymatsu.org
- Visit us: Mat-Su Health Foundation, 777 N. Crusey, Suite B-111, Wasilla, AK 99654