For Doyon Foundation student McKenzie Schmidt, paying for college has been the most challenging part of pursuing her higher education aspirations.
“To overcome this, I saved my money, had some help from my family and friends, and applied for scholarships. I am going to continue to apply for scholarships to make this challenge easier,” said Schmidt, who is currently a freshman pursuing a master’s degree in electrical engineering at Northern Arizona University. After graduating in 2014, Schmidt, who is originally from Wasilla, plans to return to Alaska and work as an electrical engineer.
Schmidt has already had some scholarship success, and was recently awarded with a scholarship through the CH2M HILL Scholarship Program. The goal of the program is to provide financial aid to Alaska Native students, which will assist them in achieving their college educational goals and prepare them for jobs on the Trans Alaska Pipeline System.
Schmidt is appreciative of the role Doyon Foundation has played in her education to date.
“Doyon Foundation helped me in many ways and I hope that they continue to help me,” she said. “First, they have scholarships of their own that they give out to students. I plan on applying for all of the scholarships that pertain to me. Second, Doyon Foundation put me on an e-mail list that notified me when scholarships became available. I was informed of the CH2M HILL Scholarship, which after I applied, I had received.”
Schmidt encourages other students to apply for scholarships, even if “you aren’t sure you’ll get it.”
“I wasn’t sure how many people had applied to the CH2M HILL scholarship, or if I would even have a chance, but I still applied and I received the scholarship. So apply for as many scholarships as you can,” Schmidt advised.
When she’s not studying electrical engineering or searching for scholarships, Schmidt said she likes volunteering with the Boys & Girls Club at the Goose Bay Clubhouse in Wasilla.
“I enjoy working with the younger students and plan on volunteering when I come back to Alaska for the summer,” said Schmidt, who has been volunteering there for the past four years.
Schmidt’s mother is Christine Schmidt of Wasilla; father is Tracy Schmidt of Willow; maternal grandparents are Vicki Otte of McGrath and Michael Minsch of Willow; paternal grandparents are Shirley Schmidt of Wasilla and the late Norman Schmidt.