Many students hear the word “scholarship” and think it’s just for students pursuing a traditional four-year degree at a university. But at Doyon Foundation, we have scholarships for everything from short-term vocational courses to doctorate programs. Whatever educational goals and career dreams you have, Doyon Foundation has the scholarship for you!
Let’s start with the definition of a “vocational student.” Vocational education is defined as “organized educational programs offering a sequence of courses which are directly related to the preparation of individuals in paid or unpaid employment in current or emerging occupations requiring other than a baccalaureate or advanced degree.” In other words, “vocational students” can be studying almost anything!
But don’t take our word for it. “Continue your education even if it is through a vocational, chartered or trade school. Your opportunities are endless,” says Cory Ennes, who received our short-term vocational scholarship last November. Cory, who was born and raised in Seward, is the son of Valarie Boulden and Orrie Ennes, and the grandson of Robert and Helen Olsen, and Orlie L. Ennes and Rita David.
Cory, who currently works as Chief Mate at Cruz Construction, used his scholarship to take the Master/Mate 500 and 1600 Ton Prep Course at the Alaska Vocational Technical Center (AVTEC) in Seward. “I’d like to complete my license upgrade and continue to advance my career in the marine industry,” Cory shares.
Here’s a list of programs/trainings our vocational students like Cory have been enrolled in the past several years:
- Maritime training
- AVTEC training courses
- Real estate license
- Non-degree seeking courses through the university
- LSAT testing
- Continuing medical training
- Cosmetology
- CDL training
- Inspired Leadership Training
- Process technology
- Diesel mechanic
- Heavy equipment
- Aviation technology
- Construction management
- Carpentry
- Allied health
- Welding
- Dental
- Certified Medical Assistant
- Certified Nursing Assistant
- Pharmacology tech
- Paramedic
- Culinary arts
- Business management
- Applied business
- Esthetician
We know different students have different needs, so we are pleased to offer several different scholarships to help our vocational students get where they want to go:
- Our short-term vocational scholarship is available to students in non-degree-seeking programs that are less than 120 hours and less than one year in duration. These scholarships cover the cost of the course or training – up to $3,000 – and are available year-round.
- Vocational students enrolled in a degree-seeking program longer than 120 hours or one year, are eligible for:
- Our basic scholarship, which ranges from $1,600 for part-time students to $2,400 for full-time students. These are awarded three times a year: for the spring, summer and fall semesters.
- Our competitive scholarships, which range from $7,000 to $11,000, and are awarded once per year in the fall.
So are you eligible for a Doyon Foundation scholarship? Make sure you can answer “yes” to the following questions:
- Are you enrolled to Doyon, Limited or are you the child of an original enrollee?
- Are you accepted to an accredited college, university, technical or vocational school?
- Do you meet our minimum GPA requirements? (See our scholarship resource handbook for details.)
- Are you enrolled in the required minimum number of credits? (See our scholarship resource handbook for details.)
Now that’s settled, let’s talk about how to apply for a vocational scholarship. The application process for vocational students is the same as all other Foundation students. Applications are accepted online through the scholarship portal at doyonfoundation.com. If you’re applying for a basic or competitive scholarship, applications are due by the following dates:
- March 15 – basic scholarships for the summer semester
- May 15 – Basic scholarships for the fall semester, and competitive scholarships for the next academic year
- November 15 – Basic scholarships for the spring semester
Applications for the short-term vocational scholarships are accepted year-round.
“Receiving the Doyon Foundation scholarships, I have been very honored and appreciative of the financial support given throughout my career,” Cory says of his scholarship. “By receiving the scholarship, I’m able to focus on the most important aspect of school: learning. Thank you for your investment in vocational students like myself and in our education; it means a lot.”
Cory reminds students that educational and career success isn’t just about taking classes and passing tests: “Having a mentor or a couple of mentors in the field of your choice is an excellent asset to help you excel and great to have for guidance and direction. Don’t be afraid to ask for help or questions you don’t know,” he says.
Want to dive into all the details? Review our scholarship resource handbook, our scholarship brochure, and our vocational scholarship brochure. Still have questions or need help? Contact us: scholarships@doyon.com or 907.459.2048.