The CIRI Foundation Higher Education Scholarships Opening Soon

About This Scholarship

The CIRI Foundation (TCF) is the education foundation of Cook Inlet Region, Inc., one of the Alaska Native regional corporations created under the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act. TCF funds original CIRI shareholders and their lineal descendants in college, graduate school, and career-technical programs — and unlike most scholarships, awards are computed per credit hour: $200 per undergraduate credit and $400 per graduate credit, up to $3,000 per term for full loads and a maximum of $9,000 per year including summer school.

Applications are accepted in two 90-day windows each year, April 1 through June 30 and October 1 through December 31, so students can start funding at multiple points in the academic year. The foundation also runs a Jump Start Award and the Cap Lathrop Scholarship, each worth up to $2,000, for students in specific circumstances.

Lifetime limits are substantial — $30,000 for undergraduate and career-technical study, $20,000 for graduate study, and $50,000 combined — which makes TCF a multi-year funding partner rather than a one-shot award for eligible Alaska Native students anywhere in the country.

Eligibility

• CIRI original shareholder or lineal descendant (Alaska Native heritage through Cook Inlet Region, Inc.)
• High school diploma or GED
• Minimum 2.0 GPA
• Enrolled or accepted at an accredited college, university, or career-technical program
• Lifetime caps: $30,000 undergraduate/CTE, $20,000 graduate, $50,000 combined

How To Apply

• Confirm your CIRI shareholder or descendant eligibility with The CIRI Foundation
• Complete the online application at thecirifoundation.org during a 90-day window (October 1 - December 31, 2026 is next)
• Submit transcripts, proof of enrollment, and required statements before the December 31 deadline

Apply Now →

Frequently Asked Questions