An Act relating to scholarships to attend the University of Alaska; and providing for an effective date.

Senate Bill 167 establishes the Alaska Scholars Program, administered by the Board of Regents of the University of Alaska. Under this program, scholarships are awarded to the top 10 percent of Alaska's high school students to attend the University of Alaska. A recipient receives the scholarship for up to four years, provided the student successfully completes a full-time certificate or degree program. The award, in the amount of $1,350 per semester, may be used for tuition, fees, room, board, books, transportation and other education expenses.

An individual is eligible for a UA Scholarship if, at the end of the junior year, the student is: (1) in the top 10 percent of a class of 30 or more students; (2) one of the top two students in a class of 15-29 students; or (3) the top student in a class of less than 15 students. The award may be used at any University of Alaska campus.

For the 1999-00 school year, the University of Alaska established this scholarship program as a pilot project using the University's Natural Resources Fund. However, in order for the Alaska Scholars Program to effectively continue, it is important it be established in law. Senate Bill 167 requires a qualified high school in the state to provide the Board of Regents a list of the names and addresses of eligible students. This condition offers a remedy to current confidentiality requirements that now make it difficult for schools to release the names of the scholarship recipients and for the University to directly contact the eligible students.

Senate Bill 167 provides an incentive for Alaska's high school students to achieve academic excellence, expands access to higher levels of learning, and encourages our top high school graduates to attend the University of Alaska. I urge your support for Senate Bill 167.