Vocational Training Awards
In October 2019, the Olgoonik Foundation Board approved a new program to fund training for eligible shareholders and descendants. Students enrolled in an approved certificate/endorsement, certification or professional licensing program at a vocational/trade school, or in a craft training or professional licensing program may be eligible for up to $5,000 in funding per calendar year toward eligible training costs.
How to apply
Download the OF training application here.
Who can apply
•You must be an Olgoonik Corporation shareholder (Class A or Class B) or descendant of a shareholder (subject to verification)
•You must be at least 17 years of age at time of application and a U.S. citizen
•You must hold a high school diploma or GED.
•Students without a diploma or GED must provide verification that the school or program does not require either to complete the program
•You must be enrolled in an approved certificate/endorsement, certification, or professional licensing program at a vocational/trade school, craft training program, or other approved institution
•You must demonstrate that the desired training is needed to obtain employment (including self employment), retain employment, advance in a current position of employment, or is required as a condition of a firm and valid employment offer
•You must maintain eligibility and remain in good academic standing as defined by their institution
•You cannot receive simultaneous funding under the OF Scholarship Program
When to apply
Because training may be required as a condition of employment, applications are accepted on a rolling basis. There is no deadline to apply. All documents must be submitted in full before consideration. Notification of award or denial will be within one month of receipt of the completed application.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Olgoonik Foundation Training Award Program?
The Olgoonik Foundation (OF) Training Award program provides awards for shareholders and descendants seeking to obtain training.
Applicants may apply for training if they are:
Seeking training needed to obtain employment (including self-employment), retain employment, advance in a current position of employment, or as condition of a firm and valid employment offer
Enrolled in an approved certificate/endorsement, certification, or professional licensing program at a vocational/trade school, craft training program, or other approved institution
How do I apply for funding under the OF Training Award Program?
- OF Training Award program application
- Olgoonik Family Tree/Adoptive Family Tree form (first time applicants only)*
- Training schedule and/or training requirements from student’s school
- Latest high school, college/university, or trade school transcripts (if applicable)
- Upcoming class schedule with number of credits
- Two letters of recommendation**
- Short essay (1-2 pages) describing your need and how you plan to use your training to achieve your career/employment goals.
- Detailed list of training costs from institution/school
- Agreement for Training Award (signed after scholarship has been approved by Olgoonik and before a check is sent to student’s school)
* Direct lineal descendants of an original shareholder must submit birth certificate(s) or an adoption decree tracing ancestry back to an original Olgoonik shareholder
** Letters should include contact information. Letters should be signed and reflect evidence of good interpersonal/ team skills. Letters may be from the following:
- School counselor, school principal, or class instructor
- Former/present supervisor(s)
- Former/present coworker(s)
- Character reference from a family member, friend, whaling captain, or teammate
How do I submit an application?
Return completed training application and supporting documents to:
Email (preferred): [email protected]
Fax: (907) 763-2926 (Wainwright) or (907) 562-8728 (Anchorage)
Please list Attn: Shareholder Services on all faxed applications
When will I hear back about my application?
Generally, students will be notified within one month of submitting a completed training application or renewal application.
Applications will not be processed until all required documents are received.
How much funding can I receive?
Funding is based on need and only actual, eligible costs will be funded; e.g., if eligible costs are $1,500, the remaining $3,500 in the yearly cap will not be distributed. Funding limits for the training program are $5,000 per calendar year — $24,000 per lifetime. The lifetime cap of $24,000 applies to either the training award program, the scholarship award program, or a combination of the two.
What can the OF Training Program fund?
The OF Training Program is one of many sources of funding and may be used to cover an applicant’s eligible costs, including:
•Tuition and fees
•Books, supplies, equipment, and materials required by the school/institution for the program
•Room & board at the school or institution’s dorm/student lodging facilities and meal plans offered or required by the school/institution.
What are some of the things the Training Program CANNOT fund?
•Private housing such as apartments or hotels
•Travel expenses to attend school
What do I need to do if I’m applying for the first time?
•OF Training Program funding application
•Family tree or adoptive family tree
•Copies of high school diploma or GED
•Enrollment documents (training schedule, enrollment verification)
•Training costs (provided by school)
•One (1) letter of recommendation
•Short essay of future plans
•Agreement for scholarship
If this isn’t the first time I’ve applied, what do I need to prepare?
•OF training scholarship application
•Transcripts or official document from last previously attended institution detailing GPA, academic standing, and/or satisfactory completion of student’s program
•A copy of last completed Olgoonik-funded certificate, certification, or professional license, if not previously submitted
•A copy of your current or upcoming training schedule/requirements
•Detailed list of training costs from training institution or school
•Agreement for training scholarship (signed after scholarship has been approved by Olgoonik and before a check is sent to student’s school)
Can I lose my funding?
If a recipient does not remain in good standing as defined by his or her training program, or if the student does not complete his or her program, the student will be considered on probation and funding will be suspended until:
•Student provides a valid reason explaining his or her academic situation or decision to withdraw from the training program, and
•Student reimburses Olgoonik for the full cost of the incomplete training
Students are required to submit copies of his or her certificate, certification, or professional license after training is completed. Olgoonik may require students in training programs that take place over the course of several months to provide regular reports on progress towards completion of his or her program. Failure to provide reports as requested may result in a loss of funding or ineligibility for future funding.
New applicants or students applying after a 2-year gap in funding must submit the following:
I’ve paid out of pocket for classes. Can I be reimbursed for my expenses?
Unfortunately, we are unable to reimburse students for out-of-pocket expenses. Students should keep an eye on their student accounts to ensure their training award is applied to their account by their school/institution. If funding hasn’t been applied by the school’s payment deadline, but you have received notification from Olgoonik that your scholarship has been sent, contact your school/institution directly.
Due to student privacy, schools will not release student information to Olgoonik and we are unable to call on your behalf.
How is funding paid out?
Funding for training is paid directly to the school listed in the student’s application. Training awards will not be paid directly to students.