Purpose: The John Active Memorial Scholarship was created to honor the legacy of Aqumgaciq John Active, a pioneer in native media and a passionate advocate of Yup’ik language and culture. The scholarship is housed at Bethel Community Services Foundation (BCSF) and was created in partnership with local public broadcasting station, KYUK.
The John Active Memorial Scholarship supports college students with ties to the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta with preference given to those studying journalism, indigenous language, multimedia or communications. Part-time and full-time students are eligible to apply. The award may be used for tuition OR other education-related expenses. The award will be paid directly to the student’s college or university.
Award: $1,000 will be awarded to one college or university student for the 2024-2025 school year. If the student would like the amount to be divided between semesters or quarters, it is the responsibility of the student to request a distribution from BCSF at least one month prior to each distribution deadline. Past scholarship recipients are eligible to apply again for the scholarship.
Submission: The deadline for the 2024-2025 application is May 20, 2024 at 5:00 pm. Applications may be received by online submission, fax, mail, email, or drop off. Download the application in PDF format here or in Word format here to submit via fax, mail, email, or dropoff.
- Online: Complete this web-based application form.
- Fax: 907-543-1826; please call 543-1812 to ensure the fax is received by May 20 at 5:00 pm.
- Mail: Applications must be POSTMARKED by May 20 at 5:00 pm. Please mail to: BCSF, PO Box 2189, Bethel, AK 99559.
- Email: Applications may be emailed to lisa@bcsfoundation.org by May 20 at 5:00 pm.
- Drop Off: Applications may be dropped off by May 20 at 5:00 pm at the BCSF office, located at 1795 Chief Eddie Hoffman Highway in Bethel. There is a drop box on the porch if the office is closed or unoccupied.
Qualification Requirements:
- Applicant must submit all required documentation listed on checklist (located at end of application).
- Applicant may be applying to any accredited college or university for the first time or may be a returning college/university student at any accredited college or university. Applicant must carry a minimum of three (3) credit hours per semester to be eligible. These can be undergraduate or graduate credits.
- Applicant must submit all high school and college transcripts, if applicable.
- Applicant must have and maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.5 to qualify.
- Applicant must submit a personal statement (see below).
Scholarship Priority Areas: Preference will be given to incoming or returning college or university students
- With ties to the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta region.
- Pursuing a degree in journalism, indigenous language, multimedia or communications.
Click here for:
2024-2025 School Year Application
2020 John Active Memorial Scholarship Awarded to Leisha Lozano of Kongiganak
Leisha Lozano of Kongiganak is the recipient of the second annual John Active Memorial Scholarship. Lozano is currently a student at the University of Alaska Fairbanks. She is working toward a major in Social Work.
According to Lozano, “My community was a place in which you would hear elders teaching in our traditional Yup’ik language. They told stories of their lives in the past, they told people about the Yup’ik values, they told people survival stories. I want to continue that trait, to be one of the people who fight to stop the decrease in my Native language. I want to be the person who shares my knowledge with others. Most importantly, I want to make my ancestors proud. Ciulianka angnivkarciqanka.”
2019 John Active Memorial Scholarship Awarded to Corey Joseph of Kwigillingok
Corey Joseph of Kwigillingok is the recipient of the first annual John Active Memorial Scholarship. Joseph is currently a student at the University of Alaska Fairbanks. He is working towards a double major in Yup’ik Language and Culture and Mathematics.
“Quyaqapigtua John Active Memorial Scholarship-aamek qaneryaramteńek elitnaurlua yuullgutenka ikayuryuamki,” Joseph said. “I am extremely grateful for the John Active Memorial Scholarship because I want to help my fellow Yupiit by studying our language.”
