MTA Foundation Scholarship 2026

Award Amount
The MTA Foundation provides scholarships ranging from $2,000-$10,000 per student.

Eligible Applicants
The applicant must be an active member of Matanuska Telecom Association, or a dependent of an active MTA member who resides in MTA’s service area. Our service area covers areas of the Mat-Su Borough and Southcentral Alaska. Students must be pursuing an undergraduate degree (Associate’s or Bachelor’s) or a Vocational certification. Scholarships will not be awarded to creators, officers, directors, trustees, Foundation managers or members of the selection committees or their relatives. A qualified committee will review all applications and select winners. Scholarships will be awarded on a one-time basis and will not be renewable; they may not be deferred to future years. This is a one-year scholarship and students may reapply the next year. Awards will be paid upon proof of registration at an accredited educational facility and will be issued by early August. Scholarship awards will be paid in U.S. dollars. Scholarships will be awarded without regard to race, ethnicity, national origin, religion, gender or disability. If the recipient no longer meets the criteria to qualify for the scholarship they were awarded, the funds will not be paid. Awardees will forfeit their scholarship if mandatory documentation is not received by the MTA Foundation by the identified deadlines. This application and all supporting documents become the property of the MTA Foundation once received. Scholarships awarded to high school students may be announced at high school graduations and senior award nights. All recipients will be notified by phone call and/or email and announced at MTA's Annual Membership Meeting.

Dates
The application is available from January 5, 2026 – March 27, 2026.
The MTA Foundation is excited to launch its annual scholarship program. The scholarships are designed to encourage individuals to pursue a variety of educational goals that include first-time college students, returning students, students participating in a vocational or homeschool program, online or distance education, or students pursuing professional development that leads to a degree or certification.
The scholarship program is open to Matanuska Telecom Association members and/or their dependents.
*Exclusions apply. Please see above for more details.*

Scholarships will be awarded in the following categories:
Academic Degree Scholarship ($2,000 - $5,000 per recipient)
The applicant must be a current senior from a high school, correspondence study, homeschool program, online or distance education program. Applicants must be pursuing an associate or bachelor's degree at an accredited school. The applicant must have a minimum cumulative high school GPA of 3.0 and be accepted by the school for the coming year.

Continuing Education Scholarship ($2,000 - $5,000 per recipient)
The applicant must be enrolled, or accepted, as a part-time student, (at least 6 credit hours per semester or 4 hours per quarter), or full-time student in an accredited school for the coming year. The applicant must be pursuing an associate or bachelor's degree at an accredited school. The applicant must have a cumulative GPA of 2.5 at the most recent educational institution attended.                                                                       

Vocational Education Scholarship ($2,000 - $5,000 per recipient)
Candidates will be pursuing a program at an accredited school that awards a recognized license or certificate. Applicants must be accepted into a Career School, CDL Program, Technical School, Junior College, Community College, Trade/Vocational School, or Public/Private University. Applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 at their most recent educational institution.

Earl Lackey Vocational Scholarship (1 recipient at $5,000), Honoring former MTA Chief Governance Officer Earl Lackey
Candidates will be pursuing a program at an accredited school that leans toward a recognized license or certificate. The applicant must have demonstrated civic and community involvement, be enrolled or accepted as a student at an accredited school in a program that awards a recognized license, certificate or degree, and have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 at the most recent educational institution attended (high school or post-secondary).

STEM (2 recipients at $10,000 each)
Candidates must be a graduating high school senior or be enrolled and accepted as a part-time student (at least 6 credit hours per semester or 4 hours per quarter) or full-time student in an accredited school for the coming year. The applicant must be pursing an associate or bachelor's degree in a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) field and have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher at their most recent institution. *Examples of a STEM field include: Electrical/Mechanical/Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Biology, Physics, Mathematics, Environmental Science, Cybersecurity, Computer Science, Aeronautics.*