Applications are now available for the City of Soldotna’s three scholarship programs.

The programs will run through the third week in March with about $10,000 more available this year than last year. In all, scholarship committees will award up to about $66,000 through the Mae Ciechanski, Soldotna Library and Dr. John Nels Anderson scholarships.

Scholarship applications are available online and at Soldotna City Hall. Kenai Peninsula Borough School District students can find applications in their OneStop Portal or by contacting their high school counselor.

Mae Ciechanski Scholarship ($1,000-$10,000)

Mae Ciechanski scholarship awards range from $1,000 to $10,000 and are open to KPBSD high school seniors, undergraduate or graduate college students who graduated from a KPBSD high school and to residents of the Kenai Peninsula Borough who are pursuing a post-secondary education no later than fall of 2022.

Applicants who are pursuing a four-year post-secondary education must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 in their high school or college transcript. Applicants who are pursuing a technical or vocational education must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 in their high school or college transcript.

In all, $59,950 in Mae Ciechanski Scholarship funds are available this year.

Soldotna Library Scholarship Fund ($2,400)

The Soldotna Library Scholarship Fund is open to KPBSD high school seniors, undergraduate or graduate college students who graduated from a KPBSD high school or residents of the Kenai Peninsula Borough who are pursuing a career in teaching or education at a post-secondary educational institution or at a vocational or technical school beginning no later than fall 2022. The purpose of the scholarship is to pay for tuition, fees, room and board and books.

Applicants pursuing a four-year post-secondary education must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 on their high school or college transcript.

One $2,400 scholarship is available through the Soldotna Library Scholarship Fund this year.

Dr. John Nels Anderson Scholarship Fund ($925-$1,500)

The Dr. John Nels Anderson Scholarship Fund Committee awards two types of scholarships to KPBSD high school seniors who are Alaska residents and who are pursuing a post-secondary education at an accredited college or university or a vocational or technical school beginning no later than fall 2022. The purpose of the scholarship is to pay for tuition, fees, room and board and books.

Applicants who are pursuing a four-year post-secondary education must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 on their high school transcript, while those pursuing a vocational or technical school education must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5.

Recipients pursuing a four-year post-secondary education will receive either a one-time scholarship of $925 or a one-time scholarship of $1,500. Recipients pursuing a vocational or technical education will receive a one-time scholarship of $1,000.

Applications must be submitted by 5 p.m. on Friday, Mar. 25, 2022. More information on all scholarships can be found at soldotna.org/scholarships. Questions regarding the scholarships can be directed to scholarships@soldotna.org.

Reach reporter Ashlyn O’Hara at ashlyn.ohara@peninsulaclarion.com.