Ahtna Vocational Scholarships are available to shareholders with 10 or more voting shares (Original, Inherited, Gifted, Class L). Upon approval, the Ahtna Vocational Scholarship offers up to $12,000 for tuition to be paid directly to the training program. If your program costs more than $12,000, Ahtna Shareholder Enrichment can recommend other financial aid programs.
To Apply
To apply for an Ahtna Vocational Scholarship, please visit www.ahtna.com/vocational. Supplemental documents must be provided prior to the start date of the training.
For associate, bachelor and master level degree programs, please apply for our Walter Charley Memorial Scholarship at www.ahtna.com/scholarship.
Vocational Scholarship Recipient Highlight: Katrina Moran
Katrina Moran is a member of the Tsisyu (Paint) clan and grew up in Metlakatla, Alaska. Her parents are Meranda and Jeffrey Moran, her maternal grandmother is Helen Murphy, and her paternal grandparents are Doris and Thomas Moran.
Katrina attended Alaska Driving Academy in Soldotna, Alaska where she obtained her Class A Commercial Driver’s License with endorsements. Her goal is to join the Teamsters Union as an apprentice or look for employment for a local fuel delivery company, such as Crowley or North Pacific, in Valdez where she currently resides.
Her advice to Ahtna youth interested in pursuing a similar program is, “Find a passion you think you might enjoy and go for it! Also, always try to improve yourself and your future. Go to college or a vocational school and/or trainings to improve your future and obtain as much knowledge as you can to make you a more valuable worker to multiple companies.”
Katrina is currently employed as a laborer with Houston Contracting on an Alyeska Pipeline contract through the Laborers Union Local 341. Her responsibilities include building scaffolding, insulation and concrete work, painting and sandblasting, carpentry, hazardous waste clean-up, underground digs, and general labor such as weed cutting, snow removal, etc.
“One of the main things I enjoy about my job is that you are not doing the same task every day. You are always doing something different and working outside. I also enjoy all the benefits of my job. With the union we have a great benefits package that includes retirement and healthcare and a competitive pay scale,” said Katrina.
“Ahtna has helped me tremendously through my educational path. They helped me obtain my AA degree through Prince William Sound Community College, led me to joining the apprenticeship program through the Laborers Local 341, and helped me obtain my Class A CDL through the Alaska Driving Academy. Ahtna helped me financially so much through everything I have accomplished, and I am forever grateful,” she shared. “It’s so important to have a great support group behind you and all my family, along with Ahtna, have been the best support through all my educational and vocational endeavors.”
There have been many influential people in Katrina’s life who have shaped her pursuits. Her grandmother Helen taught her to never give up. At 54 years old, she graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Education. Her mother earned her Bachelor of Education and has been a teacher and someone to look up to as long as she can remember, “Not to mention she is my best friend!” Her dad obtained his Bachelor of Science degree and has been one of the best mentors in her life.
Katrina enjoys spending time with family, traveling, fishing, camping, picking berries, hiking, hunting and gathering, and living a subsistence lifestyle.
Contact Shareholder Enrichment
To learn more, contact Shareholder Enrichment at (907) 868-8250 (Tracy Parent – Anchorage), (907) 822-3476 (Starr Knighten – Glennallen) or email shenrichment@ahtna.net. We look forward to assisting you with your career goals!