Trailside Discovery Scholarship Program

Mission: Provides outdoor environmental education experiences for students from families facing economic adversities.

Geographic Scope

• Available locations: Anchorage, Chugiak, and Palmer, Alaska

Focus Areas

• Outdoor environmental education
• Summer camp experiences for youth
• Accessible outdoor recreation for low-income families

Eligibility

• Students of families facing economic adversities
• Applicants must provide federal tax return from previous year
• Each household can receive up to one week of camp per child
• Limitation: If a camper received a scholarship in the past two years, they must wait one year before reapplying
• Scholarships available for Spring Break Camp and year-round programs on a case-by-case basis

Award Details

• Award amount: Based on need; covers up to one week of camp
• Mandatory deposit: $25 non-refundable deposit required (may be waived if paying is a barrier)
• Minimum family contribution: Families must contribute minimum of $25 per enrollment

Funding Sources

• The Alaska Center Education Fund-A-Youth program
• Pick.Click.Give
• First National Bank Alaska
• Walmart
• Rasmuson Foundation
• Cook Inlet Tribal Council
• Individual Trailside Family donations

Contact Information

• Email: trailside@akcenter.org
• Phone: (907) 274-KIDS (5437)
• Mailing Address: 3350 Commercial Dr, Ste 101, Anchorage, AK 99501

Application Timeline

• Review begins: December 15, 2025
• Notification deadline: No later than January 1st for Summer 2024 scholarship
• Applications reviewed: In order received until funds exhausted
• Late applications: May be considered on individual basis if funds remain

What They Fund

• One week of summer camp enrollment
• Environmental education experiences
• Multiple campers from same family

What They Don't Fund

• Multiple weeks of camp per child
• Programs without required tax return documentation

Application Process

1. Application Opens: November 1, 2025
2. Complete Online Form: Submit scholarship application through their portal (available at akcentereducationfund.org/trailside-discovery-camp/scholarships/)
   • Application is 4 steps with progress indicator
3. Required Documentation:
   • Copy of most recent federal tax return (REQUIRED - applications without this will not be considered)
   • Any additional information supporting your request
4. Submit Follow-up Email: After submitting form, send confirmation email to trailside@akcenter.org
5. Review Period: Applications reviewed beginning December 15th in order received
6. Award Notification: Family receives email with award amount decision
7. Accept Award: MUST respond to accept scholarship award by deadline provided
8. Early Registration: Receive early registration date and unique household code for checkout

Camper Information

• Full name(s) of all campers
• Date(s) of birth
• Age(s)
• Ethnicity
• School(s) attended

Primary Guardian Information

• Full name (as shown on ID)
• Date of birth
• Household mailing address
• Phone number (best contact)
• Job title and employer

Secondary Guardian Information (if applicable)

• Full name
• Date of birth
• Contact information
• Job title and employer

Household Income Information

• Federal tax return from previous year (REQUIRED)
• Number of dependents living at home
• Annual gross wages
• Other income sources (PFD, child support, alimony, etc.)
• Current enrollment in assistance programs:
  • Adult Public Assistance
  • Denali KidCare Programs
  • National School Lunch Assistance Program (NSLP)
  • Medicaid
  • Other

Financial Information

• Maximum amount family can financially contribute to tuition
• Total scholarship amount requested (minimum $25 required)

Camper Questionnaire (must be answered by camper)

• Why would you like to attend Trailside Discovery Camp?
• What is today's date?

Additional Options

• Late applications: Contact trailside@akcenter.org if deadline missed; will be considered on individual basis while funding available
• Spring Break/Year-round programs: Email trailside@akcenter.org directly; scholarships awarded on case-by-case basis while funding available
• Multiple campers: One application can include multiple siblings/family members
• Deposit barrier: If $25 deposit is a barrier, contact trailside@akcenter.org to discuss options