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Trailside Discovery Scholarship Program

THE ALASKA CENTER EDUCATION FUND

Foundation Annual Grants for Youth ProgramsEnvironmental Education GrantsHardship Grants
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Funding Amount

Varies based on need; up to one week of camp per child

Deadline

December 15, 2026

251 days left

Grant Type

foundation

Overview

Trailside Discovery Scholarship Program

Organization: The Alaska Center Education Fund

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

  • Application opens: November 1, 2025
  • 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

How to Apply

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

Required Form Information

#### 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
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    Focus Areas & Funding Uses

    Fields of Work

    youth-programsenvironmental-educationhardship

    Categories

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