For decades, The Aleut Foundation (TAF) was a trusted resource and guiding force for Unangax̂ students and professionals, offering support in education, career development, and cultural connection. Today, we proudly begin a new chapter together. Welcome to the Ulakaia Center (UC)!
As part of Aleut, the Ulakaia Center builds upon the strong legacy laid by TAF and embraces a future filled with even greater possibility for Aleut shareholders and descendants, supporting educational advancement, career development, and vocational training.
Why Ulakaia?
The name Ulakaia Center comes from Ulakaia Hill, the tallest hill on St. George Island, the southernmost of the Pribilof Islands. This high point serves as a lookout and a place of reflection, offering both physical and symbolic elevation. It is a fitting namesake for a center dedicated to lifting up shareholders and descendants through education, career development, and gaining a wider perspective.
Place names hold power. They tell stories about who we are, where we come from, and how we remain connected to the land. Indigenous place names have faced a long history of erasure, and the choice to use Ulakaia reflects ongoing conversations with community members and an intentional effort to reclaim place names of cultural significance in ways that are practical, inclusive, and resonant.
By naming our shareholder services the Ulakaia Center, we affirm that our communities’ futures are rooted in our places of origin. For our shareholders and descendants, this is more than a name, it is a symbol of resilience, forward movement, and the upward climb toward knowledge, self-determination, and success.
The UC is here to support your journey, every step of the way. Whether you’re taking your first college class, training for a new career, or returning to your cultural roots, we’ll help you reach new heights to see what’s possible for your future.
Honoring The Foundation.
By fully integrating the Foundation into Aleut, we have more resources and greater flexibility to expand our services, deliver meaningful programming and better support our shareholders and descendants.
This transformation honors the legacy, impact, and traditions of The Aleut Foundation. Since its inception, the Foundation has distributed almost $80 million in scholarships and support, benefiting hundreds of shareholders and descendants. We are proud of this legacy, and we are not moving away from it, but building upon it.
We extend our deepest gratitude to the former executive directors and board members of The Aleut Foundation. Your vision, leadership, and dedication laid the foundation for everything the Ulakaia Center is today: a place of opportunity, growth, and empowerment for Aleut shareholders and descendants.
Thanks to your dedication and years of service, the Foundation has supported hundreds of shareholders and descendants. With the full support of Aleut behind us, we will carry this legacy forward for generations to come.
What Does this Mean for You?
- We have a new name. The Aleut Foundation is now the Ulakaia Center.
- We are stronger together. The Ulakaia Center remains a vital part of Aleut, aligned under the same mission to support shareholders and descendants. ready to grow our reach and services.
- Reach out! You can reach the Ulakaia Center team at ulakaia@aleutcorp.com.
- You can use the same channels. For scholarship and career development information, continue to visit our website and social media. The URL will change, but we will have redirects in place to ensure a seamless transition.
- Our commitment to you remains unwavering. We are still here to support Unangax̂ shareholders and descendants in education, career advancement, and training.
News from the Ulakaia Center
Scholarships
Scholarship and grants are limited to eligible, qualified, and selected Aleut shareholders and descendants. A completed application and all required materials must be submitted by the deadline in order for an applicant to receive full consideration. Ulakaia Center scholarships are available for the following areas of study:
- Academic
- Vocational/Technical
- Part-Time
- Career Development
- Working
- Community Training
- Advanced College Credits
- Leadership
Cash for Good Grades
To encourage our youth to attend and excel at school, the Ulakaia Center conducts $100 cash prize drawings for students who maintain a grade point average (GPA) of 3.5 or above and for students with outstanding attendance. Only Aleut shareholders and confirmed descendants enrolled in grades 7-12 are eligible to participate.
Internships
Ulakaia Center is working to cultivate a strong, robust Internship Program with its partners, including Aleut.
Culture Camps
Connecting with culture and heritage isn’t just about remembering history, it is about understanding what it means to be Unangax̂ and accessing one’s ability to own one’s identity.
Aleut contributes annually to culture camps in the Aleut Region, Anchorage, and Pacific Northwest. These camps provide an opportunity for people of all ages to learn about the Aleut culture through hands-on cultural activities and fellowship with the Aleut community. Traditional Unangax̂ practices are shared, culturally enriching the lives of those who participate.
Ulakaia Center provides travel scholarships for shareholders and descendants interested in attending a culture camp.
Unangax̂ Culture Camps
Why is the name changing?
The new name reflects our commitment to growth, resilience, and opportunity, mirroring the journey of our students and professionals.
What does “Ulakaia” mean?
Ulakaia is the name for the largest hill on St. George Island, one of our in-region communities.
What’s changing besides the name?
The name and branding will change, but the Ulakaia Center will continue to operate under Aleut and serve Shareholders and Descendants through its scholarship programs.
What are the programs offered through Ulakaia Center (UC)?
All the programs that were offered under the Aleut Foundation will continue to be administered through the Ulakaia Center. A full listing of our programs can be found on our website at www.ulakaia.com.
Will existing scholarships or other programs be affected?
No, all scholarships, career development programs, and opportunities will continue as usual.
Can descendants still apply for scholarships and programs?
Yes! Registered descendants and shareholders remain eligible for programs and scholarships under the Ulakaia Center.
Where can I learn more about the Ulakaia Center and its mission?
Information will be available through Aleut’s website and ongoing social media updates.
Will past records or applications be affected? Will I need to reapply?
No, all previously submitted records and applications will remain on file and unaffected by the name change.
How do I apply for new scholarships or grants?
The application process remains the same. You can find all scholarship information through Aleut’s website at www.aleutcorp.com/ulakaia or UC’s website at www.ulakaia.com.
When should I apply?
Deadlines vary by scholarship and grant. It is important to start your application process early and keep track of all deadlines to ensure you do not miss any opportunities.
Can I apply for multiple scholarships and grants?
Please contact our office at 907-646-1929 or email ulakaia@aleutcorp.com for further assistance.
How will I be notified if I have received a grant or award?
Recipients typically receive an award through email or mail. Questions on award progress can be asked through UC’s email at ulakaia@aleutcorp.com or by calling UC at 907-646-1929.
What happens if I am not awarded a travel grant for culture camp travel?
You may be wait listed or reapply next year.
Do I need to maintain a certain GPA to keep my scholarship?
Yes, to remain in good standing, you are required to maintain a minimum GPA of 2.00.
What happens if I lose eligibility?
If your GPA falls below 2.00 while reapplying for a scholarship, you will be required to take a gap year. This means sitting out an academic year before reapplying.
Who can I contact for more information?
You may email questions about Ulakaia Center’s programs at ulakaia@aleutcorp.com or calling Ulakaia Center at 907-646-1929.
What should I do if I don’t have my acceptance letter or official transcript to complete my application before the deadline?
Please contact the Ulakaia Center at 907-646-1929 well before the deadline and one of our friendly service specialists will gladly assist.
