Oil Patch Bits: Calista provides $217,000 in fall scholarships

Calista Heritage Foundation, a non-profit Calista Corp. subsidiary, said Aug. 24 that it is providing $217,000 in scholarships for the first semester of the 2011-12 academic year. This is the largest scholarship amount granted in a single semester. If all applicants are approved for the spring semester the total award amount for the academic year will double to $434,000.

CHF was founded in 2010 and now operates the scholarship fund. Calista donated $1 million to CHF in 2010. Since 1994, more than $2.4 million in scholarships have been awarded.

The main source of scholarship fundraising is the annual Calista Golf Classic. Held this past June at the Moose Run Golf Course, more than $210,000 was raised for the scholarship fund. This was the most successful fundraising event in the 11-year history of the tournament.

More than 75 towns, cities and villages are represented as 248 shareholders and descendants receive financial assistance. Areas of study are as varied as the home towns of the recipients.

“Providing assistance to these students will help ensure there are Alaska Native guardians for the next generation,” said CHF President Debra Call.