Alaska 529 Awards $25,000 scholarship account to aspiring UAA nursing student
December 10, 2024
Alaska 529 Awards $25,000 scholarship account to aspiring UAA nursing student
Alaska resident Matalyn Dart wins through annual PFD contribution program
Anchorage, ALASKA — Nov. 18, 2024 — Alaska 529 has awarded its 2024 $25,000 scholarship account to Matalyn Dart, an adult student and long-time Alaska resident. Dart was selected from the nearly 13,000 Alaskans who chose to direct half of their Permanent Fund Dividend to their Alaska 529 accounts.
Dart, an aspiring nursing student at the University of Alaska Anchorage, was surprised to learn she had won. “It took a week before I could even believe I’d won,” she said. “I’ve been an Alaska 529 account holder since I was a young child, building my savings while I pursued education in the medical field. This scholarship is more than financial help — it encourages me to continue and finish my degree.” Dart was recognized and presented with the scholarship during the first intermission of the Nov. 15 UAA vs. UAF Governor's Cup hockey game. Dart was aware of the scholarship giveaway but said she never expected to be the winner.
“Alaska 529 supports Alaskans at every stage of their education journey,” said Lael Oldmixon, executive director of Alaska 529. “Whether returning to school or pursuing a new goal, people like Matalyn can rely on resources like Alaska 529 and this scholarship to help them succeed.”
This is the 15th year of the annual giveaway, sponsored by Alaska 529 and funded by the Education Trust of Alaska, with nearly 13,000 applicants. Alaska residents can qualify for the 2025 giveaway by answering ‘Yes’ to the Alaska 529 question when applying for the annual PFD.
About Alaska 529:
Alaska 529 is an education savings plan specifically designed to help families save for education expenses in a tax-advantaged way. Earnings grow tax-deferred, and qualified distributions are exempt from federal taxes, allowing savings to grow faster than a taxable account.
Alaskans who answer “yes” to the Alaska 529 question on their PFD application contribute either half or all of the PFD into an Alaska 529 account. This simple step can help participants reach education savings goals and cover future expenses, including tuition, room and board, books, and required technology. Learn more at Alaska529plan.com.
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Contact:
Ceara Thompson
ceara@thompsonpr.com, 907-561-4488
