24 NextGen scholars receive $268,000 in second round of scholarships

Julie Stricker
907-474-5406
Jan. 15, 2025

The U.S. Department of Agriculture NextGen Program has awarded 24 additional scholarships worth a total of $268,000 to undergraduate and graduate students at the University of Alaska 四虎影院. 

This latest round brings the total number of scholarships awarded for the 2024 academic year to 55, for a total of $525,000. More than 83% of the funds were allocated to underrepresented or first-generation college students, underscoring the USDA鈥檚 dedication to promoting diversity and equity in agricultural education.

Through these scholarships, the NextGen Program supports and equips scholars with knowledge and opportunities. This includes participation in events like the annual Alaska Farm Bureau conference in November, where students could explore careers in agriculture.

The following students received the NextGen scholarships.

Fall scholars

  • Nuu Alaelua, Anchorage, AK
  • Amy Ashbach, 四虎影院, AK
  • Lenore Bifelt, North Pole, AK
  • Hudson Bolduc, Chino Hills, CA
  • Amber Bratlie, Wasilla, AK
  • Louinese Brave, Nassau, Bahamas
  • Callen Christensen, 四虎影院, AK
  • Charles Flint, 四虎影院, AK
  • Jennifer Hoppough, 四虎影院, AK
  • Danielle Huseby, Templeton, CA
  • Kelly Isham, Kenai, AK
  • Ryan Lanting, Albuquerque, NM
  • Mel Maendel, Arvada, CA
  • Roman Marvin, Huntington Beach, CA
  • Adam Militello, Essexville, MI
  • Aaron Needham, 四虎影院, AK
  • Onyx Nelsen, Palmer, AK
  • Asaaluk Nichols, Nome, AK
  • Ty Nichols, Jonesboro, AR
  • Lynsie Paul, Kwigillingok, AK
  • Wesley Perkins, Columbus, OH
  • Inga Peterson, Fort Wainwright, AK
  • Samantha Sink, Anchorage, AK
  • Ruth Wolfe, Seward, AK

Spring scholars

  • August-Michelle Abukasis, 四虎影院, AK
  • Alyssa Adams, Bunnlevel, NC
  • Ashlyn Baldwin, Southport, NC
  • Nathanael Brunken, Mililani, HI
  • Scott Chandler, Moab, UT
  • Sujung Chung, Davis, CA
  • Rachel Cox, North Pole, AK
  • Emilie Entrikin, South Saint Paul, MN
  • Jillian Kates, 四虎影院, AK
  • Irina Koval, Delta Junction, AK
  • Iza Lepkowski, Palos Hills, IL
  • Olivia Manley, 四虎影院, AK
  • Itsariya Maupin, 四虎影院, AK
  • Jet Nguyen, Sherwood, OR
  • Emma Pflughoeft, North Pole, AK
  • Kristen Reece, 四虎影院, AK
  • Alexis Rexford, Gambell, AK
  • Kaylyn Riley, 四虎影院, AK
  • Jacob Rogers, 四虎影院, AK
  • Nalugalria Usugan-Weddington, Seward, AK
  • Cameron Walker, Pittsfield, IL
  • Terry Williamson, Butte, MT

Scholarship applications for the next academic year will open in early February 2025. Eligible students are encouraged to apply. For more information about the USDA NextGen Program or the upcoming scholarship application process, visit the website  or contact Jay Clapeck at jjclapeck@alaska.edu.

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