About the Program
Summer of Heroes is a program between Alaska Communications and Boys & Girls Clubs - Alaska, promoting education, awareness, and support for youth development programs throughout the state. Running from May through September 2021, Summer of Heroes includes two main components - a youth recognition and scholarship award, and a cause-related sales promotion.
During the Summer of Heroes, Alaska Communications accepted nominations from across the state for youth who are doing good in their local communities, and donated a portion of proceeds from every new Unlimited Internet or Business Internet subscription, up to $15,000 total.
Meet the 2021 Hero Honorees
In 2021, Alaska Communications received dozens of nominations for outstanding youth that are making a difference in their local communities. A committee had the difficult task of narrowing that down to six heroes from the community at large and two heroes from the Alaska Communications’ Employee Program. Each winner received a $1,500 scholarship and recognition in his or her community.
The 2021 youth heroes are Nychè Andrew of Anchorage, Jade Balansag of Wrangell, Logan Ehrhart of Anchorage, Stellen Johnson of Anchorage, Jayvyn Kalbfus of Anchorage, Darby Osborne of Sitka and Selena Payment of Soldotna.
Youth Recognition Program
Studies show that youth who are engaged in community service tend to do better in school, avoid risky behaviors, and maintain positive relationships with adults and peers.
As part of the Summer of Heroes, Alaska Communications works with Boys & Girls Clubs – Alaska to recognize five outstanding young heroes, plus heroes from the Employee Program, who are making a difference in their local communities. Based on their nomination forms and short answer responses, selected heroes receive a $1,500 scholarship and special recognition in their local community.
Making a Difference $15,000 Donation
During the Summer of Heroes, Alaska Communications contributed $25 to Boys & Girls Clubs – Alaska, for every new Unlimited Internet or Business Internet sign up between May 10 and July 2, 2021, up to $15,000 total.
Alaska Communications recognizes that youth education and development programs, such as the programs provided by Boys & Girls Clubs, are critical to helping children succeed in life.
In 2021, Alaska Communications donated $15,000 to help support Boys & Girls Clubs – Alaska’s programs and expand the organization’s capacity to positively impact the lives of young people in Alaska.
The Story of Our 2021 Logo
Our logo for the 11th annual search for heroes features Asya Gipson, a 2020 hero from Eagle River, Alaska. Asya is known for supporting her peers and volunteering every chance she gets. She’s a passionate anti-racism activist. She helped collect food donations for families in need, held bake sale fundraisers, volunteered at elementary schools and mentored high school freshmen. During the pandemic, she stepped up to co-found Masked Mission AK, sewing hundreds of masks and creating informational videos with tips to help reduce COVID-19 risks. Our logo portrays Asya in the leadership role she’s come to earn. We’re cheering her on as she blazes new trails and improves the lives of those around her.
What defines a hero? Help Find Heroes
Please note that the Summer of Heroes nomination window is now closed.
The next nomination window for the Summer of Heroes program will be in Spring 2022.
A hero can be any Alaska resident between the ages of 6 and 18 who is making a positive difference in his or her community. Whether it’s to support others during the pandemic or an ongoing effort to support the community, we want to hear about young people who have made their Alaska community better. Examples include, but are not limited to, the following types of efforts:
- volunteering or raising funds for a cause
- making a difference in school through education or sports
- making a significant contribution to his or her community
- considering others’ needs before their own
- inspiring others to take action
What are the nomination criteria?
Any youth who meet the above criteria can self-nominate or be nominated by someone they know. The winners will not be selected based on school grades, but rather the positive impact the youth makes on the community and those around them. The nominator could be a parent, guardian, sibling, teacher, coach, mentor, friend or anyone who has a relationship with the nominee and believes he or she should be recognized as a local hero.
Official Rules (PDF)
Frequently Asked Questions (PDF)
How and when will the heroes be recognized?
Alaska Communications and Boys & Girls Clubs - Alaska will select five outstanding youth heroes based on their nomination forms and short answer questions. A sixth hero will be selected as part of the Alaska Communications Employee program. The heroes will receive:
- a $1,500 scholarship through Alaska 529, and
- special recognition in his or her local community.*
The Alaska 529 Education Savings Plan scholarship can be used at nearly any accredited college, university, trade or technical post-secondary institution in the country.
*Recognition will be dependent on local community health and safety guidelines.
Be Involved Contact Us
To stay up-to-date with the Summer of Heroes program, connect with Alaska Communications on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or LinkedIn.
For questions on the Summer of Heroes program, please contact:
Heather Marron
Manager, Corporate Communications
Alaska Communications
[email protected]
(907) 564-1326
For questions on Boys & Girls Clubs - Alaska, please contact:
Rebecca Duerre
Program and Resource Coordinator
Boys & Girls Clubs – Alaska
[email protected]
(907) 770-7329