About the Program
Summer of Heroes is a partnership program between Alaska Communications and Boys & Girls Clubs of Southcentral Alaska, promoting education, awareness, and support for youth development programs throughout the state. Summer of Heroes includes two main components - a youth recognition and scholarship award, and a cause-related sales promotion.
During the Summer of Heroes, May 1-June 14, 2024, Alaska Communications is seeking nominations from across the state for youth who are doing good in their local communities.
Additionally, we will donate a portion of proceeds from every new Unlimited Internet or Business Internet subscription, up to $15,000 total to Boys & Girls Clubs of Southcentral Alaska.
Meet the 2024 Hero Honorees
In 2024, 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 five heroes from the community at large and two heroes from the Alaska Communications’ Employee Program. Each winner received a $2,000 scholarship and recognition in his or her community.
The 2024 youth heroes are Emily Brubaker, Maya Carlson, Jillian Dolph of Anchorage; Sara DeVolld of Soldotna; Fernando Escobar and Grace Hurley of Kodiak; and Gunnar Sudsbury Giuchici of Fairbanks.
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 of Southcentral Alaska to recognize five outstanding young heroes, plus two 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 $2,000 scholarship and special recognition in their local community.
Making a Difference $15,000 Donation
During the Summer of Heroes 2024, Alaska Communications will contribute $25 to Boys & Girls Clubs of Southcentral Alaska, for every new Home Internet or Business Internet sign up between May 1 and June 14, 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 2024, Alaska Communications donated $15,000 to help support Boys & Girls Clubs of Southcentral - Alaska’s programs and expand the organization’s capacity to positively impact the lives of young people in Alaska.
In the 14 years of the Summer of Heroes program, Alaska Communications has proudly donated $210,000 to Boys & Girls Clubs of Southcentral Alaska.
The Story of Our 2024 Logo
Our logo for the 14th annual search for heroes features Elizabeth Djajalie. She uses her passion for science to make Juneau and Alaska a better place. Elizabeth worked with local researchers and businesses to create bioplastic cups made from local seaweed; she founded a science club where Juneau students can come to collaborate; and she donated the scholarship funds she received through the Summer of Heroes program to the Alaska Science and Engineering Fair. The seaweed strands, DNA structure, atom symbol, and other icons within this logo show Elizabeth’s passion and commitment to expanding STEM education and opportunities for youth in the community.
What defines a hero? Help Find Heroes
The nomination window is now closed
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. 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, or
- inspiring others to take action.
What are the criteria for nominating a youth for the Summer of Heroes program?
Any Alaska youth between the ages of 6-18 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 child and believes he or she should be recognized as a local hero.
How and when will the heroes be recognized?
Alaska Communications and Boys & Girls Clubs of Southcentral 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 $2,000 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 postsecondary institution in the country.
Nominate a youth
Read the frequently asked questions
Review the official rules
Be Involved Contact Us
To stay up-to-date with the Summer of Heroes program, connect with Alaska Communications on Facebook, Instagram or LinkedIn.
For questions on the Summer of Heroes program, please contact:
Heather Marron
Manager, Corporate Communications
Alaska Communications
Heather.Marron@acsalaska.com
(907) 564-1326
For questions on Boys & Girls Clubs of Southcentral Alaska, please contact:
Jaycee Vincent
Boys & Girls Clubs of Southcentral Alaska
info@bgcalaska.org
(971) 222-8597
