Bering Straits Native Corporation advances shareholder opportunities and benefits through education, development, and related support for its Native shareholder community and descendants. Its scholarship and development work centers on original shareholders and direct lineal descendants of original shareholders, including natural or legally adopted children who are Alaska Natives or descendants of an Alaska Native as defined by ANCSA, as well as grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and their direct lineal descendants. The corporation ties this work to the people of its region through coordinated educational support and a structured application process for postsecondary and vocational study.
Since 1991, BSNC has provided more than $5.7 million in funding to support the postsecondary educational goals of BSNC shareholders and descendants. Its Beringia Settlement Trust Scholarship Program exists to provide opportunities and benefits in support of educational and vocational activities. BSNC also participates in a regional scholarship partnership with Sitnasuak Foundation, Kawerak, Inc., Nome Eskimo Community, Norton Sound Economic Development Corporation, and Norton Sound Health Corporation to simplify scholarship access through a combined application for college and higher education.