Alaska Air Group Credit Union is thrilled to offer a scholarship to support the educational pursuits of our members. A sincere thank you to all of our 2025 applicants. We had numerous qualified candidates that made the selection process difficult.
Our record 90 applications went through a rigorous review process. After careful consideration, the following students below were selected by our Board of Directors.
Congratulations to the following five students for their hard work, dedication to their academics, extra-curricular activities, and community engagement.
Addison Kwan
Monrovia, CA | University of California, Berkeley
Media Studies and Education
Addison is attending University of California, Berkeley and pursuing a double major in Media Studies and Education.
In high school, Addison served in multiple leadership positions including Associated Student Body, Yearbook, Link Crew, and Key Club. She also founded a mental health initiative called Cards-4-Hope, in partnership with a suicide hotline.
Addison has combined her passion for media and her passion for giving back to the community in many roles including as the lead graphic designer for the Arcadia Civic Youth Council, Communications and Events Assistant at Center for New Media on campus, and through freelance graphic design work for the Parks Foundation and on-campus clubs at University of California.
“At the heart of everything I do is my belief that storytelling is a meaningful way to create connection. I am especially drawn to perspectives that challenge dominant narratives and open up conversations about identity, belonging, and justice. I want to develop work that is thoughtful and rooted in care, whether that means helping someone feel represented, breaking down complex ideas through design, or making difficult topics more accessible to a wider audience. Ultimately, I hope to work at the intersection of media, education, and advocacy.”
Alyssa Christian
San Diego, CA | San Diego Miramar College
Associate of Science in Professional Aeronautics
Alyssa is a current full-time Flight Attendant with Alaska Airlines. She is pursuing her Associates of Science in Professional Aeronautics, with the goal of becoming a commercial pilot. In tandem, she is earning her pilot certifications with an independent instructor. She recently achieved her private pilot certificate.
In addition to balancing her studies, flight training, and a full-time job, she is committed to helping her community by her active involvement with Women in Aviation International, The Ninety-Nines (San Diego Chapter), and Professional Pilots of Tomorrow in which she volunteers in fundraising, student pilot mentorship programs, and community outreach to inspire young women to pursue aviation careers.
“Aviation has been more than just a career aspiration—it has been a calling, driving my every decision and fueling my relentless determination to succeed despite financial and scheduling challenges… . In the future, I hope to mentor young women who are interested in aviation, offering guidance and encouragement to help them navigate their own journeys. Aviation is a field that thrives on community and mentorship, and I am committed to fostering an environment where future pilots—especially young women—can see themselves represented and supported.”
Kinsley Pinkston
Anchorage, AK | University College, Dublin
English, Classics, and History
Kinsley finished her senior year at Dimond High School and will attend the University College Dublin as a freshman this fall to study English, Classics, and History.
During her high school years, Kinsley was involved in many extracurriculars including Key Club, Partners Club, Green Effects, Mock Trial, and Drama, Debate, and Forensics (DDF). Her hard work has been recognized by multiple awards, including academic achievement recognition, 3rd place in State Policy Debate, and Outstanding Witness in the Mock Trial Competition.
Outside of school, Kinsley volunteered with the Eating Disorder Coalition Hill Day, where she engaged with lawmakers to bring greater awareness and legislative action surrounding eating disorders.
“As I look ahead to the future, I am eager to continue my academic and personal growth at the University College Dublin, where I have been unconditionally accepted into their English, Classics, and History program. I am thrilled by the prospect of immersing myself in the study of humanity’s shared past, so that I might learn from it and apply those lessons moving forward. My ultimate goal is to leverage the knowledge and skills gained in university to build a career in the publishing industry.”
Jada Grey
Elk Grove, CA | Southern University A&M
Social Work
Jada is currently working toward earning her bachelor’s degree in Social Work at Southern University A&M.
She began her journey of participating in opportunities that allowed her to give back to marginalized youth at an early age. During her high school years, she served as the President of the Black Student Union where she was able to educate her peers about black history, organize events, and increase cultural awareness.
Outside of school, she was selected as a member of the National Society of Leadership and Success and held internships at the Roberts Family Development and Oak Park Community Centers. She has also volunteered with organizations such as Jack & Jill of America, TNT Parents Club, Xavier’s Service Saturdays, Lady Mustangs Basketball Booster Club, and tutoring underprivileged children.
“My past and future experiences as a volunteer and intern have made me even more passionate and determined to help the youth and know that Social Work is the right path for me. Ultimately, my extracurricular activities align with my career objectives and are the foundation that I can build a future dedicated to empowering African American children and improve their lives. I strive to embody the ideals [Mary McLeod] Bethune championed because her unwavering belief in the power of youth and her dedication to social justice inspires me to remain steadfast in my commitment to marginalized children. With education as my tool and passion as my fuel, I aim to not only honor her legacy but also build a brighter future for the next generation.”
Jameson Cosgrove
Tacoma, WA | University of Washington
Chemistry
Jameson graduated from Bellarmine Preparatory School in June, and will begin his freshman year at University of Washington studying Chemistry this fall.
In high school, Jameson participated in FRC robotics all four years including two promotions to leadership position, competed in Knowledge Bowl serving as captain for three years, and has served as a Link Crew Leader where he mentored incoming freshmen.
As part of his senior year Marine Chemistry program, Jameson has been conducting an independent research project studying the declining health of South Puget Sound Bull Kelp beds. Through SCUBA diving and kayaking to collect data, he has been studying the effects that climate change can have on environmental health, and in turn informing his passions to pursue chemistry with a focus on environmental science.
“I’m looking to go into chemistry with a focus on environmental science because I can see the problems that climate change is causing, and I want to be part of the solution. I can see the problems firsthand in my research project on kelp, where in my South Puget Sound, kelp bed coverage has decreased by over 80% in the last 50 years. I believe that science is the answer to combating these issues which is why I want to become a full time researcher to do my part to help.”
Congratulations to this year’s winners. Scholarship applications for 2026 will open on January 1st, 2026. Visit Scholarships – Alaska Air Group Credit Union (aagcu.org) to learn more.