Press Release Says, Senator Ellis Takes to Facebook to Build Support for Scholarship Program Alaskans Urged to Join the Group on Alaska Achievers Incentive Program

(JUNEAU) – Senator Johnny Ellis (D-Anchorage) is one of the first Senators to use a “Facebook” group, to create a network of support for Senate Bill 33, a bill he is sponsoring that creates scholarships for postsecondary education. “A few weeks ago, I posted my first video on YouTube discussing the Alaska Achievers Incentive Program and urging people to film their own statements of support,” Senator Ellis, the Senate Majority Leader, said. “By going on Facebook, we are continuing to expand the use of new technologies to bring together a community of Alaskans who share the goal of expanding access to postsecondary education and technical training.” SB 33 would create the Alaska Achievers Incentive Program. Since the Facebook site was created last week by university students, more than 180 people have joined the group “Alaskans for AAIP”. “It’s clear there is widespread interest in getting this important piece of legislation passed,” said Senator Ellis. Senate Bill 33 will create an endowment for students looking to attend college or technical schools. To be eligible, a student must have at least a 2.5 grade-point average in high school and demonstrate a financial need of more than $4,000. Senate Bill 33 was passed by the Senate Education Committee, and will be considered next by the Senate Finance Committee. Its companion legislation, House Bill 94, sponsored by Representative David Guttenberg (D-Fairbanks), is in the House Education Committee. The Facebook group is called “Alaskans for AAIP” and is open to membership by any Facebook user. The link to the Facebook group is: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=51489607075&ref=ts The link to the YouTube video is: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KgGi6U_iSRI