Neqa Derby 1
Supporting Our Communities

GCI donates $20,000 to Bristol Bay Native Corporation Education Foundation

GCI’s donation will help provide higher education and vocational training to BBNC shareholders

Developing Alaska’s next generation of leaders is key for the economic health and sustainability of both local communities and the state. In Southwest Alaska, the Bristol Bay Native Corporation Education Foundation (BBNCEF) has taken a leading role in that development, providing higher education and vocational training opportunities to thousands of BBNC shareholders and supporting cultural heritage activities in the Bristol Bay region through its Neqa Derby. In 2022, GCI contributed $20,000 to the organization’s annual fundraiser.

“As longtime sponsors of the BBNC Education Foundation, we’re excited each and every year when it’s time for the Neqa Derby,” said Vice President of GCI Wholesale Business Krag Johnsen. “GCI has deep ties to Bristol Bay and we’re proud to offer our support to the region’s youth and help keep the communities strong.”

In addition to the traditional higher education scholarship, in 2021, BBNCEF launched a new pilot program to provide Career Focused vocational education scholarships for students. The Foundation also provides grant funds to Bristol Bay communities to preserve traditional cultural practices through activities like cultural camps and school-based programs.

“Each year, the funds raised from the Neqa Derby help BBNCEF support more than 250 students to pursue their educational and vocational training goals,” said Bristol Bay Native Corporation Education Foundation Executive Director Aleesha Towns-Bain. “And with support from sponsors like GCI, those scholarship recipients who have gone on to graduate are now in a wide range of careers that serve and strengthen the Bristol Bay region.”

Since 1986, more than 4,000 higher education and vocational education scholarships worth $7.1 million have been awarded. In addition, BBNCEF has awarded 87 small grants worth $365,000 in 26 Bristol Bay villages to support cultural heritage. 

GCI is one of Alaska’s leaders in corporate philanthropy, donating approximately $2 million each year in cash, products, and connectivity to organizations across the state. GCI is committed to giving back to the communities it serves, and diversity, equity and inclusion are an important area of focus for giving for the company. Giving back is also a company value as employees receive 16 hours of paid leave to volunteer with local organizations.

For more information about GCI Gives visit GCI.com/gcigives.

About GCI

Headquartered in Alaska, GCI provides data, mobile, video, voice and managed services to consumer, business, government, and carrier customers throughout Alaska, serving more than 200 communities. The company has invested more than $4 billion in its Alaska network and facilities over the past 40 years and recently launched true standards-based 5G NR service in Anchorage, now the nation’s northernmost 5G service area. Learn more about GCI at www.gci.com. GCI is a wholly owned subsidiary of Liberty Broadband Corporation (Nasdaq: LBRDA, LBRDK, LBRDP). Learn more about Liberty Broadband at http://www.libertybroadband.com.