Skip to main content
The CIRI Foundation
Career Development

Your Career Path

From exploration to advancement — TCF supports every stage of your career journey with funding, guidance, and community.

Five Stages, One Journey

Every career path is different, but the stages are universal. TCF has programs for each one.

Stage 1

Explore

Figure out what fits

Not sure what direction to take? Start here. Research career fields, talk to mentors, and identify what energizes you.

TCF Programs

Start Here Pathway Tool
Take the TCF Pathway quiz to narrow your options
Explore career profiles on Alaska Job Center Network
Talk to a TCF advisor about programs that match your interests
Stage 2

Prepare

Build your foundation

Whether it's a degree or a certification, this is where you build the skills employers are looking for.

TCF Programs

Higher Education Scholarship
CTE Scholarship
Enroll in an accredited program (college, university, or trade school)
Apply for TCF scholarships before deadlines
Maintain good academic standing (2.5+ GPA for Higher Ed)
Stage 3

Launch

Get career-ready

Almost there. Pass your exams, get certified, and prepare for the job market.

TCF Programs

Jump Start Award
CTE Scholarship
Apply for the Jump Start Award ($500 for testing fees and materials)
Schedule certification exams
Build your resume and practice interviewing
Stage 4

Work

Start your career

You're employed, contributing, and building financial stability. But the journey doesn't end here.

78% of TCF recipients are employed within 6 months of completion
64% of TCF recipients work in Alaska
Connect with TCF's alumni network for mentorship opportunities
Stage 5

Grow

Advance and give back

Pursue advanced degrees, mentor the next generation, or fund cultural projects through Heritage Grants.

TCF Programs

Higher Education Scholarship (Graduate)
Heritage Project Grant
Apply for graduate-level TCF funding (up to $15,000/year)
Volunteer as a TCF mentor or speaker
Apply for Heritage Project Grants to support cultural work

Career Fields & TCF Programs

FieldDemandTCF Programs
Healthcare & Nursing
High demand
Higher Ed, CTE
Trades & Construction
High demand
CTE, Jump Start
Education & Teaching
Steady
Higher Ed
Business & Administration
Steady
Higher Ed
Technology & IT
High demand
Higher Ed, CTE
Arts & Cultural Work
Growing
Heritage Grants
Environmental Science
Growing
Higher Ed
Aviation & Transportation
High demand
CTE, Jump Start

Where Are You on the Path?

Take our 2-minute pathway quiz to find the programs and next steps that match your stage.