‘Summer of Heroes’ seeks nominations

MAT-SU — Nominations are due by July 23 for Alaska Communications second annual Summer of Heroes partnership program with Boys and Girls Clubs Alaska.

People can nominate Alaska youths age 6 to 18 by visiting the Summer of Heroes website, an Alaska Communications retail store, or a Boys and Girls Clubs Alaska clubhouse. The Boys and Girls Clubs Alaska has lost about $6 million in funding in the last five years due to a decline in federal grants. Five years ago, there were 46 clubhouses in Alaska serving 15,000 to 18,000 youths. Now, there are 35 Clubhouses serving fewer than 10,000 youths.

Alaska Communications will donate up to $15,000 to Boys and Girls Clubs through Summer of Heroes program to help the nonprofit. The communications company will donate $25 to Boys and Girls Clubs Alaska for every smartphone sold through July 23.

Five young Alaskans will receive $1,500 scholarships and a trip to the Alaska State Fair through the Summer of Heroes program. A hero is any youth who has raised significant funds for a cause, saved a person’s life, made a difference in school through education or sports, and/or made a significant contribution to his or her community.