It is an honor to give back to our community through our youth development programs. With the wonderful generosity of our community partners and fundraising efforts, the Chamber is able to award local students with scholarships to further their education.
The Soldotna Chamber of Commerce will award four scholarships in 2026 to local students for higher education. The Soldotna Chamber Scholarship Program includes:
• One (1) $3,000 award to a Soldotna-based high school senior under the High School Senior Scholarship.
• Two (2) $3,000 awards to 17-25-year-olds under the Vera Howarth CTE Scholarship. This scholarship is for those registered or planning to attend a career or technical education institution, training, or certification program.
• One (1) $3,000 award to a currently enrolled college or trade school student under the Rosie Reeder Continuing Education Scholarship.
A total of $12,000 is awarded from our scholarship program!
The Scholarship Program runs from mid-October through late March during the school year.
CHECK BACK IN MID-OCTOBER FOR THE 2027 APPLICATIONS!
Outstanding Soldotna middle school and high school students are honored during the Student of the Quarter Program, under the auspices of the Soldotna Chamber. Teachers, coaches, and administrators nominate students individually, and the committee selects them for character, love of learning, leadership, community service, and perseverance. Schools select one student a quarter to invite to the Soldotna Chamber of Commerce Luncheon along with their parents. Principals or a school representative share why the student was selected, and the student is presented with a certificate.
Participating schools in the SOQ Program are Skyview Middle School, Cook Inlet Academy, Connections Homeschool Program, and Soldotna High School.
The Community Scholarship Fair is a collaborative initiative among local organizations aimed at informing students and families about the wide range of scholarships and financial aid options available to those in Soldotna and the Central Kenai Peninsula. This free event will be held in January and is open to the public.
The Community Scholarship Fair welcomes ALL students, including high school students, homeschoolers, current undergraduates, graduate students, and adult learners looking to enroll in college or those pursuing their education as CTE students. We encourage scholarship organizations from both local and statewide levels to participate in order to enhance opportunities for our community.
Our mission is to equip you with essential information about local and state scholarships so you can maximize your scholarship potential. By bringing together numerous scholarship organizations, the event will prepare you for the upcoming spring season when many of these scholarship opportunities are made available to the public.
Soldotna Chamber of Commerce and Soldotna High School collaborate with local businesses on a valuable educational initiative—Job Shadow Day in April! By participating, businesses help bridge the gap between education and the workplace, preparing our students for their future careers while also nurturing a workforce that can meet your business needs. Kenai Chamber and Kenai Central High School (KCHS) are also partnering for a Kenai Job Shadow Day which is typically held in the month of February.
As a host for Job Shadow Day, businesses can share their industry expertise and daily responsibilities with students. Hosts can guide students through practical activities, allowing them to gain a better understanding of the work and company culture.