2025-2026 Vera Howarth CTE Scholarship Application Form

The Scholarship Committee of the Soldotna Chamber of Commerce will grant multiple scholarships each year, with the award amounts to be decided by the Board of Directors. The committee will select the winners based on the merits of the applicant.

Three (3) $3,000 “Vera Howarth CTE” Scholarships will be awarded by the Soldotna Chamber of Commerce to students entering or continuing their education in a career and technical education-related field. All students who are either already enrolled or planning to enroll in a program at a career or technical education institution, training program, or certification course are encouraged to apply. Students who have been awarded a "Soldotna Chamber High School Senior Scholarship" must wait two academic years before they are eligible to apply for the CTE scholarship.

All scholarships must be claimed or deferred within six months of the Award Letter Date, which is typically mailed out in early May. If a scholarship is deferred, it remains valid for one year. Before the one-year period expires, the recipient must reach out to the Chamber to request the allocation. If the recipient fails to make contact within the year, the scholarship will be considered forfeited. Scholarships will only be disbursed to the educational institution and will be awarded once proof of full-time registration is provided to the Soldotna Chamber for the academic year.

Scholarship recipients will be selected in late April. The winner will be contacted by email. Recipients will be asked to attend the Soldotna Chamber's Membership Luncheon on Wednesday, May 13th, 2026, for the Scholarship Awards Reception at Soldotna Regional Sports Complex at noon. Scholarship Recipients will also be asked to attend the Chamber’s Annual Pie Auction as a volunteer, slated for Saturday, Oct. 24th, 2026, if it fits within the recipient’s schedule.

THE FOLLOWING GUIDELINES WILL BE USED TO AWARD THE SCHOLARSHIP:

·        Must be between the ages of 17-25 to apply

·        Have a minimum GPA of 2.0

·        Must be a full-time, permanent resident of the Kenai Peninsula at the time of application.

·        Must either be already enrolled or planning to enroll in a program at a career or technical education institution, training, or certification program. 

·        Applicants must intend to return to their home community for employment after training. 

 

STUDENTS ARE REQUIRED TO SUBMIT:

1.   Completed Soldotna Chamber Scholarship Application

2.   Most recent official transcripts from trade, vocational, college, or universities attended must be submitted, or official transcripts from graduating high school or a copy of GED, if no post-secondary educational institution has been attended.

3.   Proof of Acceptance on school letterhead to one of the following programs must accompany the application: career or technical education institution, training, or certification program. You can get this by reaching out to the school's registrar. 

4.   Two letters of recommendation must accompany the application (one from a present or former educational faculty member or employer and one from an individual who knows them well in the community and not a relative. 

5.   350 words or less Personal Narrative on the following topic: "What problem in your field or industry do you aspire to solve once you complete your education, or what solution do you hope to contribute to?"

Deadline: Friday, March 20th, 2026, by 4:00 pm. Applications must be turned in to the Soldotna Chamber of Commerce Office. Partial applications will not be considered. Please submit all items together.

Essay (not to exceed 350 words): "What problem in your field or industry do you aspire to solve once you complete your education, or what solution do you hope to contribute to?"

*Please upload/attach to this form:

• Your current School Transcript or official transcripts from graduating high school or a copy of GED, if no post-secondary educational institution has been attended.
• Letter of Recommendation from a present or former educational faculty member or employer and one from an individual who knows you well in the community and not a relative.)  
• Letters should include the Recommender’s Name, Address, Phone, Length of time knowing the student, and in what context. The Recommender's author must sign letters.
• Letters of Recommendation submitted must have been written within one year of the application deadline. Please do not submit more than a total of four letters.
• Your Completed Personal Narrative: "What problem in your field or industry do you aspire to solve once you complete your education, or what solution do you hope to contribute?"

 

By signing (typing your legal name) in the space below, you are certifying that all information is correct and that you are the person completing this application, and you hereby certify that all answers provided are true and correct to the best of your ability. You understand that any false answers or deliberate omissions may be grounds for rejection of your application and withdrawal of any award granted. 

When you press the submit button, you will receive an email confirmation that your application was received. Please print for your records and retain as verification of your application.

If you need access to a scanner to have documents emailed to you in a PDF format, please make an appointment with Sara Hondel at the Chamber, because she is willing to help with that.

For questions, please contact:

Sara Hondel

sara@soldotnachamber.com

907-262-9814