2025-2026 High School Senior Scholarship Application Form

Scholarship Information & Criteria

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. 

Two (2) $3,000 High School Senior Scholarships will be awarded by the Soldotna Chamber of Commerce.

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 the 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 SCHOLARSHIPS:

-Applicants must have a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher.
-Student must be a permanent resident of the Kenai Peninsula at the time of application and graduating from a High School in Soldotna, public or private, or hold a GED. 
-Preference may be given to students continuing their education for a major in Business/Marketing or Entrepreneurship. We still strongly recommend all students try for this scholarship even if they are not majoring in business.
-Preference may be given to students planning to return to Alaska if leaving the state to pursue a post-secondary education.

STUDENTS ARE REQUIRED TO SUBMIT:

-A completed Soldotna Chamber Scholarship Application
-A copy of your High School Transcript or GED.
-At least one Letter of Recommendation from a teacher
-At least one Letter of Recommendation from a member of the community (not related to you)
-A 350-word 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 Office. Partial applications will not be considered. Please submit all items together.

 

Name of College, University, or Technical School You Plan to Attend :

MY PERSONAL NARRATIVE

In 350 words or less, please compose a personal narrative. Your narrative should complete the following question: "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:

• A copy of your High School Transcript or GED
• At least one Letter of Recommendation from a teacher 
• At least one Letter of Recommendation from a member of the community (not related to you)
• Letters of Recommendation submitted must be dated within one year of the application deadline. 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. Please, no more than a total of four letters.
• 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.

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.

For questions, please contact:

Sara Hondel

sara@soldotnachamber.com; 907-262-9814