ABOUT US
Caring for the Kenai is an environmental awareness contest for high school students that provides an opportunity for a cooperative effort by industry, businesses, local and state government, school districts, non-profit organizations, environmental groups, and the media to increase public understanding of our communities environmental and natural disaster challenges.
Entrants begin with an environmental issue they wish to address and develop a solution specific to that issue. Entrants will do research, perform experiments, and conduct interviews in order to learn as much about their topics as possible. Then, each entrant, or team, writes a proposal (essay) including such information as the problem (s)he is attempting to solve, what has been learned about this problem, and the entrant’s solution to the problem.
Proposals are collected and judged. Through an extensive process of judging, nearly 600 proposals are narrowed down to 12 finalists. After the finalists and teachers are notified of their standings, they begin preparing for an oral presentation. They have several weeks to prepare for this presentation in front of a panel of 7 judges, an audience, and streamed live over the internet.
WHAT WE OFFER
OUR MISSION
We empower the next generation of environmental leaders by challenging Kenai Peninsula high school students to research critical local issues, propose meaningful solutions, and share their findings with the broader community—building a culture of environmental awareness and collaborative problem-solving.
Our History
30+ Years of Student-Led Environmental Innovation
30+ Years of Student-Led Environmental Innovation
Since 1991, Caring for the Kenai students have turned classroom projects into real-world solutions. Winners have been honored at the White House with Presidential Environmental Youth Awards, created successful businesses, influenced state legislation, and raised over $65,000 for environmental programs. From polyculture greenhouses to airport bird control, invasive species management to recycling initiatives, CFK students prove that young Alaskans don't just study environmental challenges—they solve them.