Powered by Student Ideas

Are you a high school student on the Peninsula with an idea? You're eligible to win!

Your class may be doing the project, or you can enter into the project on your own. Any student may enter any number of years, and your entry can be new and novel, a refined version of a previous entry, or even an adaptation of someone else's idea.

Get Started: Your Path to Environmental Innovation

Ask Yourself: What can I do, create, or invent to better care for the Kenai Peninsula's environment?

Step 1: Brainstorm Your Connection

Start by exploring what you already know and love about the Kenai Peninsula:

What environmental issues have you noticed in your community?
What outdoor activities do you enjoy—fishing, hiking, boating, biking?
Who in your community (organizations, experts, businesses) could help develop your idea?
What resources or skills do you have access to?

Step 2: Identify a Problem

Consider these local environmental challenges:

Pollution & Waste: Oil spills, hazardous waste, fishing line, plastic recycling costs, pharmaceuticals in water, fish processing waste

Natural Resources: Depletion, river hydrology, invasive species, wildlife habitat loss

Human Impact: Overcrowding at recreation sites, vehicle emissions, development pressures, marine debris

Climate & Disasters: Climate change effects, natural disaster preparedness

Step 3: Get Creative with Solutions

Think beyond the obvious—your solution could involve:

Education & Awareness campaigns
Technology & Innovation (apps, tools, systems)
Recycling & Waste Reduction programs
Alternative Energy projects
Community Partnerships that create lasting change

Remember: Your unique perspective matters! Whether you're a fisherman noticing river pollution, a hiker concerned about trails, or a tech enthusiast with a digital solution, your lived experience gives you insights others don't have.

We want to hear YOUR ideas!

Ready to dive in? Check out past winning projects for inspiration, then submit your proposal. The Kenai Peninsula's next environmental solution might be yours.