Empowering Alutiiq people to achieve their potential through education.

Save The Date!

Mark May 20, 2023 on your calendar to come "kruisin'" to support the next generation of Alutiiq leaders aboard Major Marine Tours out of Seward, Alaska! You'll have a chance to view Resurrection Bay's breathtaking scenery and wildlife while enjoying tasty appetizers and participating in an Alaskana-themed silent auction. Help KEF celebrate 30 years of supporting Koniag Shareholders and Descendants to achieve their educational goals!

Follow us on Facebook and Instagram to stay updated and to find out when tickets become available. 

Quyanaa Major Marine Tours for sponsoring this event!

The biggest challenge she faced was juggling the sporadic last-minute sprints to get work turned in and learning to create systems to keep herself organized. When she felt disengaged, she changed up the scenery. She got up, left her home, and studied at the library and various coffee shops in her area. Many coffees later, in 2021, Halvorsen earned a bachelor’s degree in political science with a minor in Alaska Native studies, achieving university and department honors. She is a member of Pi Sigma Alpha, the National Political Science Honor Society. Today, you can find her serving the Alutiiq community as a Public Policy and Government Affairs Specialist at Koniag.

Halvorsen shared, “Koniag Education Foundation made my education possible. Being a student at this stage of life, I’m not sure that I would have tackled a degree if I had to take on a large debt burden to reach that goal. KEF provided a large portion of the funding I needed to get my degree but also offered plenty of words of encouragement, friendly faces, and great care packages.”

Halvorsen advises students that when you have a problem, communicating with your professors is the best thing to do. If you think you will miss class, email them ahead of time so you will not miss out on any important homework or announcements. If you need help, go to your professor’s office hours, and if they don’t work with your schedule, talk with your professor to find a time that works for both of you.

NEW for Current Students! Remember to log into your student account HERE to upload your transcripts so you can receive your next award disbursement. KEF can not send them until your transcripts have been received.

Virtual Scholarship Q & A Sessions for New and Returning Students:

Zoom Info

• February 10 at 12:00 PM AKST
• February 21 at 3:00 PM AKST
• March 13 at 3:00 PM AKST

Upcoming Deadlines:

March 1

• Native Village Of Afognak Agwanermiut Liitut Scholarship Opens
• Native Village of Port Lions Rhea Mae Knagin Scholarship Opens

March 15

• Angayuk Scholarship/Internship Closes
• KEF General Closes
• Step Up Scholarship Closes - This one-time scholarship is designed for students who do not have the required 2.5 cumulative high school or college GPA. Students have up to one academic year to bring their GPA into compliance to continue receiving funds through the KEF General Scholarship. 

To learn more about scholarships or start an application, please visit us online today at koniageducation.org or call the office at (907) 562-9093!

Elaine Lederer

Alutiiq scientist, Elaine Lederer, is devoted to posing challenging questions and has a keen mind. Her parents, Skip Enge and Martha Komm, urged her to follow her interest in science and tap into her creative side.



Lederer was born and raised in Vancouver, Washington and has ties to Woody Island, Alaska. She studied at Western Washington University and had the fantastic opportunity to work as an intern for the Integrated Concepts and Research Corporation, a Koniag subsidiary, for two summers. During her internship, she worked with NASA at the Marshal Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama.

In 2007, Lederer graduated with her bachelor’s degree in geology with a minor in physics. The pursuit of her passion has led her to a position as a Managing Consultant for the engineering firm Ramboll. Her position allows her to collaborate with like-minded scientists and engineers to create and implement complex environmental solutions for industries in numerous global sectors.

Lederer loves hiking all day to swim in cold mountain lakes surrounded by trees and walls of rocks. She looks forward to the winters when she can snowboard in the backcountry with her husband Micah and their dog Daisy.



Lederer advises students to “Keep in mind why you are going to school. Your goal can change but having one is important to keep you moving forward. If that fails, remember that momentum can be helpful. If you stop, it might be harder to start up again. You got this! I believe in you!”

Are you ready to empower Alutiiq people to achieve their potential through education? Koniag Education Foundation is seeking qualified applicants to join the Board of Directors!

This rewarding volunteer role allows you to enhance the lives of Koniag Shareholders & Descendants who are pursuing furthering their education. You will contribute to strategic planning, connect with nonprofit leaders, and use your skillset to enhance our programs. Board members advise, govern, oversee policy and direction, and assist with leadership and promotion of KEF to support the organization’s mission.

Our nonprofit is committed to having our board represent the communities we serve. We encourage Koniag Shareholders and Descendants to apply. Qualified candidates are Alaska residents with strong finance or donor development backgrounds.

We would be delighted to hear from you if you are interested in serving on the KEF Board of Directors. Feel free to call (907) 562-9093 or e-mail us at Director@koniageducation.org if you have any questions concerning time commitment, programs, or committees.

“Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever.”

― Mahatma Gandhi 

STAY CONNECTED

Koniag Education Foundation | 907-562-9093| | kef@koniageducation.org | www.koniageducation.org