History

Koniag Education Foundation (KEF) promotes the education of Alaska Natives from the Kodiak Island region, approximately 4,503 Koniag Shareholders and Descendants. Approximately fifty percent of these Shareholders reside in the rural villages of Kodiak Island and the state of Alaska, while the other fifty percent live in the Lower 48 and throughout the world, making up KEF’s target market. KEF’s ultimate goal is to equip Alaska Native Koniag Shareholders and registered Descendants with the education and skills necessary to pursue employment opportunities, as well as foster Alaska Native leadership in the business world. KEF accomplishes this by offering merit-based scholarships, grants, and internships for individuals aged 18 and above.

KEF was founded and incorporated in the State of Alaska on January 8, 1993, and was recognized as a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organization in February of 1994. Koniag, Inc. is one of thirteen Alaska Native Regional Corporations established by the Federal Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA), tasked with providing dividends to Alaska Natives through business and investment growth. KEF, as the nonprofit affiliate, was established to ensure that all Koniag Shareholders and Descendants interested in pursuing a post-secondary education would be provided this opportunity, regardless of their financial status. Koniag, Inc. established a five-million-dollar endowment to sustain and grow KEF in 1997. As a tax-exempt nonprofit organization, KEF has a separate staff and Board of Directors. However, to ensure input into future endeavors, the Board of Directors of Koniag, Inc. has a seat on the voting membership of KEF.

KEF board and staff focus on the mission, “Empowering Alutiiq people to achieve their potential through education,” by developing programs designed to encourage education in rural and urban areas through outreach and student recruitment/retention programs, collaborative efforts with other entities, and grant-writing opportunities that propel our mission. KEF also offers internship opportunities, which further develop our students’ employment skills, education, and community involvement.