Silver Bay Seafoods Launches 2026 Bristol Bay Education Initiative

Naknek, AK & Dillingham, AK – August 7, 2026 – Silver Bay Seafoods has announced a $100,000 donation to support students across the Bristol Bay region. The 2026 Education Initiative will benefit 23 schools in 22 Bristol Bay communities ahead of the 2026–2027 school year.

"The Dillingham School District is thankful for this generous donation. It really couldn't have come at a better time with the school year starting soon.” Said Chris Aguirre, superintendent of Dillingham School District.

Four $25,000 unrestricted grants are committed to the Bristol Bay Borough School District, Dillingham City School District, Southwest Region School District, and Lake and Peninsula School District. Each district has the flexibility to determine how best to use the funding based on its priorities, which may include school programs, food security, athletics and activities, equipment, improvements to spaces that support experiential learning and community events, and more.

“This funding could help improve the school kitchen, directly supporting hands-on learning for students and benefiting the entire community for decades to come.” Said Michael Robbins, superintendent of Bristol Bay Borough.

The goal of the initiative is to support students, strengthen their connection to school and their community, and invest in the future of Bristol Bay. The 2026 Education Initiative also builds on Silver Bay’s existing giving programs in Bristol Bay, including seafood donations that support local food security, scholarships for regional students and fisheries research programs.

“Southwest Region School District sincerely thanks Silver Bay Seafoods for this generous grant and its continued support of education in our region. The flexibility of these funds will allow us to support district priorities and provide meaningful opportunities for our students. We are grateful for Silver Bay Seafoods' ongoing partnership and commitment to our students, schools, and communities.” Said Audra Finkenbinder, superintendent of Southwest Region School District.

“As a fishermen-owned company with strong ties to Bristol Bay, we are excited to partner with local schools and communities to support students. We are honored to join all of Bristol Bay in wishing students and educators a successful start to the new school year.” Said Cora Campbell, President & CEO of Silver Bay Seafoods.

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About Silver Bay Seafoods

Silver Bay Seafoods is a fishermen-owned, vertically integrated company producing premium, sustainably harvested salmon, groundfish, crab and squid for customers worldwide. Founded by a group of fishermen in 2007, Silver Bay now operates four Bristol Bay processing platforms in Naknek, Dillingham and Wood River, as well as an extensive fleet support program in Egegik, Alaska. Through its partnerships and corporate giving program, Silver Bay is committed to supporting the communities where it operates and where its fishermen, employees, and partners live. To maximize positive impact on communities, Silver Bay prioritizes funding and partnerships in the following areas: fisheries sustainability, education & workforce development, and community wellbeing. Learn more about Silver Bay Seafoods at History | Silver Bay Seafoods. 

About Bristol Bay Borough School District

The Bristol Bay Borough School District serves approximately 85 students from Naknek, King Salmon and South Naknek through Naknek Elementary School and Bristol Bay Middle/High School. The district provides personalized instruction, hands-on learning and community-based opportunities that connect students with Bristol Bay’s culture, history, and future.

About Dillingham City School District

The Dillingham City School District serves local students from elementary through high school at Dillingham Elementary School and Dillingham Middle/High School. The district supports students throughout their K–12 education, helping them grow as learners and prepare for future opportunities.

About Southwest Region School District

The Southwest Region School District includes Aleknagik School, Clarks Point School, William Sonny Nelson School, Koliganek School, Twin Hills School, Manokotak Nunaniq School, Chief Ivan Blunka School, and Togiak School. It supports student learning by honoring local languages and cultures, strengthening communities, and preparing the next generation for a successful future.

About Lake and Peninsula School District

The Lake and Peninsula School District includes Chignik Lagoon, Chignik Lake, Igiugig, Kokhanok, Levelock, Meshik, Newhalen, Nondalton, Perryville and Tanalian. The central office of the District is located in King Salmon, approximately halfway between Port Alsworth, the northernmost school, and Perryville, the southernmost. None of the school sites can be reached by roadway; all transportation is by means of boat or small planes.