Dual Credit - Running Start Program

Running Start is a program that allows “eligible” high school students to take a college course at a University of Hawai‘i campus as part of their high school coursework.

This partnership between the Hawai‘i State Department of Education (HIDOE) and the University of Hawai‘i System (UH) allows high school students attending public and charter schools to enroll in college classes during the fall, spring, and summer terms – with the opportunity to earn both high school and college credits.

Deadline to submit Spring 2026 applications:

Kapiolani Community College : October 15, 2025

All other campuses: October 24, 2025

Deadline to submit Fall/Summer 2026 applications:

Kapiolani Community College : April 1, 2026

All other campuses: March 27, 2026

• New Students: Contact Mrs Nakasone to schedule an appointment. 

• Continuing Students: Submit the Running Start application to Mrs Nakasone.

APPLICATIONS: 

• Click here: Running Start Website       

• Then click on “How to Apply”.  

• Email completed and signed applications to msnakasone@ethompson.org or fax to 808-683-7062.

TUITION: Students and parents are responsible for all tuition, fees, books, etc.

GEAR UP Scholarship: Free or Reduced Lunch, SNAP or TANF status may qualify you for a scholarship. 

GEAR UP Scholarship Application Deadlines:

Spring 2026 Semester - October 24, 2025

Summer 2026 Semester - March 27, 2026

GEAR UP Running Start Scholarships are available for public high school students who are economically disadvantaged, taking a Running Start course, and are U.S. citizens or resident aliens (i.e., U.S. permanent residents). If you would like to be considered for the GEAR UP Running Start Scholarship, you are giving us permission to verify your socio-economic status through the Hawai`i State Department of Education.

To apply for a GEAR UP Running Start Scholarship, students need to complete a Running Start application online and check the box “Yes” to “I meet all of the(se) eligibility requirements and would like to be considered for a GEAR UP Running Start Scholarship.”

Running Start applications must be submitted online by the deadline for each term to be considered for a scholarship.

For more information about the Dual Credit Running Start Program check out the website at: www.hawaii.edu/dualcredit

The U.S. Naval STEM programs listed below are currently accepting applications; kindly request that you share these opportunities with your eligible networks. Individual flyers attached for sharing. 

Science and Engineering Apprenticeship Program (SEAP)

Paid summer internship for high school students

SEAP places academically talented high school students with interest and ability in science and engineering as participants in Department of Navy laboratory research for eight weeks during the summer.

Website: https://www.navalsteminterns.us/seap/

Applications due 01 NOV 2025

Naval Research Enterprise Internship Program (NREIP) 

Paid summer internship for college students

NREIP gives academically talented college students, graduating seniors, and graduate students pursuing STEM careers the opportunity to learn about Naval research and technology while receiving first-class mentoring by top scientists and engineers.

Website: https://www.navalsteminterns.us/nreip/

Applications due 01 NOV 2025

Science, Mathematics, and Research for Transformation (SMART) Scholarship-for-Service Program

SMART provides merit-based scholarships to bachelor's, master's, and doctoral students pursuing STEM degrees. In 2023, eligibility was expanded to include incoming college freshmen with no prior college credit, extending the opportunity to high school seniors. SMART Scholarship recipients receive full tuition, annual stipends, mentorship, health and book allowances, and conduct summer internships at a DoD facility before embarking on a DoD civilian career after graduation.

Website: https://www.smartscholarship.org/smart

Applications due 05 DEC 2025