The partnership between Myron B. Thompson Academy (MBTA) and Hawai'i Pacific University (HPU) offering a Dual Credit (D/C) program is an invaluable opportunity for qualifying rising 11th and 12th grade students. We are pleased to announce the addition of the Associate of Arts (AA) degree pathway also for incoming 11th graders beginning in the 2025-2026 school year. This initiative will give a select group of students in the initial cohort a head start in earning college credit while still completing their high school requirements. By enrolling in one or more college-level course(s) at HPU during the Fall semester, students can earn both high school and college credit, with the cost covered by MBTA (excluding a $50 non-refundable one-time deposit). Contact the College and Career Counselor for more information.
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.
Posted 10/14/2025
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