Eligibility for the program is limited to Hawaiʻi Island Residents who:

1. Has no prior college or university experience (less than 12 credits). We do not include early college/dual credit/running start credits taken during high school.
   
   

2. Are accepted and enrolled at Hawaiʻi Community College and qualify for the resident tuition rate according to the Hawaiʻi CC Residency Policy.
   
   

3. Has barriers or challenges that prevent them from attaining a higher education. 

4. Preference given to Native Hawaiian students.
   
   

5. Preference given to Hawaiʻi Island Residents. Students applying from neighboring islands will be considered on a case by case basis.

To be considered for the Ēlama & Hilo One Program Scholarship, the following must be completed:

PRIORITY DEADLINE: FRIDAY, MAY 30, 2025

1. The Ēlama & Hilo One Program Scholarship Application Part I – Click Here
   
   

2. Referral Application Part II – Click Here
   
   

3. Downloadable Paper Application - Click Here.

   • If completing a paper application, this must be scanned or hand-delivered. See the instructions on the application.
     
     

4. Admissions Application to Hawaiʻi Community College. Select the appropriate option below:

   • If you are a 2024 or 2025 Hawaiʻi high school graduate – Click Here

   • Freshman/First Time to College – Click Here

   • Returning Student to Hawaiʻi Community College – Click Here

An application will be considered incomplete and will only be evaluated once the applicant and referral forms are received as well as your admissions to Hawaiʻi CC.

If you require assistance with completing any of these applications, please contact us at (808) 969-8816.