Program Overview

Ēlama Project is a partnership between the Hawai`i Community College - Pālamanui and supporters including the Kamehameha Schools, the Kūki'o Fund of the Hawai'i Community Foundation, the Oak Foundation, the Roberts Foundation, the Kona Rotary Club and other generous organizations.

Ēlama Project is a very special initiative that makes college possible for West Hawai`i residents who have compelling barriers to entering and succeeding in college. It strives to increase college enrollment and graduation rates for our West Hawai`i communities.

To reach our goal, community partners help to identify and refer individuals to our program. Once selected, participants receive a scholarship to complete their first year of college. In addition, wrap-around support is provided to foster their academic success from admission until graduation.

With our guidance, scholars may decide to take a few classes at a time or enroll full-time while pursuing a certificate or associate degree at Hawai`i Community College at Pālamanui. The program covers the fall and spring semesters of a student's first year of college.

Eligibility

A student is eligible who:

• applies and gains admission to Hawaiʻi Community College by the fall semester start date,

• demonstrates financial need,

• shows other barriers or challenges that may limit college enrollment or success,

• earned a high school diploma, GED, or HiSET credential; or will graduate from high school in the current calendar year,

• is a first-time college student (12 or fewer total college credits) at the first fall semester start date,

• is a U.S. citizen (or a U.S. national, or an eligible non-citizen) and a permanent resident of Hawai`i who qualifies for residency tuition, and

• has strong recommendations from community partners

Preference will be given to first-time college students of Native Hawaiian ancestry who are Pell-eligible and first in their `ohana to attend college. Students without indications of financial barriers may also be asked to demonstrate need as shown on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

Comprehensive Commitment to Student Success

Working together with our Ēlama Peer Mentors, the Office of Student Services (OSS) at Hawaiʻi CC - Pālamanui, and the Library/Learning Center, we provide the following services to our students:

• Financial support (up to 12 credits) to cover 100% of tuition, books, and fees during the first year of college (fall & spring semesters, only)

• Academic advising, career counseling, and financial aid guidance

• Tutoring, mentoring, coaching and college readiness workshops

• Information and referrals to campus success resources (i.e., Hāʻawi Kōkua, HINET, veterans counselor, assistive technology, wellness & personal development, etc.)

Upon successful completion of the first year, students who persist receive guidance on applying to scholarships and are well-informed to access other financial aid resources. Wrap-around support continues beyond the first year of enrollment!

Ēlama Project Application

Instructions for Applicants and Referrers:

• Download the 2022-23 Ēlama Project Application (the fall semester at Hawaiʻi CC-Pālamanui starts on August 22, 2022 ). Note: the priority scholarship application deadline is July 1, 2022, but late applications will be accepted and considered from new students at Hawaiʻi CC through the fall 2022 semester if awards are not exhausted.

• Complete & submit both the Student Application Form and the Referral Form.

• The Referral Form is similar to a letter of recommendation and needs to be submitted by a professional or community member who knows the applicant well and can provide information about a student's barriers/challenges and who can attest to a student's dedication to the academic process.

Note to Applicants and Referrers:

• An application will be considered incomplete and will not be evaluated until both the Student Form and the Referral Form are received. Electronic methods of submitting your application (email attachment or fax) are preferred. Please remember to include signatures on the forms.

Ko Mākou Inoa (Our Name)

Our program name, Ēlama, comes from the Hawaiian word, lama, which is an endemic kind of ebony or hardwood. These rare and ancient trees inhabit the area around our Pālamanui campus.

According to Nā Puke Wehewehe ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi, the lama wood was used by Hawaiians for medicinal purposes and also placed in hula altars because its name suggested enlightenment.

Thus, our hope for our students is that participation in the Ēlama Project will facilitate educational enlightenment which leads to better health and prosperity.

For more information, contact:

Program Coordinator

Ēlama Project Scholarship Program

c/o Hawai`i CC - Pālamanui

PO Box 1327

Kailua Kona, HI 96745-1327

Tel: 808-969-8816

Fax: 808-209-8022

Email: paloss@hawaii.edu