Scholarships & Supports for
Native Hawaiian Students
Scholarships & Supports for
Native Hawaiian Students
Remember to check your school's college & career center for high school specific scholarships!
Learn about scholarships and financial aid.
Scholarship Basics (College Essay Guy) You GOTTA read this one!
Organize and keep track of your scholarships!
Scholarship Tracker (sample) (College Essay Guy)
Meet all application deadlines.
Use the scholarship tracker.
Plan ahead and ask for assistance early.
Scholarships are not easy to get. A late application may not be read.
Don’t ignore small awards.
Small awards can add up.
The larger the award, the more competition you’ll face.
Don't pay to apply for a scholarship.
If the offer sounds too good to be true, it's probably not legit.
If in doubt, run it by your counselor.
Request letters of recommendation early.
Ask your counselor if there is a procedure to follow to request letters of recommendation at your school.
Some applications require letters of recommendation.
Think carefully about who should write these letters and choose people who can speak to your strengths and ability to overcome your weaknesses.
It's ok to ask the same person to submit letters for different scholarships/colleges since they probably saved the letter.
Letters from family members are generally a no-no.
Give your recommenders no less than two weeks notice so they have time to write the letter.
Be prepared to provide them with additional information about yourself or the scholarship.
Make sure to follow up with your recommender to assure that your letter was submitted.
Write a great essay.
Think carefully about the question being asked and use this opportunity to tell the selection committee things about you that might not be shown elsewhere in the application.
Get help with editing for grammar and spelling, but do your own writing—the committee wants to hear from you personally.
Attend a scholarship workshop.
Check your high school websites or ask your counselor if there are any scholarship workshop opportunities either in person or virtual.
Time to SHINE! Applications will often ask you to talk about what you do with your time.
Tell them about recognitions and awards you've received.
Emphasize activities that show your talents and passions, especially things that demonstrate your ability to lead, take initiative, persist through adversity, and care for your community. Don't underestimate yourself - employment and family responsibilities can say a lot in your favor as well.
Try, try again.
Keep trying even if you don’t win a scholarship right away.
Save copies of every application that you complete so you don’t have to start from scratch every time.
Hawaiian Ancestry Program, KS Resource Center, Scholarship Sources
ALL IN ONE PLACE!
The Hana Lima Scholarship Program provides financial assistance to students participating in a vocational or technical education program for occupations that can provide a “living wage.”
This need-based scholarship is available to students in vocational programs that lead to a specific segment of employment.
Papa Ola Lōkahi Clearinghouse
Explore these funding and training opportunities, events, publications and access to Hawaiian health information.
The Lunalilo Scholars Program is more than a financial aid scholarship. It is a transformative opportunity for promising individuals who are financially at risk. The program offers students the means and personalized support they need to start a new life during their first year of college at Kapi‘olani Community College.
Many start the program with little more than a strong desire to work hard and get ahead. Some are near the brink of homelessness or stuck in low-paying jobs without possibilities for career advancement.
Once admitted to the program, Lunalilo Scholars gain confidence, peer support, and skills. They begin to see hope and realize they can take steps to break the poverty cycle, find their purpose, and give back to their community. Click here to learn more...
Students of Native Hawaiian ancestry are given preference to also support the College in increasing the number of Native Hawaiian students that enroll and complete the first year of college. Community partners, including feeder high schools, with access to underprivileged, Native Hawaiian and non-college-bound students refer applicants to the program through applications and referral forms.
Application is NOT OPEN. Please check again.
Eligibility - potential students must meet the following criteria
Maui resident that will attend UH Maui College
Demonstrate financial need and barriers/challenges keeping you from attending college
First time college student or minimal college experience
Enroll in a mandatory cohort class in Fall 2024
Preference will be given to first time college students of Native Hawaiian ancestry who are low-income and first generation.
For more information, contact us at (808) 984-3421 or email triosssp@hawaii.edu.