Scholarship & Awards

Scholarship and Awards Committee

Goal/Purpose

To fulfill ACUW’s purpose in awarding monetary scholarships to students in undergraduate and graduate schools, and other non-college awards to students in specified subjects such as science, history, and art. 

ACUW Scholarship Program

The Associated Chinese University Women (ACUW) was founded in 1931 to “perpetuate Chinese Culture” through the members and others to “promote, support and contribute to educational and charitable services through organizations, events and activities.”

ACUW awards annual College Scholarships that are funded by the ACUW fundraiser, along with the Betty Mae Ling Charitable Trust.  In addition, ACUW awards monetary awards to Hawaii State Science & Engineering Fair, History and Scholastic Art competitions.

ACUW will be awarding a number of college scholarships of $2,500 for the 2026-2027 academic year to high school students who will be full-time undergraduate students in 2026-2027 and currently enrolled full-time undergraduate and graduate students of an accredited American four-year college or university, including a professional degree program administered by the Shidler School of Business, William S. Richardson School of Law, or John A. Burns School of Medicine (JABSOM) in 2026-2027.  Scholarship awards shall be made on the basis of scholastic achievement, financial need, good character, extra-curricular activities, and involvement in school and/or community service. In addition, the applicant must:

• Be Chinese or interested in Chinese culture

• Be a U.S. Citizens or permanent resident and resident of the State of   Hawaii

• Have a minimum 3.6 GPA

Important Note: ONLY APPLICATIONS MEETING THE FOLLOWING REQUIREMENTS WILL BE REVIEWED 

Undergraduate and High School Application Requirements:

1. Completed FAFSA form.

2. Two letters of reference sent directly from teachers, counselors, or professional people who can attest to your academic capability/know you well academically.   Reference letter should include their name, occupation, work organization, title, phone number/email address.

3. One letter of reference from a professional in your potential field of study/interest who can attest to your ethics and character.  Reference letter should include their name, occupation, work organization, title, phone number/email address.

4. Your high school/college grades transcript, including 2025 Fall Semester grades sent directly from your school.

5. Copy of your SAT/ACT scores, if applicable.

6. Briefly describe extra-curricular activities, offices held and school/community service.  Limit to 150 words.

7. Personal statement as to why you should be awarded this scholarship, including your plans for serving the community after graduation.  Limit to 150 words.

8. Statement about your interest in Chinese culture. Limit to 150 words.

Graduate Application Requirements:

1. Completed FAFSA form.

2.  Two letters of reference sent directly from your faculty sponsor or department chair and/or professional who can attest to your academic capability, disposition,  ethics and character.  Reference letter should include their name, title/occupation, organization, phone number/email address.

3. Your college transcript for last two semesters or approximately 24 semester credits of work in degree program including 2023 Fall Semester grades sent directly  from your school.

4. Briefly describe school/community organization activities, offices held and your responsibilities.  Limit to 150 words.

5. Personal statement as to why you should be awarded this scholarship, including your plans for serving the community after graduation.  Limit to 150 words.

6. Statement about your interest in Chinese culture. Limit to 150 words.

A personal interview may be requested.  Relatives of Scholarship Committee selection members or Board of Directors are not eligible to apply.  

Complete the application process using the following link.

 https://scholarsapp.com/scholarship/acuw-scholarship

Application Deadline is April 10, 2026.

If you have any questions please email Rosemarie Woodruff at woodruff@hawaii.edu