Helping Hands Assistance

Romans Missionary Academy desires to help families of various economic backgrounds with providing resources to support their children's education. The Helping Hands Committee (HHC) was created to serve the families by assisting financially.

We offer financial support as an alternative strategy to supplement the family's cost of their child's educational needs.

HHC is responsible for granting tuition assistance based on the family's demonstrated financial need in accordance with HHC's budget, procedures, and policies. The award amount will be determined by various factors.

Factors considered:

• Family size

• Number of Children in tuition-charging schools/colleges

• Welfare assistance

• Care for Elderly Parent

• Family History & Goals

• Financial budget

• Organizational membership

• Recent significant financial change/hardship

It's important to define that HHC differentiates between necessary expenses and money spent for lifestyle choices. Since HHC views education as more of a necessity than a lifestyle choice, HHC does not provide tuition assistance to make up for lifestyle expenses that could have been spent toward education.

All students are eligible to apply, and all information is kept confidential.

Process

1. Submit the Financial Assistance Application WITH your Enrollment Application or Re-Enrollment Form

2. You will receive an email confirmation that we received your application.

3. Information will be entered into a rubric system to determine Financial Assistance Award, which will range from 0-70% of the tuition.

4. A decision will be sent within 2 weeks from the received date.

FAQs

When do I need to apply?

• For new students - Apply when you turn in your enrollment application.

• For returning students - Annual deadline is June 30th.

*Since HHC considers offering tuition assistance year round, you can apply anytime during the year, but it will be subject to funds availability.

Does it cost anything to apply?

HHC charges $35.00 for processing your application and documents.

What if I do not file Form 1040 with the IRS?

You will still need to complete a Form 1040 and submit with your documentation.

What if my financial situation has significantly changed since my last tax return?

Attach a letter with supporting documents with your application:

1.  Last two months’ pay stubs

2.  Unemployment compensation

3.  Doctor certification (if applicable)

What if the student's parents are divorced, separated, single, or remarried to another person?

Regardless of marital status or living situation, the financial responsibility for a student’s educational expenses rests with the student’s biological parents. RMA will not be held responsible for the correspondences between parental parties, but will take into consideration the situation of the student's biological parents.

If a court-ordered document that specifies the financial responsibility regarding educational expenses exists, then it must be included with the supplementary documents. Both parents must submit an application with their supplemental documents.

If either parent has remarried or shares a household with another, the analysis considers the assets and earnings potential of the stepparent or significant other as well.

Ultimately, whoever submits an application and supplemental documentation will be the person held liable for the financial costs of the student. 

If the award granted is insufficient, can a family request reconsideration?

Yes. The written request must be submitted via email or letter and must include objective financial proof of additional need or any additional information that was not included in the original application. The applicant's request must be timestamped or postmarked 2 weeks from the date of the award notification. 

How do I apply?

1.   Fill out our application for the HCC to review. Applications can be submitted by mail or hand delivered.

• • • • • Application (paper) - Click here to download

                         Mail to:     Romans Missionary Academy

                                             Attn: Admissions

                        Address:     P.O. Box 17055 Honolulu, HI 96817

2.   Submit these required supplemental documents:

MARK STUDENT'S LAST NAME, FIRST INITIAL ON TOP RIGHT OF ALL DOCUMENTS.

• Parent/Guardian's Previous Year Tax Return (Form 1040 and all applicable schedules)

• Most recent W2, and/or Form 1099 and/or G49

• Proof of Child Support

• Sibling(s)' school enrollment letter(s)

• Social welfare assistance letters (SNAP-EBT, WIC, TANF/TAONF, etc.)

3. Hand deliver to the School or mail your complete application.

Mail to: Romans Missionary Academy

Attn: HHC

P.O. Box 17055

Honolulu, HI 96817