The University of �鶹��ý at ����ԴDz�’s selected four graduate students as recipients of the , which support original research and creative projects using the library’s archival and special collections.

This year’s scholars represent the fields of linguistics, natural resources and environmental management and history. Their projects explore topics including Micronesian languages, trans-Pacific ethnobiological knowledge, public health in modern China and the early development of Japanese aviation.

The 2026 scholarship recipients are:

• Kelsey Bialo, a linguistics doctoral student, for the project “Exploring Minor Syllables and Sesquisyllabicity in Micronesian languages”
• Kelsie Kuniyoshi, a natural resources and environmental management doctoral student, for the project “Pilina Inoa: An Exploration of Trans-Pacific Ethnobiological Knowledge Through the Samuel Elbert Collection”
• SeungHyeon Pyo, a history doctoral student, for the project “Hijacking the Invisible Hand: The Language of Markets and Corporate Incubation of Early Japanese Aviation”
• Sijian Wang, a history doctoral student, for the project “Living with Toxicity: Chemical Disinfectants in China, 1910–1950”

Open to students from any discipline and level of study, the Library Treasures program encourages the use of archival materials, rare collections, maps, manuscripts, government documents, audiovisual resources and digital collections housed at Hamilton Library.

have examined topics connected to �鶹��ý, the Pacific, Asia and global history and culture using collections such as the �鶹��ý Sugar Plantation Archives, Tahitian newspapers and Okinawan magazines.

Scholarship recipients will present their work during a public event in the fall.

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Maui residents can now pursue careers in respiratory therapy and radiologic technology without having to relocate to Oʻahu. Maui Health and the University of �鶹��ý Community Colleges have partnered to launch two Maui-based degree programs.

The dedicated Maui cohort programs, offered through Kapiʻolani Community College, are designed to create accessible pathways to high-demand, living wage careers.

“Kapiʻolani Community College is proud to expand healthcare workforce opportunities by offering the respiratory care practitioner and radiologic technologist programs beginning fall of 2026,” said Karen Boyer, dean of health academic programs. “These programs will help address critical healthcare workforce shortages in �鶹��ý while providing students with accessible pathways to high-demand, living wage healthcare careers.”

Students in both programs will complete a combination of online, in-person and hybrid coursework, including hands-on clinical training conducted at Maui Memorial Medical Center. To further remove financial obstacles, the Maui Health Foundation is offering scholarships that may cover 100% of direct education costs, including tuition, fees, books and supplies for the professional program.

Applications for the Maui cohort are available through the website, with a deadline of May 31. Scholarship applications are due June 20, 2026. Visit , including links to program and scholarship applications.

‘Milestone moment’

“This is a milestone moment for Maui and an example of what can happen when community partners come together to invest in our people and our future,” said Wade Ebersole, interim CEO of Maui Health. “These programs open doors for local residents to pursue stable, well-paying healthcare careers, while also strengthening the pipeline of professionals who are committed to serving Maui’s community.”

Both pathways lead to a two-year associate in science degree. With minimal prerequisites often completed in one to two semesters, graduates can be prepared to enter the workforce in approximately 2.5 to 3 years. This rapid turnaround is essential to filling critical shortages in respiratory care and medical imaging roles across Maui. Graduates are positioned for strong earning potential, with starting wages for these roles exceeding $42 per hour.

The collaboration underscores a shared commitment to strengthening Maui’s healthcare workforce and ensuring high-quality care for its residents.

The University of �鶹��ý has launched the Next Step Scholarship to encourage UH Community College students who earned an associate degree during the 2025–26 academic year—or completed enough credits in an eligible pathway or major—to continue their education at one of the university’s four-year campuses. Eligible students from one of UH’s seven community colleges are already automatically accepted to a UH four-year school through a streamlined process that waives the application fee and eliminates the need to submit a new application.

Now, through the Next Step Scholarship, students enrolled full time (12 or more credits) during the fall 2026 semester at UH Hilo, UH Mānoa, UH Maui College or UH West Oʻahu will receive a $2,000 scholarship, while part-time students enrolled in 6 to 11 credits will receive $1,000.

“Transitioning to a four-year university is a significant milestone, and we are committed to making that next step as seamless and affordable as possible,” said UH President Wendy Hensel. “These students have already demonstrated their commitment and academic readiness through their success at our community colleges. The Next Step Scholarship helps ensure finances do not stand in the way of completing their degrees and achieving their goals.”

Encouragement to continue education

All UH associate degree graduates who qualified for automatic admission were emailed information about the new scholarship on May 15. The scholarship has been automatically awarded to 438 students who had already begun the transfer process, while another 1,156 students are eligible.

“For students who were automatically admitted but have not yet committed to a UH four-year campus, we hope this scholarship provides an added incentive to continue their education,” said Hensel. “This scholarship is one example of the new strategies we are testing to expand access, increase enrollment, strengthen educational attainment and help build the workforce our state needs. It is good for our students and good for �鶹��ý.”

All students are encouraged to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), if they have not already done so. While FAFSA is not required to receive the Next Step Scholarship, it can unlock additional federal, state and institutional financial aid that may be combined with the scholarship.

Students with questions about their automatic admission or the enrollment process are encouraged to contact the admissions office at their chosen UH four-year campus.

The University of �鶹��ý at ����ԴDz� (NROTC) recognized excellence in leadership, academics and service during its 2026 Annual Awards Ceremony held April 28. The event honored outstanding midshipmen, civilian staff and active-duty personnel whose contributions supported the battalion’s success throughout the academic year.

Among the key honorees, Lt. Liam Gregory received the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal for exceptional instruction and mentorship as the unit’s Navy instructor.

Civilian staff Jaime Silva Velez and Alexander Mangiliman were recognized with Civilian Service Achievement Medals. Silva Velez was named Junior Civilian of the Year for his dedication to supporting a 100% commissioning rate, while Mangiliman earned Senior Civilian of the Year for overseeing supply and logistics operations supporting more than 100 midshipmen.

Midshipmen received a range of national and local awards recognizing leadership, academic excellence, military aptitude, community service and commitment to Navy and Marine Corps values. Top honors included the Chief of Naval Operations Distinguished Midshipman Graduate Award, presented to Midshipman Ethan Dome, and the Navy League Honolulu Council Midshipman of the Year Award, presented to Midshipman Megan Foreman along with a $1,500 scholarship.

The ceremony concluded with remarks from Commanding Officer Capt. P. V. Bandini and the traditional playing of “Anchors Aweigh” and the Marines’ Hymn.

From overcoming financial barriers to conducting undergraduate STEM research, student Masen Haoa Lapinad-Sorgent is preparing for his next chapter at the University of �鶹��ý at ����ԴDz� with a clear goal in mind: becoming a physician.

The biological sciences student will transfer to UH ����ԴDz� this fall to pursue a bachelor’s degree in biology after two years at Kapiʻolani CC. He was recently named a recipient of the UH ����ԴDz� Presidential Scholarship, one of the university’s most competitive awards for �鶹��ý residents.

The scholarship is typically awarded each year to undergraduate juniors, including students transferring from a UH community college, and recognizes a record of sustained progress in academic courses and evidence of superior academic achievement or creative endeavor. It includes full-time undergraduate tuition, a $2,800 semester based stipend, and a one-time travel grant of $2,500.

Best pathway

Originally from Waimānalo and a graduate of Kailua High School, Lapinad-Sorgent said financial realities heavily influenced his educational decisions from the start.

“I always knew I wanted to start at community college and then transfer for my baccalaureate degree,” he said. “For me, it was about finding the best pathway that would prepare me academically while also being financially responsible.”

Although he was accepted to several out-of-state institutions, Lapinad-Sorgent said that taking on significant student loan debt early in his educational journey was not the right choice for him or his family.

“I didn’t want to take out loans so early in my education,” Lapinad-Sorgent said. “Coming from a family that taught me a lot about sacrifice, I knew I wanted to make decisions that would help me in the long run, especially with medical school ahead.”

He said the support he received through Kapiʻolani CC’s helped make college financially possible and created a strong sense of community and belonging. The experience encouraged him to become more involved on campus, and in student congress.

National recognition

Alongside his leadership work, Lapinad-Sorgent pursued undergraduate research in the college’s STEM programs. Working with math and science professor Amanda Alimboyoguen, he studied the medicinal properties of the Indigenous ʻuhaloa plant and its connections to Hawaiian healing practices and modern healthcare research.

His research later earned national recognition at the , where he received awards for Best Undergraduate Poster Presentation in Traditional Knowledge and the Native American/Indigenous Student Research Abstract Award in Traditional Knowledge.

As he prepares to continue his education at UH ����ԴDz�, Lapinad-Sorgent said receiving the Presidential Scholarship represents more than academic achievement.

“It means a lot for my family too,” he said. “Being able to continue my education without that financial burden is something we’re all grateful for.”

By Lisa Yamamoto

University of �鶹��ý Maui College is offering a special for summer and fall 2026, designed specifically for those eager to get trained and start working in the culinary industry quickly.

Each successful applicant will receive a $5,000 scholarship, which covers tuition for two summer 2026 classes, along with the cost of required knife kits and uniforms. Textbooks are available to borrow for free. In addition to the scholarships, those who complete the summer courses are guaranteed a spot in two high-demand fall 2026 classes.

“It’s an incredibly exciting time to enter the industry,” said Culinary Arts Program Coordinator Chef Craig Omori. “We’re looking for ten individuals who are ready to dive deep into the craft, science, and culture of cooking in professional kitchens. With workforce needs at an all-time high, a solid culinary education has become a universal passport. We’re proud to offer this scholarship program to those ready to launch their careers.”

Summer 2026 classes

• Fundamentals of Cookery—May 26 to July 3
• Fundamentals of Baking—July 7 to August 15

Fall 2026 semester classes

• Intermediate Cookery
• Batch Cookery

“The Summer Launchpad Scholarship helped me build culinary skills and jumpstart my career. It was an amazing experience where I’ve also gained lifelong friends,” said Stephanie Blanza, a 2025 scholarship recipient who is now a pastry cook at the Four Seasons Maui at Wailea.

Eligibility Requirements

• Applicants must pursue an associate of applied science degree or a certificate of achievement in the Culinary Arts Program
• Applicants must intend to be enrolled as a full-time culinary student in Fall 2026
• Applicants must enroll in and successfully complete both summer 2026 classes

The application deadline is Friday, April 24, at 4:00 p.m. Complete details and the application are available . Scholarship awardees will be notified via email or phone by Monday, April 28. Contact Omori at omoric@hawaii.edu with any questions.

The , in partnership with and sponsor , has launched the 8th annual #TakeMeTo����ԴDz� scholarship competition—offering one full year of �鶹��ý resident tuition (fall 2026 through spring 2027), made possible by UH Federal Credit Union.

“At the University of �鶹��ý Federal Credit Union, we believe education is a powerful pathway to financial well-being and long-term success,” said President and CEO Travis Bow. “Our roots and focus are tied to the University of �鶹��ý, and we are dedicated to uplifting its students, employees, and their families with outstanding financial solutions and value. By supporting the #TakeMeTo����ԴDz� scholarship year after year since its inception, we demonstrate our commitment to making higher education more accessible for local families while strengthening our community for generations to come.”

The competition is open to �鶹��ý residents who have been accepted and confirmed enrollment for the fall 2026 semester at UH ����ԴDz� as a first time freshman or transfer student. To enter, eligible students must submit a short video, no longer than 60 seconds on the at Hawaii News Now, explaining why UH ����ԴDz� is the right place for them or how a year of free tuition would impact their future. Only one entry per person per day is allowed.

“UH ����ԴDz� is a premier institution in academics, athletics, student support and research, so our undergraduate students will experience excellence,” said UH ����ԴDz� Interim Provost Vassilis Syrmos. “The #TakeMeTo����ԴDz� scholarship is a great way to support their dreams while encouraging them to pursue a world-class education right here at home.”

The enter-to-win contest opened on April 6, 2026, and runs through Sunday, May 3, 2026.

Now in its eighth year, the contest continues to spotlight the dreams and determination of �鶹��ý’s students.

Read more about previous winners:

• 2025 winner: #TakeMeTo����ԴDz� scholarship winner surprised by news crew
• 2024 winner: Kauaʻi HS senior surprised with free tuition in #TakeMeTo����ԴDz� contest
• 2023 winner: Amid tears, cheers, HS senior’s video vision wins UH ����ԴDz� tuition
• Meet more #TakeMeTo����ԴDz� winners

The contest reflects a broader mission to keep �鶹��ý’s students learning and thriving close to home. With nearly 100 undergraduate majors and a global reputation for academic excellence, the university remains a top choice for students looking to build a future rooted in the islands.

A vital promise made to the students of Lahaina following the deadly 2023 wildfires has received a major infusion of support. A new $1.5-million gift from Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez Bezos ensures the University of �鶹��ý can sustain full scholarships for Lahainaluna High School’s Class of 2024 through the 2026–27 academic year.

This scholarship support is part of a broader $3.5-million investment from the couple, which dedicates $2 million to land stewardship research aimed at preventing future wildfires on Maui.

In fall 2024, 157 students from the affected Lahainaluna High School class enrolled across six campuses: UH ����ԴDz�, UH West Oʻahu, UH Maui College, and �鶹��ý, Honolulu and Kapiʻolani Community Colleges. The new funding specifically targets the upcoming academic years, creating a financial bridge for students as they persist in their degrees or transfer from UH community colleges to UH four-year universities.

“We are deeply grateful to the generous donors whose support makes this possible,” said UH President Wendy Hensel. “This funding ensures that students who lost so much are not forced to put their futures on hold. Education is a cornerstone of recovery, and our responsibility is to stand with Lahainaluna students and families as they rebuild and move forward.”

Transformative scholarships

For students navigating the trauma of displacement, the scholarships have been transformative. Cecelia Steiner, a UH ����ԴDz� psychology major who lost her home in the fire, described the support as a “lifeline.” Steiner noted that while the national college enrollment average is 62%, approximately 85% of her Lahainaluna class pursued higher education because of this initiative.

“When UH offered a scholarship and paid for school, it changed my world because not having to worry about the financial aspects was huge,” said Steiner.

UH Associate Vice President of Student Affairs Farrah-Marie Gomes said the scholarship support was important for students navigating uncertainty.

“It reinforces that they are not alone, and that their community is invested in their education, their future and their sense of belonging,” Gomes said.

Beyond Lahainaluna

In the aftermath of the fires, UH ����ԴDz� offered scholarships to students from Lahaina and Kula who did not attend Lahainaluna High School but were impacted. UH ����ԴDz� provided scholarship support to 60 students who were already enrolled for the 2023–24 academic year. The number of scholarship recipients grew to 194 in the 2025–26 academic year.

UH Maui College announced in April that it would cover tuition and fees for Lahainaluna High school graduates (beyond the class of 2024) who were impacted by the 2023 fire for the 2025–26 academic year. There were 67 recipients enrolled in fall 2025.

Fourteen dental hygiene students from the University of �鶹��ý at ����ԴDz� and UH Maui College received a combined $42,000 in scholarships from the �鶹��ý Dental Service (HDS) Foundation, supporting the next generation of oral health professionals across the state.

“The HDS Foundation is dedicated to ensuring that communities across the state have healthy smiles. For HDS, part of this commitment means funding scholarships and other programs to support our local workforce,” said Diane Paloma, HDS president and CEO and UH Board of Regents member. “We hope that after graduation, these students will work in �鶹��ý and serve the state that nurtured them.”

Seven UH Mānoa recipients were honored February 6 at the UH Mānoa Campus Center during a celebration attended by students and their ʻohana, university administrators, faculty and HDS executives. A separate event for the Maui scholarship recipients is also planned.

Each of the 14 students received $3,000 to support their education and clinical training.

The recipients are:

• UH ����ԴDz�—Caitlin Raquel Baclay, Ari Bang, Maria Cabasag, Carly Koki-Tupuola, Kimberly Magsipoc, Natalie Morimoto and Shareena Lei Pascual
• UH Maui College—Samantha Buechler, Emmie-Lynn Campos, Geila Guzman, Joanna Javier, Samantha Oliveira Gasmen Goodman, Sarah Singh and Kaitlyn Yamada

“These scholarships provide more than financial assistance — they provide encouragement,” said Kristine Osada, dental hygiene program administrator at UH Mānoa. “Our students balance rigorous coursework and clinical training, and this support allows them to stay focused on becoming skilled, compassionate oral health professionals for �鶹��ý.”

UH Mānoa’s , offered through its (SONDH), is the only bachelor’s-level dental hygiene degree in the state and prepares students for national and regional licensure examinations. offers an , a cohort-based program emphasizing prevention, education and clinical practice. Both programs are accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation.

Related UH News story: High-quality, low-cost dental cleaning with training hygienists

Hands-on dental care for the community

The public can book appointments for student-led dental services at either campus clinic. There, students gain hands-on clinical experience under licensed faculty supervision. Learn more about the or the .

Windward Community College has solidified its reputation as a global launchpad for actors. Eight students from the spring 2025 and spring 2026 cohorts at the Windward CC’s auditioned for the in London, and the school offered spots to all eight.

This coincides with another major milestone. In fall 2025, East 15 Acting School—ranked fourth in the UK for drama in the Guardian University Guide 2024—officially elevated its relationship with Windward CC to Premium Partner status.

Ensuring access

The �鶹��ý Conservatory of Performing Arts at Windward CC is dedicated to ensuring this elite training is widely available to local students.

“We’re committed to leveling the playing field for anyone who has the tenacity to do this for a living,” said Professor Nicolas Logue. “No one should be excluded from the program because they can’t afford it.”

Every student who successfully auditions into Windward CC’s year-long program receives a Dr.. Dennis Carroll Scholarship, which covers 100% of tuition. The new Premium Partner status further expands this financial support. Windward CC students transferring to East 15 are guaranteed a dedicated scholarship of $5,000 per year of study.

Building bridges

The partnership is the result of more than a decade of bridge-building by Logue and Resident Director Taurie Kinoshita, both of whom arrived at Windward CC in 2012 directly from East 15. Pioneered by former Windward CC student Brandon DiPaola, every Windward CC student who has matriculated to East 15 has graduated with the UK equivalent of summa cum laude (with highest honor).

Chris Main, East 15 director of acting, said, “Through summer programmes, via the audition process for our undergraduate and postgraduate programmes, to the numerous students who progressed from Windward CC to East 15, we have consistently witnessed the talent and craft of Windward CC students and graduates.”

First in �鶹��ý

The �鶹��ý Conservatory of Performing Arts is the first performing arts conservatory in the state. An articulation agreement signed in 2023 recognizes the Conservatory’s Foundation in Acting program as the academic equivalent of East 15’s own Foundation year, allowing Windward CC students to matriculate directly into the second year of East 15’s three-year bachelor’s degree programs.

With similar philosophies, the dedication to supporting students’ growth, and the recognition of the importance of story-telling, Windward CC’s partnership with East 15 is sure to grow.

If you are interested in pursuing a career in acting, at the �鶹��ý Conservatory of Performing Arts.

In response to the devastating 2023 wildfires, Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez Bezos have donated $1.5 million to support Lahainaluna High School students, along with an additional $2 million to fund research aimed at mitigating future wildfire risk through vegetation management. The gift builds on an from the Bezos Earth Fund to the East Maui Watershed Partnership.

Together, these philanthropic investments fund critical environmental recovery work and strengthen Maui communities for the long term.

$1.5 million for Lahainaluna students

In the days following the wildfires—the worst natural disaster in state history—t to Lahainaluna’s 2024 graduating class and supported their education at any of the 10 UH campuses.

This new $1.5-million donation is amplifying that effort, and directly benefiting Lahainaluna High School graduates who are currently enrolled at UH and still facing economic hardship related to displacement and loss.

The funding will provide students with tangible support, enabling them to stay focused on their studies as their community rebuilds. Leaders say the commitment affirms a shared responsibility to stand with Lahaina students and families as recovery gives way to renewed opportunity.

“We are deeply grateful to the generous donors whose support makes this possible,” said UH President Wendy Hensel. “This funding ensures that students who lost so much are not forced to put their futures on hold. Education is a cornerstone of recovery, and our responsibility is to stand with Lahainaluna students and families as they rebuild and move forward.”

UH Associate Vice President of Student Affairs Farrah-Marie Gomes agrees.

“For students navigating uncertainty, this kind of support is transformative,” added Gomes. “It reinforces that they are not alone, and that their community is invested in their education, their future and their sense of belonging.”

Restoring Maui’s fire-prone grasslands

Much of the former sugar plantation lands on Maui are now unmanaged and dominated by invasive species that increase fuel loads and have intensified the island’s wildfire risk. Several units at UH, including the University of �鶹��ý Economic Research Organization (UHERO) that is housed in UH ����ԴDz�’s College of Social Sciences, the Institute for Sustainability and Resilience, and the Ecosystems and Land Care Lab, will collaborate with a range of partners interested in fire risk reduction to turn vulnerability into stability.

The $2-million donation supports the collective effort that will build better understanding of the long-term benefits and costs of transitioning these lands, for the purposes of shaping land-use policy that supports multiple environmental and social objectives. It builds on existing support from the Bezos Maui Fund to restore the island’s watersheds and reduce wildfire risk.

“Insufficient investment in land care across former plantation lands has left large areas of Maui vulnerable to wildfire,” said Kimberly Burnett, a specialist with UHERO. “This work builds on evidence that actively managed lands, including forests, well-managed rangelands and agriculture, can significantly reduce fuel loads and support outcomes like erosion reduction, food production, biodiversity and community resilience.”

That land-based work is complemented by expanded educational access and reflects a holistic strategy for rebuilding—one that recognizes the interconnectedness of land, learning and long-term community well-being.

“We are profoundly grateful to our donors for their continued commitment to Maui,” said UH Foundation CEO and Vice President of Advancement Tim Dolan. “Their support is making a lasting difference for the people and places that define this community.”

More students from the University of �鶹��ý at ����ԴDz� (JABSOM) are staying in or returning to �鶹��ý to practice medicine compared to 10 years ago, a trend school leaders credit to strong scholarship support.

That success was celebrated at JABSOM’s Annual Scholarship Dinner on January 15, a special night that connects medical students with the donors helping make their dreams of becoming doctors possible.

Today, 93% of JABSOM students receive a scholarship, and 70 of those awards come with a service commitment. Students who accept those scholarships agree to serve �鶹��ý for a set period of time after graduation, helping address the state’s ongoing physician shortage.

“We have a tremendous physician shortage in the state so every graduate that we can retain in the state is a big plus for us,” said JABSOM Dean Sam Shomaker. “Scholarships make that possible because we keep the cost of attendance of medical school very modest so careers in medicine are within reach for virtually any of our talented young people who want to have careers in medicine.”

Community roots to real-world impact

One student featured at the dinner was , whose journey to medicine reflects resilience and dedication to his community. Born in Kalihi-Palama to Vietnamese immigrant parents, Quan cared for his grandmother through serious illness and balanced family responsibilities while pursuing school. He earned a full-tuition Kaiser Permanente Scholarship to attend JABSOM, allowing him to focus on academics, research and service. Quan has also combined his passion for judo with research, examining concussion rates in youth judo to help make the sport safer.

“This is the community I grew up in,” Quan said. “I want to give back to what brought me up, to leave a place better than I found it.”

Like Quan, many JABSOM scholarship students are inspired by the chance to serve �鶹��ý through their future medical careers.

“I’m so passionate about serving the communities that grew me and that represent me, and so it’s actually a huge blessing to be able to know that I’ll be able to come back and serve in the community,” said JABSOM student Madison Balish.

is launching a new scholarship aimed at making college more affordable and accessible for graduating Kauaʻi high school seniors in the Class of 2026.

The covers the first year of tuition at Kauaʻi CC for eligible students after financial aid is applied. The scholarship is available to seniors graduating from a public high school or charter school on Kauaʻi who directly enroll at Kauaʻi CC.

“Hoʻolei is about opening doors, removing financial barriers, and helping our local students take the next step toward their future right here at home,” said Kauaʻi CC Chancellor Margaret Sanchez.

Thanks to generous donations, along with additional support from the Stupski Foundation, the Hoʻolei fund has more than $100,000 available to support students.

How to apply

Students already qualify for direct admission to Kauaʻi CC through Direct2UH—the University of �鶹��ý’s streamlined admissions initiative that gives �鶹��ý public high school seniors direct access to UH campuses based on their GPA, without the need for a separate application process. Students should complete their by May 1 and also complete the 2026–27 (FAFSA), after which they will be considered for the Hoʻolei Scholarship covering first-year tuition once those steps are finished.

For most students, financial aid already covers the full cost of tuition at Kauaʻi CC. For students with remaining tuition costs after aid is applied, the Hoʻolei Scholarship will cover the rest of their first-year tuition, allowing them to focus on their education instead of finances.

Supporting students

In addition to tuition support, Hoʻolei scholars gain access to on-campus employment opportunities, providing a paycheck and valuable work experience while staying on island and enrolled in classes.

Students are also encouraged to apply for additional support through the and Kauaʻi CC’s first-year , which offers scholarships and guidance to help students navigate their first year of college.

Direct2UH

In October, UH and the �鶹��ý State Department of Education launched Direct2UH, a new initiative that simplifies the college admissions process and expands access to higher education for �鶹��ý’s public high school seniors.

Students graduating in the spring 2026 are automatically eligible to enroll at all seven UH community colleges, including Kauaʻi CC. Students with a GPA of 2.7 or higher are also eligible to attend UH Hilo and UH West Oʻahu.

Two University of �鶹��ý campuses, and , have been awarded a combined $125,000 from , the charitable foundation established by Metallica, to fuel workforce education in high-demand technical fields. The grants are part of the national Metallica Scholars Initiative (MSI), which supports community colleges across the country in expanding access to hands-on learning and career pathways.

Leeward CC: Mechatronics scholarships and rock-themed workshops

Leeward CC received a $75,000 grant to accelerate student success in its new Mechatronics Associate in Science (AS) program & introduce residents to advanced manufacturing careers.

• $45,000 will fund scholarships for 21 first-year Mechatronics students, covering tuition & textbooks across two semesters.
• $30,000 will support Rock-the-Lab workshops, engaging 75 community members in hands-on activities that connect music and mechatronics. Participants will learn about sound-to-light controllers, robotic drumming, & CNC “backstage” fabrications.

“This support helps our students stay on track and gives our community a powerful, hands-on first look at modern manufacturing,” said Bill Labby, mechatronics program coordinator at Leeward CC.

“The Metallica Scholars grant amplifies what community colleges do best—open doors, remove barriers, and connect talent to opportunity,” said Carlos Penaloza, chancellor of Leeward CC.

Honolulu CC: MELE & AERO programs take flight

Honolulu CC, a Metallica Scholars college since 2024, was awarded $50,000 in its second year of funding to support students in two dynamic programs:

• MELE (Music & Entertainment Learning Experience): 28 students in MELE 101 will receive funding.
• AERO (Aeronautics Maintenance Technology): 21 second-year students will benefit.

Each of the 49 students will receive $400 in Fall 2025 and $400 in Spring 2026, helping offset costs & keep them focused on building careers in music production and aviation maintenance.

“Having funding was really nice, especially for something that I love, which is music,” said William Nicolas, Honolulu CC MELE student and Metallica Scholars recipient, “I know there are so many opportunities in the MELE program. Metallica are literally heroes; it is crazy to have that connection to them! I grew up listening to them, it is surreal to have something like this happen.”

Metallica Scholars Initiative

All Within My Hands, the non-profit, philanthropic organization created by the members and management of Metallica, recently announced its Year 7 of its Metallica Scholars Initiative (MSI) with its largest grant to date, totaling approximately $3 million. MSI now has a presence in 75 colleges across all 50 U.S. and the territory of Guam, and is expected to reach approximately 10,000 students.

The Metallica Scholars grant amplifies what community colleges do best—open doors, remove barriers, and connect talent to opportunity.
—Carlos Penaloza, Leeward CC chancellor

Robert Trujillo, Metallica band member, stated “I could not be any prouder of our Metallica Scholars. We know that our country needs millions of skilled tradespeople, and it warms my heart to know that our Foundation’s efforts are making a positive impact and putting hard-working people on the path to careers in the trades. Whether it’s a school visit or a meet and greet before a show, there is no better feeling than meeting our Metallica Scholars in person and hearing their stories of grit and determination firsthand, along with their pride and commitment. It is truly inspiring. To think we started with a few schools and a couple hundred students, and we’re now in 75 schools nationwide, about to reach 10,000 students. It’s just incredible.”

Launched in 2019 by All Within My Hands in partnership with the American Association of Community Colleges, MSI began with 10 colleges focused primarily on manufacturing programs. The workforce initiative has since expanded to offer opportunities in diverse fields for students interested in gaining the skills and training necessary to establish meaningful careers that provide family-sustaining wages.

For more information, visit the AWMH, .

For Kamana Kalani, a second-year student, the path to becoming a chef and owning his own restaurant was nearly derailed by a serious illness and the devastation of the Lahaina wildfires. After being forced out of work for six months, the financial burden was immense.

“I was putting all my bills on my credit card and it was stressing me out,” Kalani said. “I lost a lot of weight and had a lot of physical issues.”

A scholarship from arrived like a lifeline, allowing him to shift his focus from financial survival to his education and recovery.

“It took so much pressure off,” Kalani said. “Instead of worrying about how to pay for school, I could put my energy into learning.”

Investing in �Ჹ�ɲ���ʻ��’s future

Kalani recently led a tour for �鶹��ý Gas executives, including President and CEO Alicia Moy, to showcase his craft.

“During our tour with Kamana, I could feel the passion and focus it takes to thrive in the culinary field,” Moy said. “Culinary education develops talent and creativity, and contributes to strengthening resilience in our community.”

Now thriving at Nobu Grand Wailea while balancing his classes, Kalani continues to sharpen his craft, his future trajectory secured by timely aid.

Moy said, “Supporting students like Kamana is an investment in �鶹��ý’s future, giving young people the space to grow, learn and achieve their dreams.”

Read more at .

The transformative power of community and education continues to thrive at Kapiʻolani Community College thanks to a $1.5-million gift from the Kaneta Foundation to expand the . The donation will help more students access higher education and wraparound support services, with the program projected to reach more than 1,000 scholars by 2027.

“The Lunalilo Scholars Program opened doors I didn’t know was possible,” said Kapilialoha Kidder, a fourth-cohort scholar. “Beyond the scholarship, Lunalilo provided a community that helped me build confidence and lasting friendships—support that truly shaped my journey through college and beyond.”

Changing lives for 14 years

A robust philanthropic investment from the Kaneta Foundation helped to launch the program in 2012.

“When we started the program, I wasn’t as optimistic as Lester,” said Marian Kaneta. “I had my reservations at first. As I listened to that first cohort’s family stories and the hardships they’d endured, it was clear these were individuals living on the very edges of society—some just barely getting by.”

Now in its 14th year, the Lunalilo Scholars Program has grown from its first class of 22 students to about 60–90 participants each year. More than 900 scholars have completed the program, showing higher retention and graduation rates than comparable student groups.

“The Lunalilo Scholars Program is more than a financial aid scholarship,” said Lester Kaneta. “The program creates pathways to success for promising students from financially vulnerable backgrounds.”

Scholars give back

Centered on identity, community and mentorship, the program helps students transition to college through a summer bridge experience that fosters academic readiness and belonging. Scholars start as part of a cohort supported by peer mentors, and those who continue into their second year often return as mentors themselves—strengthening leadership skills and giving back to their peers.

“The Lunalilo Scholars Program reflects the best of who we are as a community,” said Chancellor Misaki Takabayashi. “Rooted in Native Hawaiian values, it gives students the guidance and sense of belonging they need to succeed in college and beyond. Through mentorship and shared experience, our scholars learn not only to achieve their goals but to lift others as they rise.”

For more information about supporting students at Kapiʻolani CC, visit .

Related stories:

• From lost to lifted: Kapiʻolani CC’s Lunalilo Scholars Program changed grad’s life
• Lunalilo Scholars alumni give back, complete virtuous cycle at Kapiʻolani CC
• $1.2M from Kaneta Foundation provides hope, support to underserved students

University of �鶹��ý at Maui College music student Kellysa-Michiko Nāmakaokalani Pauʻole recently won the 4th Annual Carmen “Hulu” Lindsey Leo Haʻihaʻi (Falsetto) Song Contest, held at the Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea on October 24.

“We are so proud of Nāmaka. Her success at the song contest is a testament to both her talent and hard work,” said Keola Donaghy, UH Maui College faculty coordinator for music studies and the Institute of Hawaiian Music. “She has found a wonderful balance between her formal studies and developing her career as a professional musician. She’s truly an inspiration and a model for her peers to follow.”

UH Maui College recently awarded the Emma Veary Scholarship to Pauʻole. Established nearly 10 years ago, the scholarship is given annually to a UH Maui College student who demonstrates a strong interest in Hawaiian music.

For more information about the Emma Veary Scholarship or music studies at UH Maui College, contact Donaghy at (808) 769-8133 or email donaghy@hawaii.edu.

At the University of �鶹��ý at Hilo, the spirit of mele �鶹��ý (Hawaiian music) and language revitalization are finding new life through the work of Nicholas Kealiʻi Lum, a PhD candidate at .

Lum has been named the first doctoral recipient of the . Established by the daughters of Daniel and Lydia Makuakāne, the fellowship honors the Makuakānes’ lifelong advocacy of ʻō������� �鶹��ý and Native Hawaiian cultural education.

Lum is weaving tradition and innovation into his in-depth studies of mele (songs) of old and new. His dissertation, “Pewa: I Ola ke Mele �鶹��ý i kona Mele ʻia” (“Pewa: The Life of Hawaiian Music in Its Song”), braids traditional Hawaiian mele to modern soundscapes, creating bridges between younger audiences and ʻō������� �鶹��ý (Hawaiian language) through experimental musical expression.

“In my dissertation, I define mele as being ‘logogenic,’ which means that words in a genre of music are more important than the musical treatment,” Lum explained. “And I believe that represents mele �鶹��ý; it’s always the language within the text that is more important.”

With the fellowship, Lum will also have the opportunity to build on his 2023 debut album “Pewa,” using experimental approaches to mele �鶹��ý that promote both cultural resilience and linguistic vitality.

Uplifting future generations

“Our parents did not have formal educational opportunities beyond the ninth grade in Puna,” said Teresa Makuakāne-Drechsel, a kanaka ʻōiwi (Native Hawaiian) linguist and UH ����ԴDz� alumna. “Therefore, seeing this fellowship support Kealiʻi’s doctoral journey is a powerful reminder that their legacy continues to uplift future generations of ʻō������� �鶹��ý leaders.”

UH Hilo’s College of Hawaiian Language is uniquely positioned as the only institution worldwide offering a PhD in Indigenous Language and Culture Revitalization. In 2023, it was also designated as the first National Native American Language Resource Center, further expanding its role in advancing language revitalization across the U.S.

“The Makuakāne family has been longstanding supporters of our college, ever since their mother (Lydia) played a big role in the movement that started the Hawaiian language revitalization,” said Kaʻiu Kimura, director of Ka Haka ʻUla O ����ʻ�������ō�����Ծ�. “It’s such an honor that the family continues to work with us to forward our purpose.”

Keeping ʻō������� �鶹��ý alive

The Makuakāne Fellowship ensures that students, such as Lum, have the resources to complete their research, while also carrying forward the cultural knowledge and values that make the College of Hawaiian Language a global leader in Indigenous language revitalization.

“Keeping Hawaiian language alive for future generations has always been important to our family,” said Makuakāne-Drechsel. “This endowment is our way of honoring our parents’ values while giving others the opportunity to carry on this important work.”

For more information about the Daniel and Lydia Makuakāne Endowed Scholarship and Fellowship or to support Hawaiian language initiatives at UH Hilo, contact the .

(�鶹��ý P–20) is offering free workshops to assist �鶹��ý students and their families with the planning process to further their education after high school. Upcoming workshop topics focus on how to earn scholarships to attend a two- or four-year college, as well as trade and vocational schools, and help with the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form for the 2026–27 school year.

Statewide Native Hawaiian Scholarship ʻAha Series

Starting October 14, �鶹��ý P–20, Native Hawaiian Education Association and Pacific Financial Aid Association will host the first of the Statewide Native Hawaiian Scholarship ʻAha Series events. In-person events will be held on �鶹��ý Island, Kauaʻi, ����Բ�ʻ��, Maui, Molokaʻi and Oʻahu, and two dates will be held online. Events are open for everyone to explore scholarship opportunities from various organizations across the state.

Dinner will be provided during each in-person event and a $500 scholarship will be awarded. FAFSA and financial aid representatives will also be available to ask questions and help students and families. For a complete listing of all Statewide Native Hawaiian Scholarship ʻAha Series events or to register for a specific date near you, visit .

Virtual Scholarship Workshops

At �鶹��ý P–20’s Virtual Scholarship Workshops, attendees will hear from representatives from Sallie Mae, �鶹��ý Community Foundation and the University of �鶹��ý System about how �鶹��ý students can access more than $70 million to help pay for college, regardless of their family income, as well as how to use scholarship search engines to apply for scholarships. Virtual Scholarship Workshops are scheduled for Thursday evenings on November 6 and November 20, from 6–7:30 p.m., and registration is available now at .

Virtual FAFSA Completion Workshops

The FAFSA for the 2026–27 award year is now open for all students to complete to become eligible for scholarships, grants and work-study funds, in addition to loans from the federal government. Attend a Virtual FAFSA Completion Workshop to see a line-by-line overview of the online application, learn about the allowable college expenses that financial aid can help to pay for including transportation, meals, books, tuition and various fees and speak directly with local financial aid specialists. Virtual FAFSA Completion Workshops begin on November 5, and are held on Wednesday evenings from 6–7:30 p.m. until March 11. Registration is available now at .

With questions regarding any of these events or for college planning assistance, families may contact FAFSA@hawaii.edu year round.

A record $171.7 million in philanthropic support raised in fiscal year 2025 will fuel student success, faculty excellence and groundbreaking research across the University of �鶹��ý’s 10 campuses. The achievement—powered by 17,901 donors—marks the fifth consecutive year the UH Foundation has surpassed $100 million in annual giving.

“These gifts represent hope, opportunity and the strength of community,” said Tim Dolan, UH vice president of advancement and CEO of the UH Foundation. “By supporting our mission, donors are shaping �鶹��ý’s future, investing in research that really matters to our community, training the leaders and entrepreneurs our state needs, and helping build our diverse workforce. We are deeply thankful.”

The fundraising milestone comes at a pivotal time as UH is in the public phase of , the most ambitious comprehensive fundraising campaign in state history. The $1 billion effort is focused on transforming lives and ensuring current and future students, faculty and researchers have the resources they need to thrive.

Among this year’s many impactful gifts:

• An additional $1 million gift from the Gilbert and Aileen Chuck Charitable Trust to support nursing students at UH Maui College’s School of Nursing and Dental Hygiene, building on a $2 million gift in 2024.
• A from alumni John D’Amato and Kristina Inn honoring UH ����ԴDz� anthropology professors Jacob “Jack” Bilmes and Alice Dewey.

“These results reflect the deep trust our donors place in UH to improve the quality of life in �鶹��ý through higher education—both today and for generations to come,” said UH President Wendy Hensel. “Every gift has an impact, whether it helps a student thrive, strengthens our faculty or fuels world-class research that tackles �鶹��ý’s and the world’s most pressing challenges.”

In total, the foundation raised $27.7 million for student scholarships, $40.1 million for faculty and academic support and research, and more than $800,000 during UH’s Giving Day—36% higher than the previous year. Gifts also included heartfelt contributions in honor of loved ones and commitments from alumni and community members for scholarships, research, facilities and student programs.