University of Â鶹´«Ã½ 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 #TakeMeTo²ÑÄå²Ô´Ç²¹ scholarship competition—offering one full year of Â鶹´«Ã½ resident tuition (fall 2026 through spring 2027), made possible by UH Federal Credit Union.

“At the University of Â鶹´«Ã½ 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 Â鶹´«Ã½, and we are dedicated to uplifting its students, employees, and their families with outstanding financial solutions and value. By supporting the #TakeMeTo²ÑÄå²Ô´Ç²¹ 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 Â鶹´«Ã½ residents who have been accepted and confirmed enrollment for the fall 2026 semester at UH ²ÑÄå²Ô´Ç²¹ 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 ²ÑÄå²Ô´Ç²¹ 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 ²ÑÄå²Ô´Ç²¹ is a premier institution in academics, athletics, student support and research, so our undergraduate students will experience excellence,” said UH ²ÑÄå²Ô´Ç²¹ Interim Provost Vassilis Syrmos. “The #TakeMeTo²ÑÄå²Ô´Ç²¹ 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 Â鶹´«Ã½â€™s students.

Read more about previous winners:

• 2025 winner: #TakeMeTo²ÑÄå²Ô´Ç²¹ scholarship winner surprised by news crew
• 2024 winner: Kauaʻi HS senior surprised with free tuition in #TakeMeTo²ÑÄå²Ô´Ç²¹ contest
• 2023 winner: Amid tears, cheers, HS senior’s video vision wins UH ²ÑÄå²Ô´Ç²¹ tuition
• Meet more #TakeMeTo²ÑÄå²Ô´Ç²¹ winners

The contest reflects a broader mission to keep Â鶹´«Ã½â€™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 Â鶹´«Ã½ 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 ²ÑÄå²Ô´Ç²¹, UH West Oʻahu, UH Maui College, and Â鶹´«Ã½, 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 ²ÑÄå²Ô´Ç²¹ 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 ²ÑÄå²Ô´Ç²¹ offered scholarships to students from Lahaina and Kula who did not attend Lahainaluna High School but were impacted. UH ²ÑÄå²Ô´Ç²¹ 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 Â鶹´«Ã½ at ²ÑÄå²Ô´Ç²¹ and UH Maui College received a combined $42,000 in scholarships from the Â鶹´«Ã½ 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 Â鶹´«Ã½ 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 ²ÑÄå²Ô´Ç²¹—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 Â鶹´«Ã½.”

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 Â鶹´«Ã½ 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 Â鶹´«Ã½

The Â鶹´«Ã½ 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 Â鶹´«Ã½ 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 Â鶹´«Ã½ Economic Research Organization (UHERO) that is housed in UH ²ÑÄå²Ô´Ç²¹â€™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 Â鶹´«Ã½ at ²ÑÄå²Ô´Ç²¹ (JABSOM) are staying in or returning to Â鶹´«Ã½ 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 Â鶹´«Ã½ 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 Â鶹´«Ã½ 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 Â鶹´«Ã½â€™s streamlined admissions initiative that gives Â鶹´«Ã½ 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 Â鶹´«Ã½ State Department of Education launched Direct2UH, a new initiative that simplifies the college admissions process and expands access to higher education for Â鶹´«Ã½’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 Â鶹´«Ã½ 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 ±á²¹·É²¹¾±ʻ¾±â€™s future

Kalani recently led a tour for Â鶹´«Ã½ 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 Â鶹´«Ã½â€™s future, giving young people the space to grow, learn and achieve their dreams.”

Read more at .