{"id":199460,"date":"2024-06-18T08:00:14","date_gmt":"2024-06-18T18:00:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.hawaii.edu\/news\/?p=199460"},"modified":"2024-06-19T14:39:34","modified_gmt":"2024-06-20T00:39:34","slug":"record-5m-for-hawaii-promise-scholarships","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.hawaii.edu\/news\/2024\/06\/18\/record-5m-for-hawaii-promise-scholarships\/","title":{"rendered":"Record $5.5M for Hawai\u02bbi Promise scholarships at UH<\/abbr> Community Colleges"},"content":{"rendered":"Reading time: <\/span> 2<\/span> minutes<\/span><\/span>

\"student<\/p>\n

Higher education is now more accessible and affordable for all prospective and current University of Â鶹´«Ã½<\/span> Community College students.<\/p>\n

UH<\/abbr> and the State of Â鶹´«Ã½<\/span> have committed $5.5 million this year for the Â鶹´«Ã½<\/span> Promise Scholarship<\/a>, the most ever. Enrolled students who are Â鶹´«Ã½<\/span> residents are eligible for consideration.<\/p>\n

\"Alena
Alena Fontaine<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The funds will help to cover direct education costs not met by other forms of financial aid, including tuition, fees and an allowance for books and supplies.<\/p>\n

“The Â鶹´«Ã½<\/span> Promise scholarship has allowed me to work towards completing my degree at a part-time status so I can still work full-time without the burden of extra tuition and book costs,” said Kapiʻolani<\/span> CC<\/abbr><\/a> student Alena Fontaine.<\/p>\n

UH<\/abbr> Maui College<\/a> student Christina Faye said, “After losing my home along with my hometown in the Lahaina wildfire, the Â鶹´«Ã½<\/span> Promise Scholarship has helped me get back on my feet by supporting me financially and not having me worry too much about spending my whole paychecks on my tuition.”<\/p>\n

\"Christina
Christina Faye, UH<\/abbr> Maui College student<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

To be considered for Â鶹´«Ã½<\/span> Promise, students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA<\/abbr>)<\/a>. For the upcoming fall semester, students should complete the FAFSA<\/abbr> by July 1.<\/p>\n

For free help in completing the FAFSA<\/abbr>, email FAFSA@hawaii.edu<\/a> or call the FAFSA<\/abbr> Hotline at (808) 842-2540, and someone will respond within 24 hours.<\/p>\n

“We are committed to making higher education accessible for all,” said Erika Lacro, vice president for the UH<\/abbr> Community Colleges<\/a>. “The Â鶹´«Ã½<\/span> Promise Scholarship is our promise to Â鶹´«Ã½<\/span> residents that cost should not be a barrier to attend our seven amazing community college campuses. We hope this scholarship will open more doors to unlimited opportunities and empower individuals to achieve their academic and career goals.”<\/p>\n

More on the Â鶹´«Ã½<\/span> Promise Scholarship<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

The UH<\/abbr> Community Colleges continue to be one of the most affordable higher education options in the nation. In 2023–24, the average tuition and fees for public two-year colleges was $3,990, according to the American Association of Community Colleges, compared to a $3,200 for a UH<\/abbr> Community College.<\/p>\n

Helping hundreds of Â鶹´«Ã½<\/span> students<\/h2>\n
\"Desiree
Desiree Fleming<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

In fiscal year 2023, $3.8 million in Â鶹´«Ã½<\/span> Promise Scholarship funds were awarded to 1,774 eligible students across the seven UH<\/abbr> Community Colleges. The average award per student was $2,142.<\/p>\n

Since its inception in 2017, the Â鶹´«Ã½<\/span> Promise scholarship has served more than 8,600 UH<\/abbr> students.<\/p>\n

“Being an older student and starting the path to my dream endeavor, was ONLY made possible by the Â鶹´«Ã½<\/span> Promise Scholarship,” said Desiree Fleming, a Kapiʻolani<\/span> CC<\/abbr> student. “Had I known I could have qualified or have this kind of financial support toward my dream, I most certainly would have entered college sooner. I can now say that I’m a college student even at my age. I am so very thankful and blessed to have received such a gift of support!”<\/p>\n

\"Michael
Michael Amado<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

“The Â鶹´«Ã½<\/span> Promise Scholarship was incredibly helpful for me in continuing my college education and transferring from Kapiolani CC<\/abbr> to UH<\/abbr> M\u0101noa,” said Michael Amado, a former Kapiʻolani<\/span> CC<\/abbr> student. “The scholarship not only helped with living expenses but also allowed me not to have to work as many hours so I could devote more time to my studies. \u2026the Â鶹´«Ã½<\/span> Promise Scholarship is a shining light for students who want a better future for themselves and their families.”<\/p>\n

For more information on eligibility and how to apply for the Â鶹´«Ã½<\/span> Promise Scholarship, visit hawaii.edu\/promise<\/a>.<\/p>\n

—By Lesli Yogi<\/em><\/p>\n