I'm a Native Hawaiian junior looking into scholarship opportunities for college. Are there specific scholarships for Native Hawaiians? I would love to know about any organizations or programs that support our community in pursuing higher education.
Indeed, several scholarships are run by organizations committed to supporting Native Hawaiian students in their pursuit of higher education. Here are some:
1. The Native Hawaiian Tuition Waivers - offered by the University of Hawaii, this scholarship waives tuition for undergraduate and graduate students who can provide evidence of at least 50% Hawaiian ancestry.
2. The Hawai'i Community Foundation Scholarships - many of the scholarships offered by this foundation are open to all Hawaii residents, but some are specifically for Native Hawaiians.
3. The Prince Kuhio Hawaiian Civic Club Scholarships - this organization offers several scholarships, including the Judge Samuel P. King and Minerva King Scholarship, the Princess Lydia Lili'uokalani Scholarship, and the Ruth DeLay Waihee Scholarship among others. These scholarships prioritize students of Hawaiian descent.
4. Alu Like, Inc. - this nonprofit organization helps Native Hawaiians achieve social and economic self-sufficiency through educational opportunities. They offer the Hana Lima Scholarship for students pursuing vocational degrees, for instance.
5. The Kamehameha Schools Scholarships – this scholarship provides financial aid to students who are attending an approved college or university in Hawaii or on the continental United States.
Remember to check each scholarship’s specific eligibility criteria to ensure you qualify before applying. It could also be beneficial to check with the financial aid office at the colleges you're interested in, as they may offer institution-specific scholarships for Native Hawaiian students. Best of luck!
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