SCHOLARSHIPS

Hawaii Rotary Youth Foundation Scholarship Program Due:  February 1, 2025

About: The HRYF is a non-profit charitable corporation founded in 1976.  Its main objective is to provide scholarships for Hawaii youth to further their education after high school.  Each participating Hawaii District 5000 Rotary Club selects a deserving high school student to receive a scholarship to a 4 year college or university in Hawaii or on the US mainland to earn a BA.

The Opportunity:  Each participating Rotary Club will select a student to receive a $5000 HRYF scholarship (as noted on the List of Rotary Club contacts).  From those students selected by the Rotary Clubs, an HRYF committee then selects one student attending a mainland university to receive a $10,000 Maurice J. Sullivan scholarship and another student attending a university in Hawaii to receive a $10,000 Joanna L. Sullivan scholarship.  These 2 scholarships will be awarded instead of the $5000 awarded to the individual Club.

Eligibility criteria:  ​Applicant must be a 2025 graduating Hawaii high school senior who will be attending as a full time student at an accredited 4 year college or university in Hawaii or the U.S. mainland to earn a baccalaureate degree (BA).  A full time student is defined as taking a minimum of 12 credit hours per semester or equivalent. Applicant must be a U.S. citizen and a legal resident of Hawaii prior to submittal of application. Ineligibility criteria: Anyone receiving a full tuition scholarship from the school Anyone attending college or university outside of the United States Anyone entering the U.S. Military Service Academy Active Rotarians or anyone that has left a Rotary Club within the last calendar year, or their spouse, parent, children, grandchildren, step-children, step-grandchildren, brother or sister ​See application for more requirements

Application:  www.hawaiirotaryyouthfoundation.org/sitepage/apply-now/welcome

Kona Sunrise Rotary Club Dr. Clifford Kopp DDS & Francis Kuailani Scholarship  Due:  February 7, 2025

The Opportunity:  The Rotary Club of Kona Sunrise is offering one one-time $1000 scholarship in recognition of Dr. Clifford Kopp and Francis Kuailani Sr. to any West Hawaii high school senior, including students who have been home-schooled.  Dr. Kopp was a local prosthodontist and leader of West Hawaii Rotary projects.  He was known for his passionate support of the homeless with his "circle-the-island" walks to bring awareness to those homeless folks living among us.  Mr. Kuailani was a charter member of the Rotary Club of Kona Sunrise and a long-time employee of the U.S. National Park Service; he worked for many years at the Kaloko-Honokohau National Historic Park.  Students applying for this scholarship must be registered in a 2 or 4 year program at any school/college or university.

Eligibility & Requirements: 2 letters of reference.  Once should be from a teacher or instructor who can share information regarding the students career ambitions.  A second letter who knows the student well.   A personal statement of no more than 2 pages is required, using 12-point font and double spacing. FAFSA Interview This scholarship will be assessed based on 3 equal parts: Financial need Merit (GPA and test scores) Community service involvement

Applications available in the College & Career Classroom F-118

Huggo & Shirley von Platen Luder Scholarship ​Due:  February 15, 2025

About:  In 1969, Huggo & Shirley opened Huggo's on the stunning Kailua-Kona shoreline.  Nearly 30 years later, On the Rocks opened next door to Huggos.  Since that time, their son, Eric von Platen Luder, and his partner, Scott Dodd, have built a Kama'aina-owned & operated restaurant group.  Luana Hospitality Group also includes their creations of Lava Lava Beach Club Waikoloa, Lava Lava Beach Club Kauai and Kai Eats + Drinks. In gratitude to the local communities that have supported our restaurants over the years, we plan to award 3 annual scholarships to graduating high school seniors in hopes of passing on the Aloha to high school keiki.  Huggo was a proud native-Hawaiian who believed in taking care of our communities, and we hope to honor his legacy by passing on the Aloha to other keiki in our communities.

Requirements:   Completed application scanned/emailed/sent by Feb 15 to [email protected] Copy of your high school transcript One page letter summarizing your academic/personal accomplishments, as well as your intended professional career path and why you've chosen it 2 professional/educational letters of reference

Application available in the College & Career Classroom F-118

Women's League of Central Union Church Due:  February 28, 2025

About:  The Women's League of Central Union Church is pleased to announce the availability of the Kenneth O. and Doris A. Rewick Educational Aid Fund and the Ruth C. Scudder Scholarship.  These grants are awarded to individuals who demonstrate exceptional character, academic achievement, financial need, and a strong commitment to community service.

The Kenneth O. and Doris A. Rewick Educational Aid Fund:  Open to Hawaii students enrolled or planning to enroll in accredited undergraduate, graduate or specialized training programs beyond high school.  Full-time and part-time and online students are eligible. The Ruth C. Scudder Scholarship:  Awarded to a female student from Hawaii with a Christian affiliation enrolled within the UH system.  Preference is given to members of the United Church of Christ (UCC) and upperclassmen.

Applications: ​ scholarsapp.com/scholarship/kenneth-o-and-doris-a-rewick-educational-aid-fund scholarsapp.com/scholarship/ruth-c-scudder-scholarship

Hawaii Community Federal Credit Union ​Due:  March 3 2025

The Opportunity:  Hawaii Community Federal Credit Union is proud to offer ten $3000 scholarships.  For 39 years we have awarded these scholarships to well deserving students who are ready to go out into the world and continue their education.  Our online application streamlines the process and allows the applicants to save their work and complete it when they are ready.

Eligibility & Requirements: Graduating senior or post graduate from a Hawaii Island high school Plan to attend a post secondary community college with a minimum 2-y Transcript  Resume Personal Statement

Application: www.hicommfcu.com/resources/community/scholarships

Hawaii Island Veterans Memorial Scholarship Ka Hui Koa ​Due:  March 28, 2025

Eligibility:  Must be a graduate of a public or private high school in Hawaii County Enroll in post secondary education or State of Hawaii approved certification program GPA 3.0 Two letters of recommendation Personal statement (see application) Must be related to a veteran or have a strong connection to a veteran Should be actively involved in local community service activities

Applications available in the College & Career room F-118

Kona Japanese Civic Association ​Due:  March 28, 2025

About:  One of the objectives of the Kona Japanese Civic Association is to preserve the unique legacy of the many contributions of persons of Japanese ancestry to the Kona community.  It is also our objective to support cultural and educational programs that promote awareness of the Japanese culture.  We hope that by offering these scholarships we bring awareness of the legacy of the Japanese in Kona.

Requirements:   Essay Essay about yourself and how the Japanese culture influenced your life here in Kona and your future plans No more than 600 words Provide the original and 5 additional copies DO NOT PUT YOUR NAME ON THE ESSAY Submit a picture  An interview will be scheduled

Application:  /C:/Users/Teacher/Downloads/2025%20Scholarship%20Application%20Fillable.pdf

The Panthera Edge Konawaena Scholarship ​Due:  March 31, 2025

The Opportunity:  The Panthera Edge Foundation understands the importance of hard work and making good choices to prepare for acceptance to a Bachelor Degree Program, in an employable field of endeavor.  The scholarship offered is accompanied with an ongoing relationship to foster mentoring and potential additional support annually.

Eligibility:  2025 Konawaena Graduate Accepted and committed to a 4 year college/university in Hawaii or the mainland pursuing a bachelor's degree It is required to enroll and begin classes Fall 2025.  NO GAP YEAR Essay 2000-2500 words Demonstrate pursuit of excellence in scholastics, character, extracurricular and personal life

Application: www.pantheraedge.org/the-panthera-edge-kona-scholarship

Kona Sunrise Rotary Club Mr. Les Simonson Family Scholarship ​Due:  February 7, 2025

The Opportunity:  The Rotary Club of Kona Sunrise is offering one one-time $1200 scholarship in recognition of Mr. Les Simonson to a West Hawaii high school senior to benefit students in Construction Trades.  According to his family, Mr. Simonson "loved building and fixing things and would be honored to see this scholarship given to a deserving student". Students applying for the scholarship must be registered in a 2 or 4 year program at a Trade School, College or University.

Eligibility & Requirements: 2 letters of reference.  Once should be from a teacher or instructor who can share information regarding the students career ambitions.  A second letter who knows the student well.   A personal statement of no more than 2 pages is required, using 12-point font and double spacing. FAFSA Interview This scholarship will be assessed based on 3 equal parts: Financial need Merit (GPA and test scores) Community service involvement

Applications available in the College & Career Classroom F-118

Kona Sunrise Rotary Club Francis Kuailani Scholarships  Due:  February 7, 2025

The Opportunity:  The Rotary Club of Kona Sunrise is offering one one-time $1000 scholarship in recognition of Francis Kuailani Sr. to any West Hawaii high school senior, including students who have been home-schooled.   Mr. Kuailani was a long-time employee of the U.S. National Park Service and worked for many years at the Kaloko-Honokohau National Historic Park.  Students applying for this scholarship must be registered in a 2 or 4 year program at any school/college or university.

Eligibility & Requirements: 2 letters of reference.  Once should be from a teacher or instructor who can share information regarding the students career ambitions.  A second letter who knows the student well.   A personal statement of no more than 2 pages is required, using 12-point font and double spacing. FAFSA Interview This scholarship will be assessed based on 3 equal parts: Financial need Merit (GPA and test scores) Community service involvement

Applications available in the College & Career Classroom F-118

Hawaii Self Storage Student Scholarship Due:  February 15, 2025

About:  Since 2005, Hawaii Self Storage (HSS) awards financial scholarships to eligible students to pursue and obtain a college degree.  This program is designed to help and support students financially to develop into future leaders in our community.  10 students will be selected for the scholarship, and it will be awarded based on required written essay and eligibility.

Eligibility:   Be a Hawaii resident and a current high school senior Must graduate from a high school in the State of Hawaii Be enrolled full-time at a college or university See application for additional eligibility requirements

Applications available in the College & Career Classroom F-118

Fukunaga Scholarship Foundation ​Due:  February 24, 2025

About:  The Fukunaga Scholarship Foundation's scholarships are awarded to encourage students in the State of Hawaii who intend to have a career in Business to pursue higher education at any accredited four-year college or university.  Students are currently seniors in high school as well as students who are already enrolled in college may apply.  This scholarship covers undergraduate degree programs only.

Eligibility & Requirements:   Must be a resident of the State of Hawaii and plan to eventually return to Hawaii or the Pacific Islands region and contribute to its growth and welfare. Attend full-time Must submit a FAFSA Student Submission Summary Must be interested in pursuing a career in Business GPA of at least 3.0 US citizen

Application:  servco.submittable.com/submit/2b7a216f-c11a-49d0-afdc-c1237bbf3aaa/fukunaga-scholarship-application-for-the-2025-2026-school-year/eligibility

Big Island Federal Credit Union ​Due:  March 14, 2025

About:  In 1936, a group of teachers formed the Big Island Teacher's Federal Credit Union.  It was the first chartered credit union in the Territory of Hawaii.  Many years later, as a community Credit Union with an island-wide charter, Big Island Federal Credit Union remains committed to supporting the students and teachers of the Big Island  For over 30 years, the credit union has been recognizing students for their achievements and dedication by offering scholarships.

The Opportunity:  We invite all eligible members to apply for cash scholarship awards.  A total of nine (9) awards (four at $2500 and five at $1000 each) will be given.

Eligibility: Applicant must be a member in good standing of the Big Island Federal Credit Union A member can win an award only once Only one award per immediate family per year Applicant must be a Big Island FCU member prior to the deadline Eligible applicants include: Students who will be or are attending a two-year post-secondary institution of higher learning such as a community college or junior college Students who will be or are attending a four-year post-secondary institution of higher learning Students that have earned a baccalaureate degree on or before December 2024 and are pursuing or will pursue an advanced degree. Criteria for selection: Academic Excellence Personal Achievement Community Involvement Statement of Academic and Career Goals Letters of recommendations

Application:  www.bigislandfcu.com/scholarship-program

Vinny Chang Memorial Scholarship ​Due:  April 11, 2025

About:  Vincent "Vinny" Chang graduated from Konawaena High School in May of 2013 and passed away August 15, 2023.  He played football and baseball in high school and was an active participant in the Class of 2013 activities and was voted Senior Prom King.  He was also part of the Kona Boyz 4-H club, National 4-H delegate, and Kona Hongwanji Buddhist Temple's Jr. YBA.  Vinny graduated from UH Hilo with a BA in Aquaculture.  He was an avid fisherman and continued his involvement to assist the community with various projects and fundraisers.  On August 15, 2023 Vinny lost his battle to his inner demons.  His passing has brought suicide prevention awareness to his family and the community.

Eligibility: Graduating senior at Konawaena High School Acceptance into an accredited institution of higher learning, community college or 4-year college Student athlete Preferably in baseball, softball or football Requirements: Current senior hs transcript (stamped official/original) Personal statement about yourself which should include: Upcoming educational plans, including the college you will attend and your intended major Future career goals Participation in Konawaena baseball, football or high school sports School and community experiences in the past four years and include any leadership positions you held Beliefs in being of service to your community

Application available in the College & Career room F-118

Lions Club of Kona 2025 Scholarships Due:  April 18, 2025

Eligibility: Must be a Konawaena graduating senior 2 letters of recommendations Copy of your transcript Summary of activities record in and out of school during grades 9-12

Application:  docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSebFWAKTbit-Mzm9-LPkaeRipprvSqcDCdlTAHWyYJ3vcLcYQ/viewform

Sandra Taosaka Future Teacher Scholarship "Supporting Konawaena High School Future Teachers" ​Due:  April 18, 2025 by 4:30pm

About:  Sandra E. Taosaka graduated from Konawaena High School in 1975 and served as a West Hawai’i teacher and administrator for over 30 years. She shared that “Being an educator has been a personally and professionally rewarding experience.  I am grateful for the education I received at Konawaena which is why I created the Sandra E. Taosaka Future Teacher Scholarship.  It is a small way to say mahalo to Konawaena and to support a future teacher.  I hope many students will pursue education as a career and return to Kona to teach and promote that Wildcat Pride.”

Eligibility:   Graduating senior at Konawaena High School Acceptance into an accredited institution of higher learning community college or a 4 year college or university, and in a program seeking a teaching degree Financial need Requirements: Current 3rd qtr senior high school transcript (stamped official/original) 2 letters of recommendation.  One from a school faculty member. One from a business or professional person in the community. List of your school and community activities (resume format) include leadership positions, clubs, awards and volunteer activities. Personal statement about yourself which should include: Your educational plans, including the college you will attend and your intended major. Why you want to be a teacher and your plans once becoming a teacher Explanation of your financial need

Application:  ​www.konawaenafoundation.org/uploads/1/3/3/1/133154817/2025_taosaka_teacher_scholarship.pdf

2024-2025 National and Local Scholarship​​s​
Warning! A word of caution to students and their families seeking scholarships for college. Don't pay for help to find money for college. Families are encouraged to check companies that have made offers by contacting the Better Business Bureau to verify its reputation and if complaints have been made. Please also see: Office of Inspector General for more information on scholarship scams.
To report any case of scholarship fraud, contact the Federal Trade Commission (www.ftc.gov/scholarshipscams) or call 1-877-382-4357.
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​Search Engines​

• Fastweb – Create a profile and let fastweb do the research on scholarships, internships colleges and more for you.
• Going Merry - A free, one-stop scholarships platform. It matches you with scholarships and then helps you apply directly. It has both local and national scholarships and you can bulk-apply for multiple scholarships, which share similar essay prompts, using one application.
• scholarsapp.com/ - A platform that connects students to verified scholarships and helps track the entire financial aid process. Easily create a profile, search for scholarships, and submit applications online.
• Scholarships.com– A free college scholarship search and financial aid information.

Scholarship Programs

• American Indian College Fund – Provides Native American students with scholarships and financial support for the nation’s 33 accredited tribal colleges and universities.
• Asian & Pacific Islander American Scholarship Fund – The nation’s largest non-profit organization devoted to providing college scholarships for Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPI).
• The College Board Opportunity Scholarships - The program guides juniors and seniors through the college planning process and offers the chance to earn scholarships, from $500 to $40,000, for every action that students complete.
• The NSHSS Foundation - The NSHSS Foundation fosters the growth of students pursuing the STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and math), business, economics, public policy, and environmental science and sustainability fields. The NSHSS Foundation connects young scholars with additional opportunities to advance their education, personal growth and career interests.
• Reagan Foundation Scholarships - Scholarship opportunities for outstanding student leaders.
• Thurgood Marshall College Fund – Provides scholarships, programmatic and capacity building support to the 47 public Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).
• UNCF – Awards 10,000 students each year through 400 scholarship and internship programs so that students from low and moderate-income families can afford college tuition, books and room and board.