Navigating the Pauahi Foundation Scholarship: A Comprehensive Guide

The Pauahi Foundation offers a multitude of scholarship opportunities for students pursuing higher education. Understanding the requirements and navigating the application process is crucial for maximizing your chances of receiving financial aid. This guide provides a detailed overview of the Pauahi Foundation scholarship, including eligibility criteria, application resources, and related support services for Native Hawaiian students.

Ke Aliʻi Pauahi Foundation Scholarships: An Overview

The Ke Aliʻi Pauahi Foundation administers scholarships created by private donors, supporting undergraduate and graduate studies, as well as trade and vocational courses across diverse fields. While some awards are merit-based, others prioritize financial need or are restricted to students from specific geographic regions. Although scholarships are open to the general public, the Pauahi Foundation prioritizes applicants of Hawaiian ancestry to the extent permitted by law.

Registration with Hoʻoulu Hawaiian Data Center

To qualify for Ke Aliʻi Pauahi Foundation scholarships, applicants must register with the Hoʻoulu Hawaiian Data Center. This registration process can take up to 10 weeks, so it is important to plan accordingly.

Eligibility and Requirements

The Pauahi Foundation scholarship takes into account a number of factors when determining eligibility.

Hawaiian Ancestry

While not always a strict requirement, preference is given to applicants of Hawaiian ancestry, in accordance with legal limitations.

Field of Study

The Pauahi Foundation supports a wide variety of fields, including undergraduate and graduate studies, as well as trade and vocational courses.

Financial Need

Some awards are specifically designated for students who demonstrate financial need. This is assessed through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

Merit

Some scholarships are awarded based on merit, recognizing academic achievement and potential.

Geographic Location

Certain scholarships are restricted to students applying from specific geographic regions. For example, the Ida M. Scholarship is for students who are residents of Kaua‘i or Ni‘ihau Island.

Community Service

Preference may be given to Hawaiian students who have demonstrated community service or volunteer work.

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Specific Areas of Study

Preference may be given to students in pursuit of degrees in Hawaiian language, studies and culture, Journalism or Education.

Application Resources and Support

Several resources are available to assist students in navigating the Pauahi Foundation scholarship application process.

He Ipu Ka‘eo

He Ipu Ka‘eo serves as a valuable resource for Native Hawaiian students seeking post-secondary education, including both college and career training programs.

Hawaiʻi Community Foundation

The Hawaiʻi Community Foundation administers several scholarships, including the Ida M. Scholarship.

Campus Support Services

College campuses offer a range of support services designed to help students succeed, including Native Hawaiian Student Services programs and student centers.

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Native Hawaiian Student Services Program: This program provides tutoring, free computer and printing access, academic counseling, internship programs, wellness counseling, technology workshops, and community huaka‘i (fieldtrips). Services are open to all Native Hawaiians regardless of major.
Kīpuka Native Hawaiian Student Center: This center offers academic advising, tutoring, peer mentoring, assistance with financial aid (especially scholarships giving preference to Hawaiians), and career planning and preparation, including placement with mentors and internships on and off campus.
Kaiao Student Success Center: This center provides students with guidance and support in achieving their educational goals through cultural enrichment activities, including field trips, hands-on cultural experiences, and networking with other Hawaiian students. Kaiao offers tutoring and counseling services, and a computer lab for student use.
Hulili Ke Kukui Hawaiian Center: Committed to actively preserving and perpetuating Hawaiian culture and values, this center offers academic advising, career development, four-year transfer assistance, and tutoring.
Po‘i Nā Nalu: This program provides Native Hawaiian students in career and technical education programs with support services to successfully navigate through higher education and beyond.
The Kapoʻoloku Program for Native Hawaiian Student Success: This program ensures that Kapi’olani Community College (KCC) programs and services are equitable for students of Hawaiian ancestry, reinforcing the importance of education by promoting personal growth and development within the social, community, and cultural contexts of Hawai’i’s history. Program services are provided at the Manele lab, including peer tutoring, academic advising, computer access, and assistance with financial aid and scholarship applications.
Kūlia ma Kapiʻolani: This Native Hawaiian Career & Technical Education project assists Native Hawaiian students pursuing Career and Technical Education (CTE) in graduating and seeking employment in their chosen fields.
Lunalilo Scholars: This program identifies individual needs and provides support, tools, and resources for Native Hawaiian students to build a foundation for success in their first year of college.
Paepae ‘Ōhua Native Hawaiian Student Services Program: This program promotes a holistic Hawaiian cultural foundation experience, empowering all learners to maximize their potential by supporting personal development, cultural identity, and academic success.

Financial Aid Options Beyond Pauahi

In addition to the Pauahi Foundation scholarships, Native Hawaiian students have access to various other financial aid options.

FAFSA

Currently enrolled and newly admitted college students may apply for financial aid by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). College campuses provide support services designed to help students succeed.

Hawaiian Tuition Waiver

The Hawaiian Tuition Waiver supports Native Hawaiian students accepted into a degree-seeking program at Honolulu Community College who demonstrate financial need and are enrolled at least half-time (6 or more credits). To be eligible, Native Hawaiian students in the UH system who demonstrate financial need should apply for financial aid through their campus financial aid offices.

Types of Financial Aid

There are several types of financial aid, including grants and scholarships, work-study, and loans. Financial aid awards may include a combination of these types of aid.

The Kipona Scholarship: An Important Update

It's important to note a recent change regarding the Kipona Scholarship, another significant financial aid program for Native Hawaiian students. Kamehameha Schools is ending this financial aid program, which helped thousands of Hawaiian families pay for tuition at other private schools. While current recipients of the need-based scholarship can continue reapplying, new applications are no longer accepted. In 2024, Kamehameha distributed $7.1 million to 828 Kipona Scholarship recipients. This change may impact schools with a high number of Hawaiian students receiving Kipona aid.

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