Chaminade scholarship supports students seeking STEM careers

Feb. 23, 2017

Contributed by Shaundor Chillingworth

Kamehameha Schools works with others to improve education systems for Native Hawaiian learners by cultivating vital community partnerships in Hawai‘i and beyond. A formalized partnership with Chaminade University of Honolulu created opportunities like the Hoʻoulu STEM Scholarship program, promoting post-high school educational success and helping equip students with the training and expertise needed to thrive in the workforce of tomorrow.

After welcoming its first cohort last year, applications are now being accepted for year two of the Hoʻoulu STEM scholarship.

Kamehameha Schools and Chaminade University of Honolulu formalized a partnership in 2015 with the intention of growing the number of Native Hawaiians graduating with STEM degrees. One of the tangible ways that desire is realized was the creation of the Hoʻoulu STEM Scholarship.

Hoʻoulu envisions a healthy, prosperous, just, and sustainable lāhui, enabled by a new generation of Hawaiian scientists, health practitioners, forensic specialists and environmental professionals who are equally grounded in science and culture.

The scholarship includes a number of benefits including 100% full tuition assistance, housing allowance considerations, wraparound services to promote on-time graduation and support for career development activities.

Wraparound academic support is a key component of the scholarship. Each student is provided with faculty support, professional tutoring in math, physics and chemistry, and professional development opportunities. The Kipuka STEM Student Resources Center at Chaminade provides a space for co-working, tutoring and taking time out from the busy day.

To be eligible, all applicants must meet the following criteria:

Incoming first-year and transfer students, or current sophomores and juniors attending Chaminade University
Pursue a degree in one of five qualifying STEM programs of study (Biology, Biochemistry, Forensic Sciences, Environmental Studies or Nursing).
Meet academic requirements, as determined by the student’s standing at the time of application

The scholarship gives preference to applicants of Native Hawaiian ancestry to the extent permitted by law.

A recent study by the Georgetown Center on Education and the Workforce projected that by 2020, “65 percent of all jobs in the economy will require postsecondary education and training beyond high school.” STEM fields, which are expected to be among the fastest growing fields in coming years, will see a 26 percent growth rate, with 95 percent of STEM occupations requiring postsecondary education and training.

The KS-Chaminade partnership focuses on five key areas: scholarship support, curriculum initiatives, research, outreach, and wraparound services and support.

Priority consideration will be given to students applying before March 1, with applications accepted until April 1, provided funds are available. Only completed applications will be eligible for review and it is highly encouraged.

For more information or to download an application packet, visit the Chaminade Scholarship page.

STRATEGIC PLAN 2020

SP2020 is a five-year strategic plan that will guide Kamehameha Schools from 2015 to 2020. The plan marks a starting point toward KS’ Vision 2040, which envisions success for all Native Hawaiian learners.

Formalized partnerships like this one with Chaminade helps to support Goal 2 of SP2020 which aims to contribute to communities’ collective efforts to improve our education systems for Native Hawaiian learners to achieve the Educational Pathway Milestones. It also supports Action 4 of Kamehameha’s Ten Actions for fiscal year 2017, to set shared agenda for statewide partnerships and advocacy.

Chaminade Hoʻoulu STEM Scholarship

Priority consideration deadline – March 1
Applications accepted until – April 1

Apply at: www.chaminade.edu/hooulu

More information:
admissions@chaminade.edu
(808) 735-4780

Aspiring M.D./Ph.D. Kaikeline McCarthy hard at work in the research lab. McCarthy is a member of the first cohort of Hoʻoulu STEM Scholars.

The first cohort of Hoʻoulu STEM Scholars came together in 2016.

Biology major and Hoʻoulu Scholar, Hulali Kinilau, working on her Genomics coursework with faculty member Dr. Jolene Haunani Cogbill in the Kipuka STEM Student Resources Center at Chaminade.