$5.5 million KS/Chaminade partnership to award STEM scholarships this fall

The Ho‘oulu STEM Scholarship Agreement recently signed by KS and Chaminade University creates a landmark opportunity for Native Hawaiian students pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree to receive full tuition assistance and the opportunity to apply for living expense assistance for four years.

May. 9, 2016

Contributed by Elizabeth Ahana

The Ho‘oulu STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) Scholarship Agreement recently signed by Kamehameha Schools and Chaminade University creates a landmark opportunity for Native Hawaiian students pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree to receive full tuition assistance (100%) and the opportunity to apply for living expense assistance for four years.

Totaling $5.45 million over the scholarship’s five-year term, the Ho‘oulu STEM Scholarship Agreement is the first initiative of Kamehameha Schools’ and Chaminade University’s MOU signed in fall 2015 to increase the participation by and access for Native Hawaiians in STEM and related fields of study.

This fall, Chaminade University will welcome new cohorts of up to 25 first-year students and 10 transfer students in the following Bachelor of Science degree areas: Biology, Biochemistry, Forensic Sciences, Environmental Studies, Nursing, and Pre-Med/Pre-Health.

“Both Chaminade University and Kamehameha Schools are committed to helping raise and equip future leaders of Hawaiʻi and beyond. This program is a great step forward and builds momentum for our partnership as we collaborate to create and advance educational opportunities at the collegiate level,” said Kamehameha Schools Chief Executive Officer Livingston “Jack” Wong. “We look forward to continuing to work with Chaminade to a set a new trajectory for student opportunities and career choices, enabling healthy, prosperous lives.”

Chaminade University President Bro. Bernard Ploeger said, “The impact of Ho‘oulu will be far reaching. We are grateful for this truly transformative partnership with Kamehameha Schools allowing us to more fully realize our mission of supporting Native Hawaiians through improved access and attainment of a postsecondary education. Careers in STEM-related fields are projected to be some of the fastest growing segments of tomorrow’s workforce.”

“We see this partnership as a path to improve post-secondary enrollment, persistence and completion,” said Lauren Nahme, VP for Kamehameha Schools’ Strategy and Innovation. “We also believe that with financial and other kinds of support from experienced and caring adults and community-minded organizations like Chaminade, we will help haumāna acquire the highest levels of knowledge and apply it in meaningful ways to their community who need them.”

“This first cohort is made up of students who are serious about their commitment to work hard, finish and gain work experiences along the way,” added Nahme. “Their focus in this program will help them get to the finish line on time; debt free and ready to pursue even higher levels of knowledge and study or obtain employment that supports them and their communities.”

Chaminade Dean of Natural Sciences and Mathematics Helen Turner, PhD agreed. “The program removes financial and non-financial barriers to Native Hawaiian success in STEM, and in parallel reflects our faculty’s commitment to curriculum and pedagogy that bridge science and root culture,” said Dr. Turner. “Solutions to health, environmental and justice challenges are to be found in science and technology, and we envision Ho‘oulu students leading the community in the future to strengthen the lāhui.”

Chaminade University and Kamehameha Schools expect Ho‘oulu students to grow and thrive in the environment of opportunity, culture and innovation newly created by this partnership. The passion and persistence of these students will result in a new generation of Native Hawaiian leaders with careers as health practitioners, scientists, forensic specialists and environmental stewards.

For additional information on the Ho‘oulu STEM Scholarship Program or to apply, please visit chaminade.edu or call (808) 735-4711.

We see this partnership as a path to improve post-secondary enrollment, persistence and completion. We also believe that with financial and other kinds of support from experienced and caring adults and community-minded organizations like Chaminade, we will help haumāna acquire the highest levels of knowledge and apply it in meaningful ways to their community who need them.
Lauren Nahme, KS Vice President of Strategy and Innovation