Kamehameha Schools announces career and technical education scholarship

June 4, 2003

Contributed by Kekoa Paulsen

According to Executive Director of Admissions and Financial Aid, Dr. Teresa Makuakane-Drechsel, "We learned from the community that there was an immediate need in the Hawaiian community for more certified health and early childhood education professionals. We also realized the growing need for training in technology and other highly skilled career fields. In addition to helping students attain two- and four-year college degrees, KS recognizes the need to support people in short-term, certificate programs as well. This scholarship program will enable KS to expand its reach to help that segment of the Hawaiian community." To qualify for the Career and Technical Education Scholarship, applicants must: - Be a resident of Hawai'i. - Be accepted and enrolled full-time in an accredited vocational/technical certificate program. - Demonstrate financial need by completing the College and Scholarship Services (CSS) profile. Consideration will be given to applicants pursuing certification in the areas of technology, health sciences, diversified agriculture, and education. Also, priority consideration will be given to applicants who do not already have a vocational/technical certificate or a college degree. To the extent permitted by law, preference will be given to applicants of Hawaiian ancestry. The scholarship requires the recipient to: - Maintain the minimum G.P.A. required by the education program each academic term while on scholarship. - Attend one informational session and one Hawaiian culture workshop every year while on scholarship. - Commit to a minimum of 40 hours of work (paid or volunteer) for each year on the scholarship in a Hawai'i DOE corrective-action school, Hawaiian-focused charter school or Hawai'i language immersion school. Recipients may also work at a school with a documented Hawaiian student population of at least 33%, or in a Hawaiian health care system, or with a Hawaiian agency/organization providing social services to the community. The scholarship amount will be based on the cost of attendance less the applicant's estimated family contribution. It is anticipated that nearly 60 scholarships will be awarded this year. Applications are available now. Interested persons may request an application by calling 842-8216 or toll-free at 1-800-842-IMUA, ext. 8216. Forms and information are also available at www.ksbe.edu. The deadline to apply for these scholarship is July 15, 2003. Kamehameha Schools is a statewide educational system founded and endowed by the legacy of Princess Bernice Pauahi Bishop. Nearly 4,900 students of Hawaiian ancestry are currently enrolled in K-12 campuses on three islands and at more than 30 preschool sites statewide. More than 12,000 additional Hawaiian learners are being served through a range of other Kamehameha Schools outreach programs, community collaborations and financial aid opportunities in Hawaii and across the continental United States.