Kamehameha Schools Offers Preschool Scholarships for Native Hawaiian Children

April 29, 2002

Contributed by Kekoa Paulsen

"The Pauahi Keiki Scholars program is a statewide initiative that will help KS fulfill the mission of Ke Ali'i Pauahi -- educate Native Hawaiian children throughout Hawai'i," said Dr. Hamilton McCubbin, chief executive officer for KS. "We recognize there is a need for more early childhood education opportunities, especially for Hawaiian families, and we hope to reach as many keiki as possible through this wonderful program."

It is estimated that there are 6,000 Hawaiian four-year-olds in the state. Kamehameha-run preschools currently reach a total of 1,254 students (264 3-year olds and 990 4-year olds) in 66 classrooms at 31 sites across the state.

"There is still a great deal of unmet needs in our communities in regard to early childhood education," said Suzanne Ramos, dean of early childhood education for KS. "Our goal is to reach more of our Hawaiian children through the Pauahi Keiki Scholars program so that they may reap the benefits of a preschool education -- something that is so critical to the success of a young child as they begin their formal education."

To be eligible for the program, the applicant must meet the following criteria:

Parents of children who receive the scholarship will be asked to comply with certain requirements in order to maintain the award:

Eligible preschools for the PKS program must be accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), be in the process of achieving NAEYC accreditation, or be a preschool program that is approved by the KS Early Childhood Education Division. Qualified preschools must also be non-profit and tax-exempt. In the future, the PKS program will partner with Good Beginnings and other early education organizations in Hawaiÿi to further expand its reach.

Parents and preschool providers can call 842-8218 for more information about the Pauahi Keiki Scholars program. The deadline to apply is July 1, 2002.

A schedule of informational workshops on how to apply for the scholarship will be announced via this web site, and though radio, television and newspapers throughout the state in the coming weeks.