February 10, 2003
Contributed by Kekoa Paulsen
"The Pauahi Keiki Scholars program was an overwhelming success last year and we are pleased to be able to extend the program to 3-year olds this year. The program fulfills our strategic goal of providing quality educational programs and services to more people of Hawaiian ancestry," said Dr. Hamilton McCubbin, chancellor and CEO for KS. "We recognize there is a need for more early childhood education opportunities, especially for Hawaiian families, and we hope to serve many more keiki this year through this wonderful program." It is estimated that there are nearly 10,000 Hawaiian three- and four-year olds in the state. Currently, preschools run by Kamehameha Schools reach more than 1,200 3- and 4-year old students in 72 classrooms at 32 sites across the state. "We want to do all we can to encourage Hawaiian families to enroll their children in preschool," said Suzanne Ramos, dean of early childhood education for KS. "Pauahi Keiki Scholars helps by providing more Hawaiian families with financial assistance so their children 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: - Resident of the state of Hawaii - Accepted in a preschool program that meets criteria established by Kamehameha Schools - Must be three or four years old by December 31st of the year of the award - Demonstrate financial need - Preference will be given to keiki who reside in communities where KS preschools or services are not available - Preference will be given to keiki of Hawaiian ancestry to the extent permitted by law. Applications are available now and the deadline to apply for the program is April 2. To request an application, call 842-8216 on Oahu or 1-800-842-IMUA, ext. 8216 for Neighbor Island residents. Information is also available at www.ksbe.edu or www.pauahi.org. A schedule of informational workshops on how to apply for the scholarship will be announced via radio, television and print advertisements throughout the state in the coming weeks.
Kamehameha Schools’ policy is to give preference to applicants of Hawaiian ancestry to the extent permitted by law.
