May. 8, 2015

Contributed by Shaundor Chillingworth

For the fourth consecutive year, Kamehameha Schools hosted two college financial aid one-stop-shops at its Community Learning Center at Nānākuli connecting hundreds of families with much-needed support.

The Waiʻanae Coast Financial Aid One-Stop-Shop is a resource for high school seniors, first-time college students, and current college students and their ‘ohana to get assistance with applying for KS scholarships and financial aid for college.

The workshops are hosted by KS’ Ka Pua Initiative and provide ‘ohana with one-to-one assistance in completing a variety of applications necessary to be aid-eligible.

Hawaii Public Radio reporter Molly Solomon attended the March 21 event and spoke with Erin Mendoza, current Leeward Community College student, and her mother, Lucy Mendoza to talk about their own journey as an ʻohana.

Solomon put together a story that highlights many of the challenges faced by families like the Mendoza’s who have ‘ōpio who are the first in their immediate family to attend college. While the financial aid process can seem daunting and forms many, there is support available when families need it.

“Going through the time, taking the time to do it is worth it to go and achieve your dreams,” shares Erin Mendoza, who hopes to pursue a degree in marine biology.

ʻOhana involvement in the college-planning process helps to ensure that the support for post-secondary success is not only found in the classroom, but also in the home.

“It’s been very helpful having my mom and dad there, supporting me all the way. Having that support to back me up in what I want to do in college and in the future.”

Lucy Mendoza credits the One-Stop-Shop in helping them see what’s available and making college realistic.

“I’m very thankful to Kamehameha Schools’ for opening up this one-stop-shop. They help you along the way. You ask a question and they show you where to look for the answers. I’m very grateful,” said Mendoza.

“To see her transition from high school to college so easily, I’m so proud of her.”

LISTEN TO THE HAWAII PUBLIC RADIO STORY HERE.

In total, there were about 400 students and family members present over the two workshops offered this year, which was an increase from 247 attendees last year.

Here’s a look behind the numbers:

• A total of 358 process started
• 87 students received assistance with filling out their Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
• 161 students received assistance with the Nā Hoʻokama a Pauahi scholarship application
• 57 students completed their Hoʻoulu Hawaiian Data Center application
• 53 students attended a scholarship workshop presented by Pauahi Foundation and received assistance in starting the Pauahi Foundation scholarship application

KS collaborates with Hawai‘i P-20 Partnerships for Education, UH West O‘ahu, Leeward Community College Wai‘anae and Pearl City, Kamaile Academy Public Charter School, Nānākuli High and Intermediate School and Wai‘anae High School to provide and promote this opportunity to their students and their ´ohana.

From feedback received on evaluations, families were incredibly appreciative of the work of staff members to make the process smooth, efficient and easy. Attendees were also grateful for the refreshments and childcare that was provided.

The Ka Pua Initiative would like to thank the 82 KS staffers who kōkua with this year’s workshops:

Community-Based Early Childhood Education
Leilani Yee-Poong
Trisha Okawa
Carol Pohina

Career and Post-High Counseling and Guidance
Rachelle Kaʻaihili
Koa Amona
Kelly Pinzak
Monica Lum
Guy Nishimura
Laurie Apiki
Kapua Ferrer
Jean Miyashiro-Saipaia
Marques Kaonohi
Ashley Kamanaʻo
Jodie Kaderli

Financial Aid and Scholarship Services
Aubrey Schumann
Kalae Punua
Maile Cluney
Patti Rabacal
Jason Cababa

Hoʻoulu Hawaiian Data Center
Michelle Sasaoka
Shannon Massey
Shanti Gomes
Jill Takemoto
Tanya Hewahewa

Regional Resource Centers
Bobbie Tom
Kini Pihana
Jason Doi
Buffy Ofisa

Pauahi Foundation
Mavis Shiraishi-Nagao

Ka Pua Initiative
Jeanette Nielson
Nicole Souza
Kim Kuo
Pua Williams
Shea Kama
Jessica Hagmocs
Lele Malaki
Paula Ann Burgess
Ashley Uyeno
Ramona Diaz-Malasig
Andrea Dias
Christy Sato
Jenny Crawford

Mahalo to Ka Pua Project Analyst Jennifer Crawford for sharing this story. 

Ka Pua Program Manager Andrea Dias (right) helps Lucy and Erin Mendoza with their Nā Ho‘okama a Pauahi college scholarship application. Approximately 400 students and family members attended the two financial aid workshops hosted by KS' Ka Pua Initiative.

Financial Aid and Scholarship Services Program Administrator Aubrey Schumann walks families through the scholarship application process.

Ka Pua staffer Pua Williams welcomes families arriving at the Community Learning Center at Nānākuli.

Resource center coordinator Kini Pihana helps the Chee ‘ohana with their applications. All three members of this ‘ohana will be in college this fall.

During financial aid one-stop-shops, families can input and complete Nā Ho‘okama a Pauahi applications and related documents onsite.