Dec. 26, 2018

Contributed by Ben Balberdi

Created in partnership with Kamehameha Schools and Chaminade University in 2016, the Ho‘oulu STEM Scholarship Program has not only helped to increase the number of Native Hawaiians attending the private university, it has provided more opportunity for kānaka maoli to succeed and thrive in today’s growing tech-focused workforce.  

This past fall, Native Hawaiians represented more than 22 percent of Chaminade’s 1,100 registered day students – up from 14 percent the last three years. Seventy-five percent of this year’s incoming Native Hawaiian students chose to major in science and technology, compared to 44 percent in 2015.

Aimed at improving the participation by and access for Native Hawaiians in STEM-related fields of study, the four-year Ho‘oulu STEM Scholarship Program provides full tuition assistance and substantial wraparound support including mentoring, counseling, tutoring, internship opportunities, and housing stipends for students from the neighbor islands and rural areas of O‘ahu.

Applications are now being accepted for the next cohort of 36 students until April 1, 2019; however, priority will be given to applications received by March 15, 2019. 

Learn more in Wednesday's Honolulu Star-Advertiser article by Susan Essoyan, which includes a link to more information on how to apply.