Scholarships

Waikīkī HCC Scholarship Program 

Qualification Criteria:

  • Be a resident of Hawai‘i
  • Be a full-time student in an accredited two- or four-year college or technical educational program in or out of the State of Hawai‘i
  • Have a cumulative grade point average (G.P.A.) of 2.5 for graduating high school seniors or undergraduate students
  • Have a cumulative G.P.A. of 3.0 for graduate students
  • First priority is given to members of Waikīkī HCC in good standing, including directly-related family members. Second priority is given to Native Hawaiian students that reside in the Kona moku on the island of Oʻahu.  Third priority is given to Native Hawaiian students that are active in their community through cultural practices.
  • Waikīkī HCCʻs policy is to give preference to applicants of Hawaiian ancestry

Application Checklist

In order to process your application, you will need to submit the following documents in a single email with the subject heading WHCC  SCHOLARSHIP – [YOUR FIRST & LAST NAME] by 4:00pm on the deadline date:

  • An accurately completed Waikīkī HCC Scholarship Application Form
  • A copy of an acceptance letter from an accredited post high school educational institution for the scholarship year; continuing students may submit a proof of registration or receipt of payment
  • A copy of your most recent transcripts (unofficial transcripts will be accepted)
  • A copy of your birth certificate showing Hawaiian descent, if applicable
  • Your personal statement (criteria shown below)

Personal Statement

Please submit a clear and concise personal statement of no less than 800 words and no more than 1,200 words explaining your educational, career, and personal goals. Include a statement that describes why you consider yourself a worthy scholarship recipient along with attributes and talents that support the Hawaiian community.

At minimum, your Personal Statement must answer the following questions:
• What are your reasons for attending college?
• What field of study (major) did you choose, and why?
• What are your career goals?

Please format your personal statement using either Arial (11 pt.) or Times New Roman (12 pt) font, double spaced.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the timeline for Scholarship Applications?

• [To be announced]: Program opens, application and information available online.
• [To be announced]: 4:00pm deadline for submitting completed Waikīkī HCC online application and all other required documents by email (malia@waikikihcc.org)
• [To be announced]: Applicants receive notice of decision

How much is the scholarship award?

The amount of the award is determined by the Waikīkī HCC Board and will vary from year to year. Awards vary and are based on academic standing, the quality of the essay and the completeness of the application package. Scholarship checks are made payable to the scholarship recipient and are mailed directly to the student.

What can I use the scholarship award for?

Scholarship funds may be used for educational expenses including tuition, registration fees, and books. These are one year scholarships, and you must re-apply each year for continued funding, if available. You are not guaranteed an award each year.

Who do I contact if I have any questions?

The best way to contact us is by emailing the Waikīkī HCC Scholarship Chair at malia@waikikihcc.org. Someone will get back to you as soon as possible.

If I receive a scholarship will I have to do any community service?

Yes, we will invite you to our Waikīkī HCC events and ask each recipient to provide at least 10 hours of community service hours with Waikīkī HCC. If you are not on the mokupuni of Oʻahu for our events and are unable to attend, we welcome the assistance of a family member or friend in your absence.

If I receive a scholarship will I be required to join the Waikīkī HCC?

Yes, you will be required to join the Waikīkī HCC for at least one year.  We also encourage your family members to join and participate in club activities including our annual Maunaʻala clean-up, scholarship fundraisers, traditional knowledge workshops, and other activities that are planned in the future.