Scholarship Program

MAWHCC Scholarship Program FAQ's

1. Who can apply?

Any one who is currently a MAWHCC member of at least one year. Has a high school diploma with a minimum 2.0 GPA or has a GED or college credits with a minimum 2.0 GPA.

2. Do I have to be Hawaiian?

No, but you must be a current MAWHCC member of at least 1 year.

3. What is the amount of the award?

The amount of the award will vary depending on how many qualified applicants there are and what the balance is in the Scholarship fund. Higher amounts may also be awarded to continuing scholarship recipients who maintain a 3.5 or higher GPA.

4. Can a student re-apply every year they are in school?

Yes, as long as you re-submit the application at least 30 days before classes begin and you have maintained a minimum of a 2.0GPA or 3.0GPA for Graduate programs.

5. Is it only for college or university?

No.  Any post high school education is eligible, certificate or vocational education, two or four year college degree, graduate programs and post graduate programs.

6. Do you have to be full-time?

No, but the award amount will be reduced and all requirements to remain in good academic standing are expected to be met.

7. What is the deadline?

It is a rolling deadline. Every student must submit all application materials at least 30 days before their classes begin.

8. What if I am a Running Start student?

If you are taking college classes through the Running Start program, you are still eligible to apply but the award amount will be reduced based on the number of credits you are enrolled in.  You must also meet the same minimum 2.0GPA to remain in good academic standing.

9. What if my school is out of state or out of the country?

As long as the school is accredited by the appropriate national body for that state or country and the degree/certificate/license you earn is considered equivalent to what is required or accepted in the US for the career you intend to pursue.

10. What is the minimum GPA to apply and remain eligible to re-apply?   

2.0 or 3.0 for Graduate and post graduate programs.

11. What other criteria is being considered?

• Prior and current work or volunteer experience in the Hawaiian community 

• Volunteer experience or participation with MAWHCC committees, activities or prior events 

• Current Hawaiiana learning experiences (‘ōlelo Hawai’i, hula, ʻukulele etc).

12. What responsibilities do I have if I am awarded a scholarship?

• Maintain minimum required GPA and submit quarterly academic progress reports or attend a membership meeting and give an oral report.

• Maintain MAWHCC membership status. 

• Participate with MAWHCC fundraising or if geographically too far away, a family member can participate on your behalf.

13. Do you still reimburse registration fees for a member’s child who attends Summer Explorations at Kamehameha Schools?

YES. Both you and your child must be current members of at least one year. Email scholarships@mawhcc.org to request reimbursement at the time you apply for the Summer Explorations program and upon return submit a receipt for the registration payment to scholarships@mawhcc.org.  You and/or the student will be asked to share about the experience at the next membership meeting.