Record $5M for Hawai’i Promise scholarships at UH Community Colleges
KAHULUI - UH and the State of Hawai’i have committed $5 million this year for the Hawai‘i Promise Scholarship, the most ever. Enrolled students who are Hawai’i residents are eligible for consideration. The funds will help to cover direct education costs not met by other forms of financial aid, including tuition, fees and an allowance for books and supplies.
“The Hawai’i Promise scholarship has allowed me to work towards completing my degree at a part-time status so I can still work full-time without the burden of extra tuition and book costs,” said Kapi’olani CC student Alena Fontaine.
UH Maui College student Christina Faye said, “After losing my home along with my hometown in the Lahaina wildfire, the Hawai’i Promise Scholarship has helped me get back on my feet by supporting me financially and not having me worry too much about spending my whole paychecks on my tuition.”
To be considered for Hawai’i Promise, students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). For the upcoming fall semester, students should complete the FAFSA by July 1. For free help in completing the FAFSA, email FAFSA@ hawaii.edu or call the FAFSA Hotline at (808) 8422540, Monday through Friday, 10 a.m.–6 p.m.
“We are committed to making higher education accessible for all,” said Erika Lacro, vice president for the UH Community Colleges. “The Hawai‘i Promise Scholarship is our promise to Hawai’i residents that cost should not be a barrier to attend our seven amazing community college campuses. We hope this scholarship will open more doors to unlimited opportunities and empower individuals to achieve their academic and career goals.”
The UH Community Colleges continue to be one of the most affordable higher education options in the nation. In 2023–24, the average tuition and fees for public two-year colleges was $3,990, according to the American Association of Community Colleges, compared to a $3,200 for a UH Community College.
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In fiscal year 2023, $3.8 million in Hawai’i Promise Scholarship funds were awarded to 1,774 eligible students across the seven UH Community Colleges. The average award per student was $2,142. Since its inception in 2017, the Hawai’i Promise scholarship has served more than 8,600 UH students.
“The Hawai‘i Promise Scholarship was incredibly helpful for me in continuing my college education and transferring from Kapiolani CC to UH Manoa,” said Michael Amado, a former Kapi’olani CC student. “The scholarship not only helped with living expenses but also allowed me not to have to work as many hours so I could devote more time to my studies. …the Hawai’i Promise Scholarship is a shining light for students who want a better future for themselves and their families.”
“Being an older student and starting the path to my dream endeavor, was ONLY made possible by the Hawai’i Promise Scholarship,” said Desiree Fleming, a Kapi’olani CC student. “Had I known I could have qualified or have this kind of financial support toward my dream, I most certainly would have entered college sooner. I can now say that I’m a college student even at my age. I am so very thankful and blessed to have received such a gift of support!”
For more information on eligibility and how to apply for the Hawai‘i Promise Scholarship, visit hawaii.edu/promise.
utive Assistant Jolie Jenkins at (808) 270-7855.