Financial Aid Workshops for Native Hawaiian Students

Are you Native Hawaiian and wish to attend college? The University of Hawai’i is reaching out to potential students of Hawaiian descent who wish to attend college. Students can apply for millions of dollars in college scholarships.

The University system is hosting a series of free AHA Financial Aid workshops across the state for Native Hawaiians interested in attending college, learning about scholarship opportunities, and how to apply for financial aid.

Three workshop dates will be held on the Big Island: in Waimea on Nov. 18 at the Hawaiian Homestead Hall at 6 p.m., Kona on Nov. 19 at the Kealakehe High School Cafeteria at 6 p.m., and in Hilo on Nov. 20 at the University of Hawai’i at Hilo Theatre at 6 p.m.

“It’s a coming together of scholarship agencies and organization who believe in the value of college for every person in Hawai’i,” said Judy Oliveira, Interim Vice Chancellor of Student Affairs.

The effort is part of a statewide initiative to bring Native Hawaiian scholarship opportunities to underserved communities across the state and the university’s mission to create opportunities and transform the lives of students, their families and communities through higher education.

“We’ve committed to increase the participation and success of Native Hawaiian students across the entire University of Hawai’i System. One of the keys to access and success is affordability. So we’re very grateful to our many partners for the availability of these scholarships and for helping us spread the good work throughout the state,” said UH Preseident David Lassner.

The free financial aid presentations and workshops are open to high school and college students, parents, teachers, counselors, or anyone interested in learning about the wide range of resources and financial aid available to Native Hawaiian students.

Included in the workshops is a brief tutorial on how to fill out the financial aid application and strategies on earning scholarship money.

“Coming out of high school I was unaware of how I would pay for college because at the time my parents were unable to put me through college so I took it upon myself to find other means necessary in order for me to prolong my education to provide a better future for me as well as my family. I’m grateful and fortunate to not have paid anything since my freshman year in college,” said Justin Pagan, UH Manoa undergraduate student.