UH Honors Regents and Presidential Scholars Recipients

2017 UH Regents and Presidential Scholars were honored during an awards luncheon at UH Mānoa on July 20, 2017. Photo courtesy of University of Hawai‘i.

The University of Hawai‘i (UH) recognized its 2017 Regents and Presidential Scholars (RAPS) during an award ceremony at UH Mānoa on July 20, 2017, including 20 local high school students and 10 college students. Hawai‘i Island’s Asia Helfrich of Hawai‘i Community College is among this year’s RAPS recipients.

RAPS scholarships recognize and support local students with an outstanding record of academic achievement. The program is now in its 30th year, and many alumni are now serving communities worldwide, according to UH.

Selected regents scholars receive full tuition for four years of undergraduate study and presidential scholars receive full tuition for two years of undergraduate study. Both receive a $4,000 annual stipend and a one-time travel grant of $2,000.

Twenty incoming freshmen from Hawai’i high schools are selected to receive regents scholarships each year. Students are selected based on demonstrated academic excellence through GPA and national entrance exam scores, as well as extracurricular activities.

“The University of Hawaiʻi is proud to support these exceptional students in attaining their dreams here at home,” said UH Board of Regents Chair Jan Sullivan. “We look forward to the positive impacts our UH scholars will have on our community and the world.”

Ten college-level juniors are awarded presidential scholarships, with preference given to UH community college students transferring to a UH university. Students are selected based on high GPAs for all college level work and demonstrated, sustained academic progress and achievement.

“These scholars have already demonstrated excellence and outstanding achievement during their first two years at UH,” said UH President David Lassner. “It is an honor to support their paths to college completion on their journey to a better future for themselves, their families and their communities.”

RAPS was established in 1987 to support students attending any UH campus with outstanding academic performance achieve their higher education goals. UH recently celebrated the 30th anniversary of the program at an alumni reunion event.

Students interested in receiving a Regents and Presidential Scholars award may apply online.