Fall application round for Nā Leo TV Ho‘olono Scholarship now open

Nā Leo TV — Hawai‘i Island’s community access TV station — is once again seeking to inspire and support island students pursuing careers in storytelling, journalism, broadcasting and digital or creative media.

The fall application round for its 2025 Ho‘olono Scholarship is now open.

“The stories and perspectives our Hawai‘i Island youth have to share are inspiring and powerful,” said Nā Leo TV President and Chief Executive Officer Ashley Kierkiewicz in an announcement about opening the latest round of scholarship applications. “The Ho‘olono Scholarship is an investment in their bright futures, but also an investment in the future of our island.”

Rooted in the Hawaiian words “ho‘o,” meaning “to make,” and “lono,” which means a “report” or “news,” the Ho‘olono Scholarship encourages young people to transform ideas into impact, elevating Hawai‘i Island’s unique perspectives through media.

“These students will become the journalists, filmmakers and creators who ensure our stories are told with integrity and heart,” Kierkiewicz said.

The Ho‘olono Scholarship is awarded twice a year — in the fall and spring semesters.

It is open to Hawai‘i Island high school seniors accepted into a college media program, as well as current college students majoring in media-related fields.

Eligible applicants must maintain a minimum 3.0 grade-point average.

Scholarships are cash awards ranging from $1,000 to $2,500 to help offset educational expenses.

Students must submit a completed application form, proof of enrollment or acceptance letter, their most recent academic transcript and one letter of recommendation to apply.

Applicants also are encouraged to include a portfolio of their media work, such as videos, articles or photos.

The deadline to apply is 5 p.m. Nov. 1.

Recipients will be notified by Nov. 21 and featured in a special Nā Leo TV podcast highlighting their life and creative journey.

The application and full details are available at the Nā Leo TV website.

Nā Leo TV serves as Hawai‘i Island’s leading incubator for young media professionals through scholarships, hands-on learning and the annual Youth Media Challenge.

The Ho‘olono Scholarship is one of the community access TV station’s signature investments in growing a diverse, homegrown creative workforce.

Ho‘olono Scholarships were awarded earlier this year during the spring round of applications.

This year’s spring winners were:

• Kamehameha Schools graduate Lehani Coloma, who is now studying communications and broadcasting at Grand Canyon University in Phoenix.
• Rhyan Rimmer, Hilo High School’s valedictorian, who is pursuing creative media at Northeastern University in Boston.
• Kealakehe High School grad Marlon Utrera Jr., who is now a film and media production student at Babson College in Wellesley, Mass.

All three shared their journeys during a special podcast.