University of Hawaiʻi at ����ԴDz� Athletics’ Giving Week: Our Team. �Ჹ�ɲ���ʻ��’s Team (October 9&#8211ʻ19) received an outpouring of support from alumni, fans, friends and the community, eclipsing last year’s campaign with more than 1,300 donors who helped raise more than $2 million. Funds will provide opportunities for student-athletes through scholarships, academic resources, nutrition, mental health services and facilities.

“This week truly showed that it is Our Team, �Ჹ�ɲ���ʻ��’s Team,” said Athletics Director Matt Elliott in a mahalo video message. “Your support and generosity are amazing. We can’t wait to get out there on the field and on the courts to represent you, and to thank you for everything you do.”

A centerpiece of the week was Giving Week’s widespread exposure across Hawaiʻi News Now’s programming by expanding beyond HI Now Daily to include morning news shows, early evening broadcasts and a dedicated primetime special from 6:30 to 8 p.m. This extensive live coverage amplified the campaign’s reach through 30 segments featuring 37 different individuals, showcasing special collaborations and inspiring stories of student-athletes and coaches. The broadcast’s vast platform further highlighted a strong show of support from alumni and community leaders, featuring special appearances by Gov. Josh Green, Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi and former coach Dave Shoji.

“We are honored to support ������Ƶ Athletics’ vision and showcase the excellence of these student-athletes to the world during this vital campaign,” said Katie Pickman, Hawaiʻi News Now general manager. “Our goal is to amplify these inspiring stories for every fan on every island, helping to rally the community and truly making them ‘�Ჹ�ɲ���ʻ��’s Team’ across all our platforms.”

Support spans 32 states, 9 countries

Donations across the 10 days came in from more than 32 states and nine countries, with all 21 teams receiving support through the Our Team. �Ჹ�ɲ���ʻ��’s Team and Boost the ‘Bows campaigns.

“Every gift represents more than a donation,” said ������Ƶ Foundation CEO and ������Ƶ Vice President of Advancement Tim Dolan. “It reflects a belief in our students, our mission and the future of our university. The generosity we witnessed during Giving Week is a powerful reminder that the connections we cultivate today can have a lasting impact on generations to come.”

The University of Hawaiʻi at ����ԴDz� celebrated the generosity of its scholarship donors and the achievements of its student scholars at its annual Scholarship Luncheon, held November 2 at the Sheraton Waikiki Beach Resort.

The event brought together approximately 300 scholarship donors, students and college supporters to celebrate the transformative impact of philanthropy on higher education. During the 2026–27 academic year, the college awarded more than $1.4 million in scholarships to more than 470 students.

Established in 2005, the annual Scholarship Luncheon provides a special opportunity for donors to meet the students who benefit from their generosity, fostering meaningful connections between supporters and the next generation of business leaders.

“Scholarships do so much more than provide financial assistance. They open doors for students to fully engage in their education, pursue valuable learning experiences and prepare for successful careers,” Shidler College of Business Acting Dean Jing Ai said. “We are incredibly grateful to our donors, whose generosity continues to make a lasting difference in the lives of our students.”

Appreciation from students

The luncheon featured remarks from two scholarship recipients who shared their educational journeys, career aspirations and appreciation for the support they have received.

Undergraduate speaker Landon Momohara, a marketing and international business major, spoke about his experiences at Shidler and his aspirations to pursue an international career in digital marketing. Momohara serves as president of the college’s International Business Organization and supports marketing and student mentorship initiatives through the .

Graduate speaker Tyler Guard, a master of accounting student and associate at Accuity, shared his journey from a career in marine engineering to accounting. Recognized with the 2026 Business Night Award for Outstanding Master of Accounting Student, Guard hopes to apply his skills to support Hawaiʻi’s business community.

The event also featured a keynote address by alumnus Allan Ikawa, chairman and founder of Big Island Candies and a 2017 Shidler Hall of Honor inductee. Ikawa shared insights from his entrepreneurial journey, which began with the founding of Big Island Candies in Hilo in 1977 and grew into one of Hawaiʻi‘s most recognized confectionery brands.

Shidler’s academic excellence, student success

In addition to celebrating scholarship achievements, the luncheon highlighted the college’s continued momentum in academic excellence and student success. Shidler’s international business program was recently ranked No. 23 nationally in the 2027 U.S. News & World Report rankings, while undergraduate enrollment at its School of Travel Industry Management increased by more than 13% over the past year.

University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa alumna Martha Carrell was drawn to ideas and to people who explored them. She enjoyed conversations that moved easily between subjects, from philosophy to everyday habits, and she made space for others to join in. In classrooms, living rooms or public media, she brought people together, asking questions and letting discussion unfold.

“She was fierce, complex, determined and smart,” said Diane Smith, a close friend and trustee of Carrell’s estate. “For many years we were members of a small discussion group that met monthly and picked a different topic every month, such as quantum physics, diets, solar energy, or the nature of faith. What a great ride that was.”

Smith met Carrell in retirement. Their group’s conversations could be lively and contentious, but they were always educational. This approach carried through Carrell’s work. Born and raised in Honolulu, she earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in speech at ������Ƶ Mānoa. Her career spanned public broadcasting, education and communications, and she worked for PBS stations and the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.

Carrell produced in Hawaiʻi and, unsatisfied with the final scene, stepped in to perform a hula herself. She also taught speech and coached debate, bringing the same focus on clarity and exchange into the classroom. In later years, this instinct found a home at the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at a university in Las Vegas. Her classes became some of the most popular in the program.

Supporting future students

Her lifelong connection to communication now continues through an estate gift establishing the at ������Ƶ Mānoa. The fund supports students in the in the School of Communication and Information, within the ������Ƶ Mānoa , with a preference for Hawaiʻi residents with financial need.

“In an era where digital noise often replaces meaningful connection, teaching human communication skills to our students is more essential than ever for individual success and a healthier society,” said Hye-ryeon Lee, former ������Ƶ Mānoa communicology department chair. “Martha’s life clearly illustrates this point, and we are tremendously grateful for her vision and generosity. This scholarship will provide our communicology students with financial support so that they can fully focus on their academic and professional growth.”

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Paul Wermager, a retired University of Hawaiʻi at ����ԴDz� science librarian who spent decades researching and championing the legacy of pioneering chemist Alice Augusta Ball, died August 2, 2026.

I believe that Alice Ball’s greatest gift to humanity was hope.
—Paul Wermager

Wermager served at ������Ƶ for 20 years, retiring in 2010 as head of the Science and Technology Department at . Before becoming a librarian, he worked as an intensive care unit nurse and pharmacist, and earned a master’s degree in public health.

“I liked finding answers to new things, and with a science background, I thought it was a good fit,” Wermager told ������Ƶ News in 2024 about becoming a librarian.

Researching a forgotten scientist

That curiosity led Wermager into a decades-long effort to restore the story of Ball, a ������Ƶ alumna whose groundbreaking work developing an injectable treatment for Hansen’s disease had been largely forgotten.

His interest began with a question from a ������Ƶ professor about whether there was a chaulmoogra tree on campus. After learning of the tree’s connection to Hawaiʻi‘s Hansen’s disease history, Wermager began researching Ball. He described the work as a giant jigsaw puzzle, with pieces of her life scattered across historical records.

His research eventually connected him with Stan Ali, a retired Baltimore resident who had independently rediscovered Ball’s story while researching Black people in Hawaiʻi. The two shared information about Ball and helped piece together her life and accomplishments.

“I finally got enough to envision what she was like,” Wermager told , describing the research process that led him to see Ball as a “very caring and giving” person.

Wermager contributed a chapter about Ball to the 2005 book They Followed the Trade Winds, gave presentations, and co-authored a scholarly paper on her contributions. After retiring, he continued working on a comprehensive biography and was still seeking a publisher when he died.

Kimberley Haines, a former Hamilton Library colleague who became a close friend, regularly heard updates about the project, noting he never stopped seeking answers about Ball’s life.

Keeping Ball’s legacy alive

Wermager’s commitment to Ball extended beyond his research. In 2017, he established the Alice Augusta Ball Endowed Scholarship to support underrepresented minority students pursuing science at ������Ƶ ����ԴDz�. The scholarship reflected his own experiences; he wrote that his family struggled financially and that others helped him complete his education, motivating him to provide similar opportunities to students. To date, 12 students were awarded the scholarship.

Wermager brought Ball’s story to wider audiences and the ������Ƶ ����ԴDz� campus. He co-produced the film The Ball Method and, in 2018, collaborated with librarian Monica Ghosh and artist Chad Kikuchi on a plaque and portrait honoring Ball, now displayed in the Science & Technology Reading Room near the life-sized bronze bust unveiled in 2024.

In 2024, Wernager and former ������Ƶ President David Lassner submitted the nomination that led the American Chemical Society to designate her “Ball Method” a National Historic Chemical Landmark. The designation was celebrated at ������Ƶ ����ԴDz� in February 2026.

“Paul’s curiosity, tenacity and intellectual rigor were on full display through his work over these last many years to bring to light the story of one of the great scientists of the 20th century, Alice Augusta Ball,” Lassner said. “Paul’s work demonstrated how a dedicated scholar could rediscover a lost slice of history so that all of us can now celebrate her remarkable life and contributions.”

Hamilton Library Russian Bibliographer Patricia Polansky, added, “Paul was a stalwart colleague. At one point he had outlined a novel about Soviet spying, but his work on Alice Ball took precedence. That work, along with his contribution to documenting our library’s history, form a lasting legacy.”

Polansky noted in 2008, Wermager compiled . “His extensive work in the archives provided not only the story of our science and technology services, but also a broader picture of Hamilton Library’s history,” she said.

Wermager often spoke of Ball not only as a pioneering scientist but as someone whose life could inspire others. In 2022, he wrote in , “I believe that Alice Ball’s greatest gift to humanity was hope.”

For decades, Wermager worked to ensure that Ball’s story would not disappear again. Although his biography remains unpublished, his research, scholarship and advocacy helped restore her contributions to the history of ������Ƶ ����ԴDz� and gave generations of students an opportunity to learn from her legacy.

(Hawaiʻi P–20) will launch the first of its three-part “Fund Your Future” webinar series, beginning Tuesday, August 18, to assist local families with planning and preparation for continuing education or career training after high school graduation. All events are free of charge and available to all families regardless of where the student plans to attend college.

“Hawaiʻi high school seniors and their families are encouraged to attend one session from each part of the Fund Your Future series to get a complete outlook of the many sources of financial aid available to local students, and how to pay to further your education after high school primarily using grants, scholarships, or other sources of financial aid,” said Lynsey Bow, postsecondary readiness director for Hawaiʻi P–20. “College in Hawaiʻi can be affordable, and local help is available to help families navigate this process.”

• Part 1: —Learn how to access more than $150 billion in federal grants, loans, and other financial aid, along with more than $70 million in scholarships awarded annually to Hawaiʻi students. Financial aid is available for students attending two- and four-year colleges, as well as trade and vocational schools, supporting a wide range of post-high school education and career pathways. The first free workshop will be held Tuesday, August 18, 6–7:30 p.m. via Zoom. .
• Part 2: —Hear from experts representing Sallie Mae, the Hawaiʻi Community Foundation, and the University of Hawaiʻi System as they discuss scholarship opportunities available to Hawaiʻi students, regardless of family income. Participants will also receive tips for using scholarship search tools and writing strong scholarship essays. The first of two virtual workshops will take place Thursday, November 5. .
• Part 3: Statewide virtual FAFSA completion workshops—Attendees will be able to ask questions and review the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for the 2027–28 award year. These events will be held November through January, and registration will open soon. Federal Student Aid has announced that the FAFSA for the 2027–28 award year will become available October 1.

“While the FAFSA has been simplified and is now faster and easier to complete than in previous years, families should use the time before October 1 to gather any necessary financial information and supporting documentation,” said Frank Green, financial aid and FAFSA outreach specialist for Hawaiʻi P–20. “Completing the FAFSA is required for many local and national scholarships, so we encourage students to apply early and take advantage of every financial aid opportunity for which they are eligible, while ensuring they have access to the resources they need to succeed.”

Families across the state are invited to send any questions about the college planning process, financial aid, or the FAFSA by emailing FAFSA@Hawaii.edu. All emails will be answered within 24 hours by a local financial aid specialist.

For a complete listing of upcoming college planning webinars, .

A new endowed scholarship at the University of Hawaiʻi at ����ԴDz�ʻs John A. Burns School of Medicine (JABSOM) honors the legacy of Caroline Chang, a devoted pediatrician and mentor who was dedicated to mentoring the next generation of physicians. Chang, 43, died in May after an 18-month battle with stage four breast cancer.

Established by her family, the will support JABSOM medical students pursuing pediatrics, reflecting the mentorship and commitment that defined Chang’s career as chief of pediatrics for Kaiser Permanente Hawaiʻi.

“She just really loved mentoring medical students,” said Jennifer Loh, Chang’s sister-in-law and longtime colleague who serves as chief of endocrinology at Kaiser Permanente Hawaiʻi. “She wanted to help grow people who might be interested in pediatrics.”

Supporting the next generation of pediatricians

The scholarship aims to ease financial barriers for students considering the specialty.

“Pediatrics is often one of the lower-paid medical specialties, which can create financial barriers for students,” Loh said. “This scholarship offers support to those passionate about the field, while honoring the qualities Caroline embodied.”

At her core, Loh said Changʻs qualities were brilliance and steadiness.

“She was incredibly bright and hardworking,” she said. “But what made her stand out was that calm, can-do attitude. No drama. You could bring her a problem, and she’d say, ‘We’ll figure it out. Weʻll get it done.’”

For Loh and her brother, Jeff, who was Changʻs husband, the endowment preserves Chang’s memory for her three children.

“I wanted her to be remembered,” Loh said. “I want her kids to know her as a physician as well as their mom.”

Support the and .

The University of Hawaiʻi at ����ԴDz�’s selected four graduate students as recipients of the , which support original research and creative projects using the library’s archival and special collections.

This year’s scholars represent the fields of linguistics, natural resources and environmental management and history. Their projects explore topics including Micronesian languages, trans-Pacific ethnobiological knowledge, public health in modern China and the early development of Japanese aviation.

The 2026 scholarship recipients are:

• Kelsey Bialo, a linguistics doctoral student, for the project “Exploring Minor Syllables and Sesquisyllabicity in Micronesian languages”
• Kelsie Kuniyoshi, a natural resources and environmental management doctoral student, for the project “Pilina Inoa: An Exploration of Trans-Pacific Ethnobiological Knowledge Through the Samuel Elbert Collection”
• SeungHyeon Pyo, a history doctoral student, for the project “Hijacking the Invisible Hand: The Language of Markets and Corporate Incubation of Early Japanese Aviation”
• Sijian Wang, a history doctoral student, for the project “Living with Toxicity: Chemical Disinfectants in China, 1910–1950”

Open to students from any discipline and level of study, the Library Treasures program encourages the use of archival materials, rare collections, maps, manuscripts, government documents, audiovisual resources and digital collections housed at Hamilton Library.

have examined topics connected to Hawaiʻi, the Pacific, Asia and global history and culture using collections such as the Hawaiʻi Sugar Plantation Archives, Tahitian newspapers and Okinawan magazines.

Scholarship recipients will present their work during a public event in the fall.

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Maui residents can now pursue careers in respiratory therapy and radiologic technology without having to relocate to Oʻahu. Maui Health and the University of Hawaiʻi Community Colleges have partnered to launch two Maui-based degree programs.

The dedicated Maui cohort programs, offered through Kapiʻolani Community College, are designed to create accessible pathways to high-demand, living wage careers.

“Kapiʻolani Community College is proud to expand healthcare workforce opportunities by offering the respiratory care practitioner and radiologic technologist programs beginning fall of 2026,” said Karen Boyer, dean of health academic programs. “These programs will help address critical healthcare workforce shortages in Hawaiʻi while providing students with accessible pathways to high-demand, living wage healthcare careers.”

Students in both programs will complete a combination of online, in-person and hybrid coursework, including hands-on clinical training conducted at Maui Memorial Medical Center. To further remove financial obstacles, the Maui Health Foundation is offering scholarships that may cover 100% of direct education costs, including tuition, fees, books and supplies for the professional program.

Applications for the Maui cohort are available through the website, with a deadline of May 31. Scholarship applications are due June 20, 2026. ������Ƶ , including links to program and scholarship applications.

‘Milestone moment’

“This is a milestone moment for Maui and an example of what can happen when community partners come together to invest in our people and our future,” said Wade Ebersole, interim CEO of Maui Health. “These programs open doors for local residents to pursue stable, well-paying healthcare careers, while also strengthening the pipeline of professionals who are committed to serving Maui’s community.”

Both pathways lead to a two-year associate in science degree. With minimal prerequisites often completed in one to two semesters, graduates can be prepared to enter the workforce in approximately 2.5 to 3 years. This rapid turnaround is essential to filling critical shortages in respiratory care and medical imaging roles across Maui. Graduates are positioned for strong earning potential, with starting wages for these roles exceeding $42 per hour.

The collaboration underscores a shared commitment to strengthening Maui’s healthcare workforce and ensuring high-quality care for its residents.

The University of Hawaiʻi has launched the Next Step Scholarship to encourage ������Ƶ Community College students who earned an associate degree during the 2025–26 academic year—or completed enough credits in an eligible pathway or major—to continue their education at one of the university’s four-year campuses. Eligible students from one of ������Ƶ’s seven community colleges are already automatically accepted to a ������Ƶ four-year school through a streamlined process that waives the application fee and eliminates the need to submit a new application.

Now, through the Next Step Scholarship, students enrolled full time (12 or more credits) during the fall 2026 semester at ������Ƶ Hilo, ������Ƶ Mānoa, ������Ƶ Maui College or ������Ƶ West Oʻahu will receive a $2,000 scholarship, while part-time students enrolled in 6 to 11 credits will receive $1,000.

“Transitioning to a four-year university is a significant milestone, and we are committed to making that next step as seamless and affordable as possible,” said ������Ƶ President Wendy Hensel. “These students have already demonstrated their commitment and academic readiness through their success at our community colleges. The Next Step Scholarship helps ensure finances do not stand in the way of completing their degrees and achieving their goals.”

Encouragement to continue education

All ������Ƶ associate degree graduates who qualified for automatic admission were emailed information about the new scholarship on May 15. The scholarship has been automatically awarded to 438 students who had already begun the transfer process, while another 1,156 students are eligible.

“For students who were automatically admitted but have not yet committed to a ������Ƶ four-year campus, we hope this scholarship provides an added incentive to continue their education,” said Hensel. “This scholarship is one example of the new strategies we are testing to expand access, increase enrollment, strengthen educational attainment and help build the workforce our state needs. It is good for our students and good for Hawaiʻi.”

All students are encouraged to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), if they have not already done so. While FAFSA is not required to receive the Next Step Scholarship, it can unlock additional federal, state and institutional financial aid that may be combined with the scholarship.

Students with questions about their automatic admission or the enrollment process are encouraged to contact the admissions office at their chosen ������Ƶ four-year campus.

The University of Hawaiʻi at ����ԴDz� (NROTC) recognized excellence in leadership, academics and service during its 2026 Annual Awards Ceremony held April 28. The event honored outstanding midshipmen, civilian staff and active-duty personnel whose contributions supported the battalion’s success throughout the academic year.

Among the key honorees, Lt. Liam Gregory received the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal for exceptional instruction and mentorship as the unit’s Navy instructor.

Civilian staff Jaime Silva Velez and Alexander Mangiliman were recognized with Civilian Service Achievement Medals. Silva Velez was named Junior Civilian of the Year for his dedication to supporting a 100% commissioning rate, while Mangiliman earned Senior Civilian of the Year for overseeing supply and logistics operations supporting more than 100 midshipmen.

Midshipmen received a range of national and local awards recognizing leadership, academic excellence, military aptitude, community service and commitment to Navy and Marine Corps values. Top honors included the Chief of Naval Operations Distinguished Midshipman Graduate Award, presented to Midshipman Ethan Dome, and the Navy League Honolulu Council Midshipman of the Year Award, presented to Midshipman Megan Foreman along with a $1,500 scholarship.

The ceremony concluded with remarks from Commanding Officer Capt. P. V. Bandini and the traditional playing of “Anchors Aweigh” and the Marines’ Hymn.

From overcoming financial barriers to conducting undergraduate STEM research, student Masen Haoa Lapinad-Sorgent is preparing for his next chapter at the University of Hawaiʻi at ����ԴDz� with a clear goal in mind: becoming a physician.

The biological sciences student will transfer to ������Ƶ ����ԴDz� this fall to pursue a bachelor’s degree in biology after two years at Kapiʻolani CC. He was recently named a recipient of the ������Ƶ ����ԴDz� Presidential Scholarship, one of the university’s most competitive awards for Hawaiʻi residents.

The scholarship is typically awarded each year to undergraduate juniors, including students transferring from a ������Ƶ community college, and recognizes a record of sustained progress in academic courses and evidence of superior academic achievement or creative endeavor. It includes full-time undergraduate tuition, a $2,800 semester based stipend, and a one-time travel grant of $2,500.

Best pathway

Originally from Waimānalo and a graduate of Kailua High School, Lapinad-Sorgent said financial realities heavily influenced his educational decisions from the start.

“I always knew I wanted to start at community college and then transfer for my baccalaureate degree,” he said. “For me, it was about finding the best pathway that would prepare me academically while also being financially responsible.”

Although he was accepted to several out-of-state institutions, Lapinad-Sorgent said that taking on significant student loan debt early in his educational journey was not the right choice for him or his family.

“I didn’t want to take out loans so early in my education,” Lapinad-Sorgent said. “Coming from a family that taught me a lot about sacrifice, I knew I wanted to make decisions that would help me in the long run, especially with medical school ahead.”

He said the support he received through Kapiʻolani CC’s helped make college financially possible and created a strong sense of community and belonging. The experience encouraged him to become more involved on campus, and in student congress.

National recognition

Alongside his leadership work, Lapinad-Sorgent pursued undergraduate research in the college’s STEM programs. Working with math and science professor Amanda Alimboyoguen, he studied the medicinal properties of the Indigenous ʻuhaloa plant and its connections to Hawaiian healing practices and modern healthcare research.

His research later earned national recognition at the , where he received awards for Best Undergraduate Poster Presentation in Traditional Knowledge and the Native American/Indigenous Student Research Abstract Award in Traditional Knowledge.

As he prepares to continue his education at ������Ƶ ����ԴDz�, Lapinad-Sorgent said receiving the Presidential Scholarship represents more than academic achievement.

“It means a lot for my family too,” he said. “Being able to continue my education without that financial burden is something we’re all grateful for.”

By Lisa Yamamoto

University of Hawaiʻi Maui College is offering a special for summer and fall 2026, designed specifically for those eager to get trained and start working in the culinary industry quickly.

Each successful applicant will receive a $5,000 scholarship, which covers tuition for two summer 2026 classes, along with the cost of required knife kits and uniforms. Textbooks are available to borrow for free. In addition to the scholarships, those who complete the summer courses are guaranteed a spot in two high-demand fall 2026 classes.

“It’s an incredibly exciting time to enter the industry,” said Culinary Arts Program Coordinator Chef Craig Omori. “We’re looking for ten individuals who are ready to dive deep into the craft, science, and culture of cooking in professional kitchens. With workforce needs at an all-time high, a solid culinary education has become a universal passport. We’re proud to offer this scholarship program to those ready to launch their careers.”

Summer 2026 classes

• Fundamentals of Cookery—May 26 to July 3
• Fundamentals of Baking—July 7 to August 15

Fall 2026 semester classes

• Intermediate Cookery
• Batch Cookery

“The Summer Launchpad Scholarship helped me build culinary skills and jumpstart my career. It was an amazing experience where I’ve also gained lifelong friends,” said Stephanie Blanza, a 2025 scholarship recipient who is now a pastry cook at the Four Seasons Maui at Wailea.

Eligibility Requirements

• Applicants must pursue an associate of applied science degree or a certificate of achievement in the Culinary Arts Program
• Applicants must intend to be enrolled as a full-time culinary student in Fall 2026
• Applicants must enroll in and successfully complete both summer 2026 classes

The application deadline is Friday, April 24, at 4:00 p.m. Complete details and the application are available . Scholarship awardees will be notified via email or phone by Monday, April 28. Contact Omori at omoric@hawaii.edu with any questions.

The , in partnership with and sponsor , has launched the 8th annual #TakeMeTo����ԴDz� scholarship competition—offering one full year of Hawaiʻi resident tuition (fall 2026 through spring 2027), made possible by ������Ƶ Federal Credit Union.

“At the University of Hawaiʻi Federal Credit Union, we believe education is a powerful pathway to financial well-being and long-term success,” said President and CEO Travis Bow. “Our roots and focus are tied to the University of Hawaiʻi, and we are dedicated to uplifting its students, employees, and their families with outstanding financial solutions and value. By supporting the #TakeMeTo����ԴDz� scholarship year after year since its inception, we demonstrate our commitment to making higher education more accessible for local families while strengthening our community for generations to come.”

The competition is open to Hawaiʻi residents who have been accepted and confirmed enrollment for the fall 2026 semester at ������Ƶ ����ԴDz� as a first time freshman or transfer student. To enter, eligible students must submit a short video, no longer than 60 seconds on the at Hawaii News Now, explaining why ������Ƶ ����ԴDz� is the right place for them or how a year of free tuition would impact their future. Only one entry per person per day is allowed.

“������Ƶ ����ԴDz� is a premier institution in academics, athletics, student support and research, so our undergraduate students will experience excellence,” said ������Ƶ ����ԴDz� Interim Provost Vassilis Syrmos. “The #TakeMeTo����ԴDz� scholarship is a great way to support their dreams while encouraging them to pursue a world-class education right here at home.”

The enter-to-win contest opened on April 6, 2026, and runs through Sunday, May 3, 2026.

Now in its eighth year, the contest continues to spotlight the dreams and determination of Hawaiʻi’s students.

Read more about previous winners:

• 2025 winner: #TakeMeTo����ԴDz� scholarship winner surprised by news crew
• 2024 winner: Kauaʻi HS senior surprised with free tuition in #TakeMeTo����ԴDz� contest
• 2023 winner: Amid tears, cheers, HS senior’s video vision wins ������Ƶ ����ԴDz� tuition
• Meet more #TakeMeTo����ԴDz� winners

The contest reflects a broader mission to keep Hawaiʻi’s students learning and thriving close to home. With nearly 100 undergraduate majors and a global reputation for academic excellence, the university remains a top choice for students looking to build a future rooted in the islands.

A vital promise made to the students of Lahaina following the deadly 2023 wildfires has received a major infusion of support. A new $1.5-million gift from Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez Bezos ensures the University of Hawaiʻi can sustain full scholarships for Lahainaluna High School’s Class of 2024 through the 2026–27 academic year.

This scholarship support is part of a broader $3.5-million investment from the couple, which dedicates $2 million to land stewardship research aimed at preventing future wildfires on Maui.

In fall 2024, 157 students from the affected Lahainaluna High School class enrolled across six campuses: ������Ƶ ����ԴDz�, ������Ƶ West Oʻahu, ������Ƶ Maui College, and Hawaiʻi, Honolulu and Kapiʻolani Community Colleges. The new funding specifically targets the upcoming academic years, creating a financial bridge for students as they persist in their degrees or transfer from ������Ƶ community colleges to ������Ƶ four-year universities.

“We are deeply grateful to the generous donors whose support makes this possible,” said ������Ƶ President Wendy Hensel. “This funding ensures that students who lost so much are not forced to put their futures on hold. Education is a cornerstone of recovery, and our responsibility is to stand with Lahainaluna students and families as they rebuild and move forward.”

Transformative scholarships

For students navigating the trauma of displacement, the scholarships have been transformative. Cecelia Steiner, a ������Ƶ ����ԴDz� psychology major who lost her home in the fire, described the support as a “lifeline.” Steiner noted that while the national college enrollment average is 62%, approximately 85% of her Lahainaluna class pursued higher education because of this initiative.

“When ������Ƶ offered a scholarship and paid for school, it changed my world because not having to worry about the financial aspects was huge,” said Steiner.

������Ƶ Associate Vice President of Student Affairs Farrah-Marie Gomes said the scholarship support was important for students navigating uncertainty.

“It reinforces that they are not alone, and that their community is invested in their education, their future and their sense of belonging,” Gomes said.

Beyond Lahainaluna

In the aftermath of the fires, ������Ƶ ����ԴDz� offered scholarships to students from Lahaina and Kula who did not attend Lahainaluna High School but were impacted. ������Ƶ ����ԴDz� provided scholarship support to 60 students who were already enrolled for the 2023–24 academic year. The number of scholarship recipients grew to 194 in the 2025–26 academic year.

������Ƶ Maui College announced in April that it would cover tuition and fees for Lahainaluna High school graduates (beyond the class of 2024) who were impacted by the 2023 fire for the 2025–26 academic year. There were 67 recipients enrolled in fall 2025.

Fourteen dental hygiene students from the University of Hawaiʻi at ����ԴDz� and ������Ƶ Maui College received a combined $42,000 in scholarships from the Hawaiʻi Dental Service (HDS) Foundation, supporting the next generation of oral health professionals across the state.

“The HDS Foundation is dedicated to ensuring that communities across the state have healthy smiles. For HDS, part of this commitment means funding scholarships and other programs to support our local workforce,” said Diane Paloma, HDS president and CEO and ������Ƶ Board of Regents member. “We hope that after graduation, these students will work in Hawaiʻi and serve the state that nurtured them.”

Seven ������Ƶ Mānoa recipients were honored February 6 at the ������Ƶ Mānoa Campus Center during a celebration attended by students and their ʻohana, university administrators, faculty and HDS executives. A separate event for the Maui scholarship recipients is also planned.

Each of the 14 students received $3,000 to support their education and clinical training.

The recipients are:

• ������Ƶ ����ԴDz�—Caitlin Raquel Baclay, Ari Bang, Maria Cabasag, Carly Koki-Tupuola, Kimberly Magsipoc, Natalie Morimoto and Shareena Lei Pascual
• ������Ƶ Maui College—Samantha Buechler, Emmie-Lynn Campos, Geila Guzman, Joanna Javier, Samantha Oliveira Gasmen Goodman, Sarah Singh and Kaitlyn Yamada

“These scholarships provide more than financial assistance — they provide encouragement,” said Kristine Osada, dental hygiene program administrator at ������Ƶ Mānoa. “Our students balance rigorous coursework and clinical training, and this support allows them to stay focused on becoming skilled, compassionate oral health professionals for Hawaiʻi.”

������Ƶ Mānoa’s , offered through its (SONDH), is the only bachelor’s-level dental hygiene degree in the state and prepares students for national and regional licensure examinations. offers an , a cohort-based program emphasizing prevention, education and clinical practice. Both programs are accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation.

Related ������Ƶ News story: High-quality, low-cost dental cleaning with training hygienists

Hands-on dental care for the community

The public can book appointments for student-led dental services at either campus clinic. There, students gain hands-on clinical experience under licensed faculty supervision. Learn more about the or the .

Windward Community College has solidified its reputation as a global launchpad for actors. Eight students from the spring 2025 and spring 2026 cohorts at the Windward CC’s auditioned for the in London, and the school offered spots to all eight.

This coincides with another major milestone. In fall 2025, East 15 Acting School—ranked fourth in the UK for drama in the Guardian University Guide 2024—officially elevated its relationship with Windward CC to Premium Partner status.

Ensuring access

The Hawaiʻi Conservatory of Performing Arts at Windward CC is dedicated to ensuring this elite training is widely available to local students.

“We’re committed to leveling the playing field for anyone who has the tenacity to do this for a living,” said Professor Nicolas Logue. “No one should be excluded from the program because they can’t afford it.”

Every student who successfully auditions into Windward CC’s year-long program receives a Dr.. Dennis Carroll Scholarship, which covers 100% of tuition. The new Premium Partner status further expands this financial support. Windward CC students transferring to East 15 are guaranteed a dedicated scholarship of $5,000 per year of study.

Building bridges

The partnership is the result of more than a decade of bridge-building by Logue and Resident Director Taurie Kinoshita, both of whom arrived at Windward CC in 2012 directly from East 15. Pioneered by former Windward CC student Brandon DiPaola, every Windward CC student who has matriculated to East 15 has graduated with the UK equivalent of summa cum laude (with highest honor).

Chris Main, East 15 director of acting, said, “Through summer programmes, via the audition process for our undergraduate and postgraduate programmes, to the numerous students who progressed from Windward CC to East 15, we have consistently witnessed the talent and craft of Windward CC students and graduates.”

First in Hawaiʻi

The Hawaiʻi Conservatory of Performing Arts is the first performing arts conservatory in the state. An articulation agreement signed in 2023 recognizes the Conservatory’s Foundation in Acting program as the academic equivalent of East 15’s own Foundation year, allowing Windward CC students to matriculate directly into the second year of East 15’s three-year bachelor’s degree programs.

With similar philosophies, the dedication to supporting students’ growth, and the recognition of the importance of story-telling, Windward CC’s partnership with East 15 is sure to grow.

If you are interested in pursuing a career in acting, at the Hawaiʻi Conservatory of Performing Arts.

In response to the devastating 2023 wildfires, Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez Bezos have donated $1.5 million to support Lahainaluna High School students, along with an additional $2 million to fund research aimed at mitigating future wildfire risk through vegetation management. The gift builds on an from the Bezos Earth Fund to the East Maui Watershed Partnership.

Together, these philanthropic investments fund critical environmental recovery work and strengthen Maui communities for the long term.

$1.5 million for Lahainaluna students

In the days following the wildfires—the worst natural disaster in state history—t to Lahainaluna’s 2024 graduating class and supported their education at any of the 10 ������Ƶ campuses.

This new $1.5-million donation is amplifying that effort, and directly benefiting Lahainaluna High School graduates who are currently enrolled at ������Ƶ and still facing economic hardship related to displacement and loss.

The funding will provide students with tangible support, enabling them to stay focused on their studies as their community rebuilds. Leaders say the commitment affirms a shared responsibility to stand with Lahaina students and families as recovery gives way to renewed opportunity.

“We are deeply grateful to the generous donors whose support makes this possible,” said ������Ƶ President Wendy Hensel. “This funding ensures that students who lost so much are not forced to put their futures on hold. Education is a cornerstone of recovery, and our responsibility is to stand with Lahainaluna students and families as they rebuild and move forward.”

������Ƶ Associate Vice President of Student Affairs Farrah-Marie Gomes agrees.

“For students navigating uncertainty, this kind of support is transformative,” added Gomes. “It reinforces that they are not alone, and that their community is invested in their education, their future and their sense of belonging.”

Restoring Maui’s fire-prone grasslands

Much of the former sugar plantation lands on Maui are now unmanaged and dominated by invasive species that increase fuel loads and have intensified the island’s wildfire risk. Several units at ������Ƶ, including the University of Hawaiʻi Economic Research Organization (������ƵERO) that is housed in ������Ƶ ����ԴDz�’s College of Social Sciences, the Institute for Sustainability and Resilience, and the Ecosystems and Land Care Lab, will collaborate with a range of partners interested in fire risk reduction to turn vulnerability into stability.

The $2-million donation supports the collective effort that will build better understanding of the long-term benefits and costs of transitioning these lands, for the purposes of shaping land-use policy that supports multiple environmental and social objectives. It builds on existing support from the Bezos Maui Fund to restore the island’s watersheds and reduce wildfire risk.

“Insufficient investment in land care across former plantation lands has left large areas of Maui vulnerable to wildfire,” said Kimberly Burnett, a specialist with ������ƵERO. “This work builds on evidence that actively managed lands, including forests, well-managed rangelands and agriculture, can significantly reduce fuel loads and support outcomes like erosion reduction, food production, biodiversity and community resilience.”

That land-based work is complemented by expanded educational access and reflects a holistic strategy for rebuilding—one that recognizes the interconnectedness of land, learning and long-term community well-being.

“We are profoundly grateful to our donors for their continued commitment to Maui,” said ������Ƶ Foundation CEO and Vice President of Advancement Tim Dolan. “Their support is making a lasting difference for the people and places that define this community.”

More students from the University of Hawaiʻi at ����ԴDz� (JABSOM) are staying in or returning to Hawaiʻi to practice medicine compared to 10 years ago, a trend school leaders credit to strong scholarship support.

That success was celebrated at JABSOM’s Annual Scholarship Dinner on January 15, a special night that connects medical students with the donors helping make their dreams of becoming doctors possible.

Today, 93% of JABSOM students receive a scholarship, and 70 of those awards come with a service commitment. Students who accept those scholarships agree to serve Hawaiʻi for a set period of time after graduation, helping address the state’s ongoing physician shortage.

“We have a tremendous physician shortage in the state so every graduate that we can retain in the state is a big plus for us,” said JABSOM Dean Sam Shomaker. “Scholarships make that possible because we keep the cost of attendance of medical school very modest so careers in medicine are within reach for virtually any of our talented young people who want to have careers in medicine.”

Community roots to real-world impact

One student featured at the dinner was , whose journey to medicine reflects resilience and dedication to his community. Born in Kalihi-Palama to Vietnamese immigrant parents, Quan cared for his grandmother through serious illness and balanced family responsibilities while pursuing school. He earned a full-tuition Kaiser Permanente Scholarship to attend JABSOM, allowing him to focus on academics, research and service. Quan has also combined his passion for judo with research, examining concussion rates in youth judo to help make the sport safer.

“This is the community I grew up in,” Quan said. “I want to give back to what brought me up, to leave a place better than I found it.”

Like Quan, many JABSOM scholarship students are inspired by the chance to serve Hawaiʻi through their future medical careers.

“I’m so passionate about serving the communities that grew me and that represent me, and so it’s actually a huge blessing to be able to know that I’ll be able to come back and serve in the community,” said JABSOM student Madison Balish.

is launching a new scholarship aimed at making college more affordable and accessible for graduating Kauaʻi high school seniors in the Class of 2026.

The covers the first year of tuition at Kauaʻi CC for eligible students after financial aid is applied. The scholarship is available to seniors graduating from a public high school or charter school on Kauaʻi who directly enroll at Kauaʻi CC.

“Hoʻolei is about opening doors, removing financial barriers, and helping our local students take the next step toward their future right here at home,” said Kauaʻi CC Chancellor Margaret Sanchez.

Thanks to generous donations, along with additional support from the Stupski Foundation, the Hoʻolei fund has more than $100,000 available to support students.

How to apply

Students already qualify for direct admission to Kauaʻi CC through Direct2������Ƶ—the University of Hawaiʻi’s streamlined admissions initiative that gives Hawaiʻi public high school seniors direct access to ������Ƶ campuses based on their GPA, without the need for a separate application process. Students should complete their by May 1 and also complete the 2026–27 (FAFSA), after which they will be considered for the Hoʻolei Scholarship covering first-year tuition once those steps are finished.

For most students, financial aid already covers the full cost of tuition at Kauaʻi CC. For students with remaining tuition costs after aid is applied, the Hoʻolei Scholarship will cover the rest of their first-year tuition, allowing them to focus on their education instead of finances.

Supporting students

In addition to tuition support, Hoʻolei scholars gain access to on-campus employment opportunities, providing a paycheck and valuable work experience while staying on island and enrolled in classes.

Students are also encouraged to apply for additional support through the and Kauaʻi CC’s first-year , which offers scholarships and guidance to help students navigate their first year of college.

Direct2������Ƶ

In October, ������Ƶ and the Hawaiʻi State Department of Education launched Direct2������Ƶ, a new initiative that simplifies the college admissions process and expands access to higher education for Hawaiʻi’s public high school seniors.

Students graduating in the spring 2026 are automatically eligible to enroll at all seven ������Ƶ community colleges, including Kauaʻi CC. Students with a GPA of 2.7 or higher are also eligible to attend ������Ƶ Hilo and ������Ƶ West Oʻahu.

Two University of Hawaiʻi campuses, and , have been awarded a combined $125,000 from , the charitable foundation established by Metallica, to fuel workforce education in high-demand technical fields. The grants are part of the national Metallica Scholars Initiative (MSI), which supports community colleges across the country in expanding access to hands-on learning and career pathways.

Leeward CC: Mechatronics scholarships and rock-themed workshops

Leeward CC received a $75,000 grant to accelerate student success in its new Mechatronics Associate in Science (AS) program & introduce residents to advanced manufacturing careers.

• $45,000 will fund scholarships for 21 first-year Mechatronics students, covering tuition & textbooks across two semesters.
• $30,000 will support Rock-the-Lab workshops, engaging 75 community members in hands-on activities that connect music and mechatronics. Participants will learn about sound-to-light controllers, robotic drumming, & CNC “backstage” fabrications.

“This support helps our students stay on track and gives our community a powerful, hands-on first look at modern manufacturing,” said Bill Labby, mechatronics program coordinator at Leeward CC.

“The Metallica Scholars grant amplifies what community colleges do best—open doors, remove barriers, and connect talent to opportunity,” said Carlos Penaloza, chancellor of Leeward CC.

Honolulu CC: MELE & AERO programs take flight

Honolulu CC, a Metallica Scholars college since 2024, was awarded $50,000 in its second year of funding to support students in two dynamic programs:

• MELE (Music & Entertainment Learning Experience): 28 students in MELE 101 will receive funding.
• AERO (Aeronautics Maintenance Technology): 21 second-year students will benefit.

Each of the 49 students will receive $400 in Fall 2025 and $400 in Spring 2026, helping offset costs & keep them focused on building careers in music production and aviation maintenance.

“Having funding was really nice, especially for something that I love, which is music,” said William Nicolas, Honolulu CC MELE student and Metallica Scholars recipient, “I know there are so many opportunities in the MELE program. Metallica are literally heroes; it is crazy to have that connection to them! I grew up listening to them, it is surreal to have something like this happen.”

Metallica Scholars Initiative

All Within My Hands, the non-profit, philanthropic organization created by the members and management of Metallica, recently announced its Year 7 of its Metallica Scholars Initiative (MSI) with its largest grant to date, totaling approximately $3 million. MSI now has a presence in 75 colleges across all 50 U.S. and the territory of Guam, and is expected to reach approximately 10,000 students.

The Metallica Scholars grant amplifies what community colleges do best—open doors, remove barriers, and connect talent to opportunity.
—Carlos Penaloza, Leeward CC chancellor

Robert Trujillo, Metallica band member, stated “I could not be any prouder of our Metallica Scholars. We know that our country needs millions of skilled tradespeople, and it warms my heart to know that our Foundation’s efforts are making a positive impact and putting hard-working people on the path to careers in the trades. Whether it’s a school visit or a meet and greet before a show, there is no better feeling than meeting our Metallica Scholars in person and hearing their stories of grit and determination firsthand, along with their pride and commitment. It is truly inspiring. To think we started with a few schools and a couple hundred students, and we’re now in 75 schools nationwide, about to reach 10,000 students. It’s just incredible.”

Launched in 2019 by All Within My Hands in partnership with the American Association of Community Colleges, MSI began with 10 colleges focused primarily on manufacturing programs. The workforce initiative has since expanded to offer opportunities in diverse fields for students interested in gaining the skills and training necessary to establish meaningful careers that provide family-sustaining wages.

For more information, visit the AWMH, .