Grants Awarded to Native Hawaiian Doctoral Students

File photo by Wendy Osher.

By Wendy Osher

The University of Hawai’i is the recipient of a $110,000 grant from the Office of Hawaiian Affairs.

The funds will be used to assist Native Hawaiian students who are pursuing doctoral degrees.

The money will be used to cover the cost of books, fees and some living expenses. Under the agreement, UH will also provide each student with a mentor to counsel, guide and assist them through school and the job search process.

Windward Community College’s TRiO, Upward Bound and Educational Talent Search programs, was awarded an additional $10,000 to provide Native Hawaiian students with college entrance exam preparation courses.

“As the state’s primary higher education provider, we are pleased to partner with OHA to increase college access and graduation rates for our indigenous population,” said Lui Hokoana, Associate Vice President of Student Affairs.

As part of the grant award, UH will provide OHA with data and tracking information as students progress through the school programs, and pursue future employment.