$6 Million in Scholarships Awarded Through Hawai‘i Community Foundation

More than 350 scholarship recipients and scholarship donors gathered on O‘ahu over the weekend, for the annual Hawai‘i Community Foundation Scholarship Breakfast. The event theme, Heroes for Hawai‘i, recognized that everyone can be a hero when they practice generosity, kindness and courage. Scholarship recipients who attended the event, had the opportunity to thank their donors for supporting their college education and being everyday heroes.

“The students here today are supported by teachers and parents who continue to encourage them and generous donors who give financial support through scholarships,” said Micah Kane, CEO and president of the Hawai‘i Community Foundation. “This event reminds us that acts of generosity can propel students toward achieving their educational goals and as a result, shape Hawai‘i’s future.”

According to Public Agenda, 30% of students attending a four-year college or university drop out after their first year, and 71% of college dropouts said it was because of finances and their need to work.

“The research underscores that students need financial assistance, so they can complete college,” said Tara Shibuya, senior scholarship officer at HCF. “And it is through the support of so many of our donors that many of Hawai‘i’s students can succeed and finish school. We also hope that the generosity of our donors inspires the next generation to pay it forward and continue the cycle of giving.”

HCF distributes over 250 types of scholarships on behalf of individual givers, local businesses and corporate donors that students can access through one online application to be matched with multiple opportunities.

Kirah Jeddah Orian, who received the Alma White – Delta Chapter, Delta Kappa Gamma Scholarship, is obtaining a Master of Education in teaching degree at UH Manoa. “This scholarship is allowing me to become a teacher and make a difference in this world by educating and motivating young minds,” she said. “I appreciate being able to thank those who are supporting my generation, so that we can help the next one.”

The foundation also provides the First Generation Community Scholarship for students who are the first in their families to attend college. This scholarship fund receives gifts of all sizes through the HCF webpage HawaiiCommunityFoundation.org/Give.

Jhun Heinrich Domingo, a computer science major at the University of Hawai‘i, Mānoa, received the First Generation Community Scholarship. “The people who gave to support this scholarship are helping me pursue a career I’m passionate about. Because of them, I feel a sigh of relief when I look towards my future,” said Domingo. “I know I’ll be able to give back and help the community that has shaped me.”

HCF is the third largest private provider of scholarships in the state and has distributed nearly $60 million in scholarships over the past 15 years. For more information, please visit HCF’s website here.