Maui Students Gifted Grants to Offset Expenses During Pandemic

Maui High School. Photo by Wendy Osher.

College-bound seniors graduating this year from Maui High School and King Kekaulike High School who have completed their respective school’s AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) program will each receive a one-time, $2,500 grant, to help with college expenses.

The “AVID 2020 College Bound Grant” program offers grants totaling $175,000, made possible by the Charles & Mitch Ota Foundation, a Maui-based non-profit organization.

“During this time of uncertainty and economic instability for so many, we want to support these students as they pursue a college education” said James H. Seki, Chair and President of the Ota Foundation.

“They have worked hard to successfully complete their school’s rigorous AVID program and are prepared for education at the next level. We want them to persevere as they realize their dreams of attending college.”

To qualify for the program, students must be graduating seniors at Maui High School or King Kekaulike High School who completed the AVID program, and they must attend college in the fall of 2020.

The grants can be used for tuition, fees, books, room and board, transportation and other needs that contribute to their ability to attend college.

Charles & Mitch Ota Foundation is also working with the Hawaii Community Foundation to establish merit- based scholarships for Maui’s AVID students.

The inaugural class of Charles & Mitch Ota Foundation scholarship recipients will be announced in the coming months.