Construction Industry of Maui is accepting applications for the Bob Poulson Scholarship

The Construction Industry of Maui (CIM) is now accepting applications from graduating Maui high school students, for its annual Bob Poulson CIM Scholarships. Selected students will receive scholarship money to pursue a degree in architecture, engineering, construction, landscaping or other applicable programs – then bring the knowledge and skills they’ve acquired back to Maui to serve their communities.  

To qualify, scholarship applications must reside and be a graduate from a high school in Maui County. Candidates must already be enrolled and entering a 2- or 4-year degree in an applicable construction or design field. Applicants are asked to submit a compelling essay limited to 1,500 words that depicts their planned course of study, career ambitions and why they should be awarded this opportunity. Visit cimmaui.com for the scholarship application. Transcripts, referral letters, achievements and college acceptance letters may also be included. The deadline for the essay and application is May 2.

Three $25,000 scholarships will be awarded. The scholarship awardees will be selected by the CIM Advisory Board and notified prior to the scholarship banquet, scheduled for May 21 at Cafe ‘O Lei, Maui Tropical Plantation. To date, the Construction Industry of Maui has awarded $277,500 in scholarships benefiting 12 Maui students who have or plan to return to the island.

Bob Poulson was a steward in the Maui community and a construction industry veteran. One of the original leaders of the Construction Industry of Maui organization, he also co-founded Arita Poulson General Contracting in 1986, when Maui was growing and changing. He was involved with the building and remodeling of more than a thousand projects statewide including schools, hotels, healthcare facilities, churches, community centers and other significant retail and commercial projects on Maui. Poulson is remembered as a leader who enjoyed working alongside his employees and teaching young people from diverse backgrounds about the construction industry.

Last year’s recipients:

Carla Mae Agrade, a Lahainaluna High School student, plans to attend the University of Hawaii at Manoa’s College of Engineering, majoring in Mechanical Engineering. She also was accepted at the University of California, Irvine. Carla stands out for her academic excellence and technical prowess, and to date has consistently achieved top marks in her classes. Her skills include writing technical papers, using power tools and manual machinery, programming and manufacturing with CNC (Computer Numerical Control) machinery, prototyping with laser cutters, wiring, soldering, and building and testing circuitry. 

Beyond her academic achievements, Carla is a natural leader. An active member of the student council and various school organizations, she is recognized by peers and teachers alike for her ability, attitude, and genuine care for others. Despite the challenges faced by her community, including the devastating Lahaina fires, Carla demonstrated remarkable resilience and a positive outlook. With her strong academic background, technical skills, and leadership qualities, Carla is poised to make significant contributions to her future academic community and beyond.

John Kaahui, a Seabury Hall student, earned acceptance into the School of Engineering at Santa Clara University, Pomona College and the Frank R. Seaver College of Science and Engineering at Loyola Marymount University. He plans to attend Pomona because of its outstanding program. 

John is majoring in Mechanical Engineering with a 3-2 program through Pomona, partnering with Dartmouth College and will receive two degrees, one from Pomona and one from Dartmouth in Mechanical Engineering. John’s academic journey is marked by a strong commitment to engineering and a deep passion for learning. John’s achievements and extracurricular involvement speak volumes about his capabilities. 

In addition to his academic pursuits, John is actively engaged in various extracurricular activities such as air riflery, paddling, tennis, taekwondo, and an array of community service projects. He is recognized by his instructors and peers as a well-rounded individual who has not only excelled in academics but also made significant contributions to his community.

John’s personal story is one of resilience and dedication. Growing up in the small village of Olowalu, with deep family roots, he has faced and overcome numerous challenges. His teachers and mentors commend him for his ability to navigate obstacles with a positive and determined attitude. John is highly regarded by his peers and instructors for his collaborative spirit and leadership qualities. He is known for his ability to work well with others and his genuine care for those around him. With his solid academic foundation, practical skills, and leadership qualities, John is set to make meaningful contributions to his future academic community and the field of engineering.

Emi Sado, a Maui High School student, was accepted into two prestigious engineering programs:  Wentworth Institute of Technology and California Polytechnic. She plans to attend Cal Poly. Emi consistently demonstrates academic excellence, maintaining a perfect GPA of 4.0.

Her academic achievements are complemented by her involvement in various technical and engineering-related extracurricular activities such as an architecture club and SkillsUSA, a statewide and national competition, where she has developed a wide range of skills. In her early middle and high school years, she participated in STEM and robotics programs. Emi’s teachers and mentors have praised her for her dedication, technical abilities, and leadership qualities.

Additionally, her outstanding performance in both academic and technical subjects demonstrates her commitment to her studies and her passion for engineering. Given the wildfires that ravaged Maui last year, Emi has shown remarkable resilience and maintained a positive outlook, continuing to excel academically and contribute to her school community. With her strong academic foundation, technical skills, and leadership qualities, Emi is well-positioned to make significant contributions to her future academic community and the field of engineering.