Mālama Kai Foundation launches new scholarship for Hawaiʻi students pursuing ocean-related careers

The Mālama Kai Foundation has announced a new scholarship program to support Hawaiʻi high school graduates studying marine conservation and ocean-related STEM fields.

The George A. Wilkins Scholarship Program honors the legacy of the late Navy scientist and marine conservationist, whose work helped shape Hawaiʻi’s marine research and policy.

In 2025, the foundation will award five $4,000 scholarships to students who demonstrate passion, purpose and potential in fields that protect and restore ocean ecosystems.

“George Wilkins’ work continues to influence marine conservation efforts throughout the islands,” the nonprofit stated in an announcement. “This scholarship is a way to empower the next generation of ocean leaders while honoring his visionary legacy.”

Applications opened on April 21, and have a deadline of May 30. Recipients will be announced July 15, and scholarship funds will be distributed on Aug. 15.

Wilkins, who passed away in 2019 at the age of 87, played a key role in developing Hawaiʻi’s day-use mooring buoy system to reduce anchor damage to coral reefs. He co-founded the Mālama Kai Foundation, served as a senior scientist at the University of Hawaiʻi’s Institute of Geophysics and chaired the UH Sea Grant Research Advisory Council.

More information about the scholarship and application process is available at www.malamakaifoundation.org/scholarships.