Maui Native Hawaiian Scholarship Program Gets $430,000 OHA Grant

Malia Davidson (left) assists program participants in televised election coverage. The project is one of the many ways Native Hawaiian students at UHMC explore and participate in civic and community affairs. File photo by Wendy Osher.

By Wendy Osher

The Liko A’e Native Hawaiian Scholarship Program at the University of Hawai’i Maui College is the recipient of a $430,000 grant issued by the Office of Hawaiian Affairs.

The award will provide Hawaiian students pursuing higher education degrees financial aid for the upcoming 2012-13 academic year.  Scholarship awards are issued in amounts of between $2,000 and $5,000 per year for full-time students.

“Liko A’e has a long and successful track record of assisting higher education students with financial aid, and wrap around services that include counseling, community service, and cultural activities,” said Liko A’e Program Director, Malia Davidson in a statement.

“We have a great opportunity before us to continue this program and to be aligned with one of OHA’s strategic goals to increase the number of Native Hawaiians graduating from college,” she said.

Davidson called the scholarship program and grant funding a win-win partnership.  “With OHA’s ongoing support we continue doing what we are passionate about; to help our students navigate their way through the many facets of academia and see them through to graduation,” she said.

The focus of the grant is on non-traditional students attending accredited universities and colleges nationwide, and identified vocational schools in Hawai’i.

Eligible students can begin applying online for the Liko A’e scholarship beginning March 26. The deadline to apply is May 1.

Applications can be found online at www.likoae.org. It is suggested that students check the site for application requirements prior to submitting their information for consideration.  Additional information is also available by calling (808) 984-3630.