HONOLULU (KHON2) -- This year, UH and the State of Hawaiʻi have allocated a record $5 million to Hawaiʻi Promise Scholarship. Enrolled college students who are Hawaiʻi residents are eligible for consideration. The funds will assist in covering educational expenses that are not covered by other forms of financial aid, including tuition, fees, books and school supplies.
“The Hawai‘i Promise scholarship has allowed me to work towards completing my degree at a part-time status so I can still work full-time without the burden of extra tuition and book costs,” said Kapiʻolani CC student Alena Fontaine.
Hawaiʻi Promise requires students to complete the free application for FAFSA -- that should be submitted by July 1 to register for the upcoming fall semester.
“We are committed to making higher education accessible for all,” said Erika Lacro, vice president for the UH Community Colleges. “The Hawai‘i Promise Scholarship is our promise to Hawai‘i residents that cost should not be a barrier to attend our seven amazing community college campuses. We hope this scholarship will open more doors to unlimited opportunities and empower individuals to achieve their academic and career goals.”
According to the American Association of Community Colleges, in 2023-24, the average tuition and fees for public two-year colleges was $3,990, comparatively higher than $3,200 for a UH Community College.
In 2023, 1,774 eligible students across seven UH Community Colleges were awarded $3.8 million in Hawai‘i Promise Scholarship funds. The average award per student was $2,142.
UH Maui College student Christina Faye said, “After losing my home along with my hometown in the Lahaina wildfire, the Hawai’i Promise Scholarship has helped me get back on my feet by supporting me financially and not having me worry too much about spending my whole paychecks on my tuition.”
Since Hawai‘i Promise Scholarship started in 2017, they have helped more than 8,600 UH students.
"The Hawai‘i Promise Scholarship was incredibly helpful for me in continuing my college education and transferring from Kapiolani CC to UH Mānoa,” said Michael Amado, a former Kapiʻolani CC student. “The scholarship not only helped with living expenses but also allowed me not to have to work as many hours so I could devote more time to my studies … the Hawaiʻi Promise Scholarship is a shining light for students who want a better future for themselves and their families."
For more information on eligibility and how to apply for the Hawai‘i Promise Scholarship, visit hawaii.edu/promise.