With the changing economic landscape, HCF has seen an increase in the number of those in Hawaii seeking scholarships, including nontraditional students who are juggling families and jobs as they pursue their educational goals. We are witnessing a shift in the profile of today's college students as 75% of them are balancing school with work and parenting responsibilities. Exacerbating the situation, financial aid for college students is decreasing as the cost of education is mounting.

The Hawaii Community Foundation recognizes the growing challenge of supporting students who are motivated to attain their degrees and achieve their career goals. HCF's scholarship program consists of over 190 different scholarship funds established by generous individuals, businesses, organizations, and private foundations. All of them are dedicated to making sure that educational opportunities are available to Hawaii students who need and deserve them.

- See more at: http://www.hawaiicommunityfoundation.org/scholarships#sthash.F4QqILvf.dpuf

Each scholarship fund has specific eligibility criteria defined by the donor who created the fund. Scholarships are available in many categories, such as area of study, island of residency, high school attended, religious affiliation, and membership in a specific organization.

Each scholarship has specific eligibility criteria defined by the donor when the fund is established.

General criteria that apply to most scholarships include: Be a resident of the State of Hawaii

Demonstrate financial need

Attend an accredited two or four year college or university within the United States as either an undergraduate or graduate student

Be a full-time student as determined by your institution (generally,12 credits undergraduate; 9 credits graduate)

Maintain a minimum 2.0 GPA (unless otherwise stated) 

• freshman
• sophomore
• junior
• senior
• graduate

• Permanent Resident

In 2014, the Foundation distributed over $4.5 million to deserving students, making it the third largest private provider of post-secondary scholarships in the state. Many of the recipients are hoping to attend college or university, while some are pursuing career and technical education at a community college.

We support students through our scholarship program so that they are able to complete their college careers. To track this, we may request information from the National Student Clearinghouse (“NSC”) regarding the college completion rates of our scholarship applicants and recipients and will disclose to the NSC at least the student’s name and date of birth as part of our request.

- See more at: http://www.hawaiicommunityfoundation.org/scholarships#sthash.F4QqILvf.dpuf

Hawaii Community Foundation 1164 Bishop St., Suite 800 Honolulu, HI 96813

If you have questions, please email HCF Scholarships or call 808-566-5570 (or toll-free from neighbor islands: 1-888-731-3863). - See more at: http://www.hawaiicommunityfoundation.org/scholarships/how-to-apply-for-scholarships#sthash.IbLkycrs.dpuf

E-mail: scholarships@hcf-hawaii.org