Financial aid workshops kick off for Native Hawaiians

Millions in college scholarships available

University of Hawaiʻi
Contact:
Jodi Leong, (808) 492-0597
Dir of Communications, External Affairs and University Relations
Posted: Nov 18, 2014

Link to video and soundbites: http://bit.ly/1uBhT8J 

The University of Hawai’i is reaching out to Native Hawaiians across the state who are interested in going to college and applying for millions of dollars in college scholarships.

The university is hosting a series of free AHA Financial Aid workshops across the state for Native Hawaiians interested in attending college, learning about scholarship opportunities and how to apply for financial aid.

The effort is part of a statewide initiative to bring Native Hawaiian scholarship opportunities to underserved communities across the state, and the university’s mission to create opportunities and transform the lives of students, their families and communities through higher education.

“It’s a coming together of scholarship agencies and organizations who believe in the value of college for every person in Hawai’i,” said Judy Oliveira, Interim Vice Chancellor of Student Affairs.

"We've committed to increase the participation and success of Native Hawaiian students across the entire University of Hawai'i System.  One of the keys to access and success is affordability.  So we're very grateful to our many partners for the availability of these scholarships and for helping us spread the good work throughout the state," said UH President David Lassner.  

The Native Hawaiian Scholarship AHA has assisted countless Native Hawaiian students apply for financial aid that has changed their lives.

“Coming out of high school I was unaware of how I would pay for college because at the time my parents were unable to put me through college so I took it upon myself to find other means necessary in order for me to prolong my education to provide a better future for me as well as my family.   I’m grateful and fortunate to not have paid anything since my Freshman year in college,” said Justin Pagan, UH Mānoa undergraduate student.

The free financial aid presentations and workshops are open to high school and college students, parents, teachers, counselors or anyone interested in learning about the wide range of resources and financial aid available to Native Hawaiian students.  The workshop will include a brief tutorial on how to fill out financial aid applications and strategies on earning scholarship money.

Free Financial Aid Workshops

O’AHU:

Honolulu                 McKinley High Gym                        Dec. 2, 2014  6pm

Kane’ohe                 Windward Community College

                                    Hale ‘Akokoa 101                     Dec. 3, 2014  6pm

Honolulu                 McKinley High Auditorium               Jan. 13, 2015  6pm

Waianae                 Waianae High School Cafeteria       Jan. 14, 2015  6pm                     

 

HAWAI'I ISLAND:

Waimea                Hawaiian Homestead Hall                 Nov. 18, 2014  6pm

Kona                    Kealakehe High School Cafeteria      Nov. 19, 2014  6pm

Hilo                      U of Hawaiʻi Hilo Theatre                   Nov. 20, 2014  6pm

                                                  

MAUI COUNTY:

Kahului              UH Maui College Student Lounge        Dec. 11, 2014  6pm

Lana'i                 Lana'i High School Cafeteria               Jan. 27, 2015  6pm

Moloka'i             Kulana 'Oiwi                                       Jan. 28, 2015  6pm

Hana                 Hana High School Cafeteria                 Jan. 29, 2015  6pm

 

KAUA'I:

Lihu'e                 Kaua'i Community College Cafeteria    Dec. 2, 2014  5:30 pm

 

For more information on the AHA Financial Aid Workshops schedule go to:

hawaii.edu/aha 

 

SOUNDBITES:

Justin Pagan/UH Mānoa undergraduate student in Hawaiian Studies:

Coming out of high school I was unaware of how I would pay for college because at the time my parents were unable to put me through college so I took it upon myself to find other means necessary in order for me to prolong my education to provide a better future for me as well as my family.  (:16)

That's the biggest thing.  If people don't come to college I feel, it's because they don't have the money or the means to do it. The Scholarship AHA makes sure, they do the best of their ability to make sure that students like us can attend college.  (:12)

Don't let the fear of money be the reason why we don't go to college because in fact there is opportunity for everyone. (:07)

 

David Lassner/UH President:

We've committed to increase the participation and success of Native Hawaiian students across the entire University of Hawaiʻi System.  One of the keys to access and success is affordability.  So we're very grateful to our many partners for the availability of these scholarships and for helping us spread the good work throughout the state.  

 

Judy Oliveira/Windward Community College Interim Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs:

Many students don't realize that there are willing organizations, Native Hawaiian agencies as well as private donors that are wanting to see students go to college and stay in college and graduate from college with a degree. (:15)

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