Find External Funding Sources

Below are strategies to find funding sources outside the UH system and separate from the FAFSA application process.

The best time to begin searching and applying for external funding sources is around October to December of the prior school year. Some scholarships are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis, so be sure to apply early.

Strategy 1: Apply for funding specifically for Early Childhood Educators

Click below for a list of scholarships specifically targeting Early Childhood Educators and ECE students from non-UH sources. Scroll down to the “External (non-UH) Sources” to see the list.

In particular, be sure to check out these external funding sources for ECE students.

Executive Office on Early Learning - State of Hawaii

Next Deadline:
December 1, 2023


Strategy 2: Search other external funders using other criteria

In addition to searching external sources of funding for ECE-related scholarships, you may also qualify for scholarships that are specific to your demographics. Use the key words that fit your life circumstances and background (see Strategy 3).

Below are some possible external funders to consider. NOTE: every funder will have open and close dates for applications around the same time every year. Even if you missed the deadline for this year, you can still try to apply next year.


These UH campus websites also provide some helpful lists of external funders to consider.


Strategy 3: Use keyword searches to find scholarships relevant to you

Save yourself and funders time and energy by only applying to scholarships that you meet the criteria. Applying to anything and everything even if it doesn’t apply to you doesn’t equate increasing your chances to receive scholarships. Here are some suggested keywords and/or types of keywords to use for ECE students.

Your Field of StudyYour DemographicsWhere You Come From
“early childhood education”*
“preschool”
“infant/toddler”
“special needs”
ethnicity (e.g., “Chinese,” “Filipino,” “Japanese,” “Marshallese,” “Native Hawaiian” or however you identify)
religious affiliation (e.g., “Bahai,” “Buddhist,” “Christian,” “Muslim”) 
life situation (e.g., “single parent,” “first generation college student,” “immigrant,” “veteran,” etc.)
where you live (by island, district, zip code and/or state)
what school(s) you attended (some scholarships are awarded to alumnae of certain local schools)

Strategy 4: Keep track of which applications you must complete before applying

For external funders that manage many different scholarships, like Hawaiʻi Community Foundation or Pauahi Foundation, you may consider doing a comprehensive search first of all the different scholarships that you meet the criteria. Keep track of those scholarships in one of your personal files so when you are ready to write required application essay(s), you can address those criteria at one time without having to go back and search for the various scholarships. Feel free to use this Sample Funding Tracking Sheet.


Tips for Successful Scholarship Applications

To maximize your chances of receiving as many funding sources as possible, follow the tips at the link below.