The University of Hawaiʻi Maui College began recruiting for the 2025 cohort of the Maui Strong Fellowship Program, offering students and Maui residents the opportunity to contribute to the island’s long-term care and post-fire recovery. The program provides awards of up to $10,000 per year for participants engaged in critical project activities.
The program is funded by the Maui Strong Fund of the Hawaiʻi Community Foundation (HCF). This marks the second year of the three-year grant, building on the success of the 2024 cohort. UH Maui College is eager to welcome the 2025 fellows and continue developing workforce-ready professionals dedicated to Maui’s future.
“Immediately following the wildfires of August 2023, our college committed to being part of the revitalization of our Island in both the short and long term,” said UH Maui College Chancellor Lui Hokoana. “Partnering with the HCF Maui Strong Fund on these important initiatives is both an honor and a fulfillment of the promise we made to be of service.”
Sustainability, water safety
This year, fellows can contribute to projects within two impactful UH Maui College programs: The Hulihia Center for Sustainable Systems and the Water Quality Laboratory. (All 2025 fellowship spots for a third program, Puʻuhonua Kauluwehi, have been filled.) The Maui Strong Fellowship encourages applicants to design projects that align with their personal interests and career goals while addressing Maui’s recovery needs.
“As we look at Maui’s resiliency and the State’s ability to recover from disasters, we know that programs like this are making a stronger and more resilient Hawaiʻi,” said Kēhau Meyer, HCF senior program officer. “We are grateful for the opportunity to partner with UH Maui College, who work so deeply for and with the community.”
Fellowship activities may include research and development of sustainable solutions, collaboration with community partners to address environmental and social challenges, and projects rooted in Native Hawaiian values and practices to support community wellbeing.
Applications are now open to UH Maui College students and Maui residents. Selected fellows will complete their projects by November 30, 2025. UH Maui College encourages individuals with creative insights, a passion for community impact, and diverse perspectives to apply. The first application deadline is February 10.
Application information
- Hulihia Center for Sustainable Systems: 2025 Hulihia Maui Strong Fellowship Application, Contact: hulihia@hawaii.edu
- Water Quality Laboratory: 2025 Water Quality Laboratory Maui Strong Fellowship Application, Contact: chenkel@hawaii.edu