Hawaiʻi Promise, financial lifeline for UH students, a success

Hawai'i Promise recipient Lindsey Millerd

Hawaiʻi Promise recipient Shane Shimabukuro

Hawaiʻi Promise recipient Miranda Schreier

Link to video of UH’s 10 campuses: https://spaces.hightail.com/receive/lK9Kpu2BfQ

“This scholarship has been helping continue my education goals without the burden of student loans. I’ve recently had a baby and lost my hometown due to wildfires, but not having to worry about paying for school has been uplifting.” - Hawaiʻi Promise scholarship recipient

One of many powerful testimonies that are part of the 2023 annual report to the Hawaii State Legislature on the University of Hawaiʻi Hawai‘i Promise Scholarship Program. The report documents the significant, positive impact the program is having on UH Community College students with proven financial need. Hawaiʻi Promise is only for students who qualified for federal financial aid after completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). 

The report found that Hawaiʻi Promise recipients earn more credits (reducing time to degree and increasing likelihood of degree completion), have higher passing rates (3.0 grade point average or better) and are more likely to stay enrolled (69% vs. 65%) compared to non-Hawaiʻi Promise UH students.

Eighty-four percent of the scholarship recipients would have been unable to enroll if not for Hawaiʻi Promise, and 60% are Native Hawaiians, Filipinos or from other ethnic groups underrepresented in higher education. Students do not apply for the scholarships, which are awarded as part of their financial aid package after all other means of aid are exhausted.

UH is asking the 2024 state legislature to add $19 million a year to its budget to expand the program to UH Mānoa, UH Hilo and UH West Oʻahu. According to the annual report, almost $3.8 million was awarded to 1,774 eligible students across the seven UH Community Colleges in fiscal year 2023. The average award per student was $2,142, covering direct education costs such as tuition, books and fees. Since its inception in 2017, Hawaiʻi Promise has served 8,643 UH students.

More testimonials from Hawaiʻi Promise students:

“We are a family of 5 with one income. Everyone knows that Hawaii is one of the most expensive states to live in. The Hawaii Promise Scholarship helped cover all my expenses for my AST degree. Thank you so much for helping mama’s like me who put college on hold to raise their family, go back and get a degree. God bless you folks!”- Hawaiʻi Promise scholarship recipient

“Being an older student and starting the path to my dream endeavor, was ONLY made possible by the Hawai'i Promise Scholarship. Had I known I could have qualified or have this kind of financial support toward my dream, I most certainly would have entered college sooner.” -Hawaiʻi Promise scholarship recipient

“For a single parent who has put a halt in pursuing my college education because I needed to prioritize providing for my family and due to lack of financial resources. Hawai'i Promise Scholarship made my long time dream come true by helping me pursue my first college degree.” -Hawaiʻi Promise scholarship recipient

Youtube link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=niJurI9_7sw
Related story: https://www.hawaii.edu/news/2023/03/20/hawaii-promise-expansion/

For more information, visit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=niJurI9_7sw&ab_channel=UniversityofHawai%E2