Ho'omau Foundation Scholarship

Application Dates: February 1-April 16, 2026

Ho’omau Foundation is a non-profit to support Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islanders (NHPI) for success and development.

Ho’omau Foundation’s mission is to provide scholarships, mentorship, and networking opportunities to NHPI students who are active in the NHPI community and attending an accredited vocational school, 2 year or 4 year college anywhere in the United States. By combining the support for academic success and perpetuation of our culture, the foundation will help recipients succeed in their endeavors while maintaining and growing their cultural ties and identity.

The ideal recipient to receive a scholarship are NHPI who are active in the NHPI culture through teaching, language, dancing and/or engaged in the local community as a role model for youth. The ideal recipient will be committed to the community and network we are building and serve as a mentor or ambassador for future recipients.

Eligibility:

• Must be Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander descent as defined by the US Census

• Actively engaged in a Pacific Islander/Polynesian/Hawaiian club or class learning or teaching native language, dance, music, or outreach for a NHPI program (provide proof of paystub, invoice to your halau, attendance confirmation to program)

• Submit a 800 word entrance letter explaining your career goals, your current participation in the Pacific Islander community and your aspirations to continue to influence and lead

• Legally reside in the United States

• Must be a U.S. Citizen

• Must be enrolled full-time upon receipt of funding at an accredited vocational school, two-year or four-year university in the United States

• 2 Recommendation letters - 1 letter from your school counselor or advisor and 1 letter from a teacher (kumu hula, school teacher, Hawaiian education teacher); not a family member.

• Present academic records with a minimum 2.5 GPA

• Willing to promote Ho’omau Foundation’s mission through social sharing, speaking engagements, or any other forms that will expand our presence

• Must commit to monthly check ins with the Ambassador (Mentor)

• Must create a thank you video

• If selected, you will need to be available for an online or in-person interview in June 2026. We will contact you to schedule

• Share at least one social media video telling their story and highlighting their college experience, tagging the Hoʻomau Foundation

• Provide one photograph for posting on the Foundation’s website and for sharing with donors to announce awarded scholars

The Hoʻomau Foundation awards scholarships to deserving applicants based on cultural engagement, academic achievement, and demonstrated leadership in advancing NHPI culture and education. Finalists must be prepared to submit all required official documents by the specified deadline to remain eligible for the award. Failure to do so will result in disqualification.

As part of the selection process, finalists will be required to participate in a video or in-person interview with one or more representatives of the Hoʻomau Foundation. Applicants will be notified of their scholarship status by July 2026. Recipients will be requested to provide one picture to post on our website and send to donors informing them of the awarded scholars.

RETURNING RECIPIENTS: not required to submit recommendation letters again; please select upload myself and upload a PDF that states you're a returning recipient to bypass the requirement.

Scholarships range from $1,000-$2,500