Rise to the next level of you

The number of scholarships and the scholarship amount may vary according to availability of funds. For 2025 we offer two types of scholarships:

• The RISE Project - Next Level of You Scholarship - two awarded annually in the amount of $1,000 each for any woman on the Island of Hawaiʻi pursuing vocational training, professional certification or college degrees

The Distance Learning Scholarship - one awarded annually in the amount of $1,000 pursuing bachelorʻs degrees through the University of Hawai'i - Hawaiʻi Community College - Pālamanui.

All applications must be submitted online by APRIL 15, 2025

The ideal candidate for the "Next Level of You Scholarship" is a women who resides on Hawai’i island and is pursuing higher education or professional training and who has overcome hardship. “Resilience” is part of our name - we are constantly inspired by women who continue to pursue their goals and strive to reach higher, even in the midst and aftermath of difficult life experiences. The requirements are as follows:

• Resident of Hawai’i island
• 25 years of age or older
• Proof of enrollment in any academic or professional program (professional certifications such as aesthetician school, massage, CNA, phlebotomy are all eligible). 
• A two page (500-1000 word) personal statement to include: a general description of life circumstances that explain why higher education was not completed directly out of high school; why you have decided to pursue a degree at this time in your life; your professional goals and aspirations.
• One or more letter of recommendation from someone who can speak to your ability, aptitude, and/or character (not including family or friends).
• Demonstration of financial need - if you have completed a FAFSA, your Student Aid Report or alternatively a brief statement of financial need will also be accepted.

The Distance Learning Scholarship is designed for students pursuing a Bachelor’s degree through the Online/hybrid delivery at the University of Hawai’i - Hawai’i Community College at Palamanui. The scholarship is to be used exclusively for tuition costs (awards will be applied directly to tuition) and is designed to assist reentry students ideally between the ages of 25-50 pursuing their first Baccalaureate degree through Online/Hybrid program at the University Center West Hawai’i. This scholarship is not intended for students who are seeking a graduate degree or an additional baccalaureate degree. Funds shall not be used for books, lab fees, child care services, or transportation costs.

Requirements are as follows:

• Women 25 years of age or older
• West Hawai’i resident
• Have experienced a cumulative gap in education for three to five years or more, resuming studies to complete first undergraduate baccalaureate degree
• Works a full-time job
  • Submit two recent pay stubs or submit letter verifying employment from HR
• Enrolled full-time or part-time (6-12 credits) in an online/hybrid baccalaureate program at the University Center West Hawai’i
• A two page (500-1000 word) personal statement to include: a general description of life circumstances that explain why higher education was not completed directly out of high school; why you have decided to pursue a degree at this time in your life; your professional goals and aspirations.
• One or more letter of recommendation from someone who can speak to your ability, aptitude, and/or character (not including family or friends).
• Demonstration of financial need - if you have completed a FAFSA, your Student Aid Report or alternatively a brief statement of financial need will also be accepted.