Niuhelewai Scholars

The Niuhelewai Scholars Project is part of the UHCC system-wide 13th Year Initiative and is modeled after Kauaʻi Community College’s Waiʻaleʻale Project. Each campus’ program is funded by a generous donor. Kamehameha Schools funded Honolulu Community College’s pilot year of the project in 2018-2019 and then from 2019-2023 the project was funded by the Mamoru and Aiko Takitani Foundation, Inc., a non-profit, charitable organization dedicated to helping Hawaiʻi’s students achieve their educational and career goals. Beginning in Fall 2023, Honolulu Community College is grateful to receive support from a Kamehameha Schools Kaiāulu Grant.

Niuhelewai Scholars provides Honolulu residents with an opportunity to try college for free. Niuhelewai is the name of the ʻili upon which Honolulu Community College sits and was also the name of a stream that once flowed through the campus area. The name literally translated means “coconut moving waters” and refers to the coconuts that would all from trees that used to line Niuhelewai Stream and travel downstream. We believe this name provides an apt metaphor for the journey that participating students will embark upon while attending school. The program provides scholarships and academic support to participants to attain certificates and associate’s degrees at Honolulu Community College or just to try taking a few college courses!

Services Offered

The program currently offers the following to students accepted into the program:

• Financial support to cover 100% of tuition, books, and fees during the first year.
• Academic, career, and financial aid guidance
• First Year Experience program to support learners during their initial year at the college.
• Upon successful completion of the first year, additional support for tuition, books, and fees up to an Associates Degree!

Niuhelewai Scholars Eligibility

Eligibility for the program is limited to Honolulu residents who:

• Have not attended college or stopped out (withdrew from college) more than five years prior to applying,
• Are interested in attending Honolulu Community College,
• Have demonstrated financial need that creates a barrier to entering college, and
• Will not be able to attend college without the Niuhelewai Scholars scholarship.

** Preference is given to applicants of Native Hawaiian ancestry.

In addition, please note that:

• Students accepted into the program must be a state resident as determined by the UH common application.
• Students who do not have a high school diploma or GED may not be eligible for services.
• This scholarship is not transferable to other campuses and may not be used to pay for non-credit courses.

How to Apply for Niuhelewai Scholars

Interested applicants must fill out the Niuhelewai Scholars online application form.

Applications for Fall 2024 are now open but spots are limited. The priority deadline is May 1, 2024.