UH Foundation
offers scholarships
A record 900 private scholarships
By Pat Omandam
are available this year for students
in the university systemStar-Bulletin
Freshman biology major Caron Ikeda knows students like herself who applied for scholarships handled by the University of Hawaii Foundation. But the 18-year-old knows many more classmates who haven't.
The difference, says the Big Island resident, could mean having money left for graduate school or having to find a job first.
"I'm looking at medical school in the future, so as much money as you can save as possible helps," Ikeda said.
The UH Foundation, the private fund-raising arm of the university, has a record 900 private scholarships available in 1999 for students attending the 10-campus public university system, said Helena Sena, the foundation's development associate for scholarships and stewardship.
Sena said the foundation in 1996 had 640 private scholarships, but it has seen that total steadily rise.
She attributes the increase to concerned alumni, friends and supporters who understand the economic situation of the state and the university, and want to help today's students.
"People are more aware of the need for support on the part of the university," said Sena, who said the goal now is 1,000 scholarships in the year 2000.
While Pell Grants and other federal aid are good programs, Sena said often they don't cover all the needs of a student.
Also, private scholarships help keep students in school without the lingering financial burden of a student loan, she said.
The foundation sets up endowments for donors who want to establish a scholarship or fellowship, usually naming it after a person, family or company. Scholarships usually pay for a year's worth of tuition, books, fees and equipment, while fellowships -- often awarded to graduate students -- also cover housing and travel expenses.
Donors specify what criteria is needed to qualify for the awards.
"A fellowship is given in a lump sum, and it is divided up, say into nine months for the students. So the students comes and picks up their check every month," Sena said.
The foundation distributes information on scholarships to UH departments and campuses in December and January.
In turn, these offices notify students about the awards.
High school counselors are also alerted and help incoming freshmen apply for scholarships, as was the case with Ikeda at Konawaena High School on the Big Island.
Ikeda said she initially applied for the Board of Regents scholarship, but was selected only as an alternate.
She then sought and received an award from the Wal-mart Competitive Edge Scholarship Program, which pays $5,000 a year for four years of undergraduate work.
While it took some time to complete the lengthy scholarship application -- most ask for detailed financial and academic information, as well as an essay -- Ikeda believes it was time well spent.
"My mom says that what I have to do is consider the amount of time you have to put into it, and say for all the money you're getting the time is not that much," Ikeda explained.
"It's not like getting a job where you have to work so many hours. You're making a lot of money for a little amount of time that you put into it," she said.
Here are some tips for applying for scholarships offered by the University of Hawaii Foundation for students attending the UH system: Tips in applying for scholarships
December and January are the best time to inquire about scholarships.
