KS Introduces Poʻo Kula Scholarship to Senior Class

Haumāna are encouraged to refer to the E Ola! Graduate rays when answering the scholarship's essay question.

Haumāna are encouraged to refer to the E Ola! Graduate rays when answering the scholarship’s essay question.

As scholarship deadlines approach, KS seniors are encouraged to consider adding another scholarship to their to-do list. 

The Poʻo Kula Scholarship, which was first mentioned by Dr. Taran Chun during Senior Dinners, is a scholarship funded by KS trustees to aid select seniors in their post-secondary plans. Through this scholarship, Chun has said that he hopes many seniors can  “make [their] post-secondary dreams a reality.” 

To apply, seniors must meet the criteria announced in an email from the Office of the Poʻo Kula on November 7. Seniors are eligible to apply if they meet the required 3.500 unweighted GPA. Unweighted GPAs do not take into consideration the higher GPA scale of honors and AP classes, so haumāna are recommended to contact their counselors for any questions regarding their unweighted GPA.

Additionally, potential candidates are required to answer an essay question on their application, which reads as follows: “Which E Ola! Graduate “ray” or attribute do you most embody? Provide a specific example of why it is a strength and describe how it will help you to hoʻōla lāhui.”

Recipients of the scholarship will receive a minimum of $10,000 for their college education, while the maximum amount is set at $25,000 per year for up to four years. While the scholarship does aim to reward academic achievement, it is noted that the Poʻo Kula Scholarship award amount “will be determined based on financial need”, according to the email haumāna received.

Scholarship applications for the Poʻo Kula Scholarship are due January 20 along with all Kaʻi Lanakila required documents. Awardees will be notified in March 2023 if they have been selected for the scholarship.