Scholarship

The Basics

In 2026, we will be awarding two scholarships, worth $1,250 each. The minimum qualifications, selection criteria, and application requirements for each scholarship are detailed below.

The deadline to apply for both scholarships is Sunday, March 8, 2026.

Leadership Scholarship

2026 Jordan & Cara Odo Leadership Scholarship
for a young servant leader

Minimum Qualifications

Expecting to graduate from a Hawaii high school in May or June 2026
Expecting to attend a two- or four-year college or university in Fall 2026
Has at least a 2.5 GPA (out of 4.0)

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Criteria

Show intent to stay in (or return to) Hawaii
Extra-curricular activities (preferably activities that demonstrate leadership skills and interests)
Other factors related to and in furtherance of the goals of the Foundation

Application Requirements

Resume
Essay (300 words maximum) that answers the following questions:
1. What is an issue that you feel affects our island communities?
2. How are you addressing the issue now?
3. How do you plan to expand on that later while or upon earning your college degree?
Personal statement (500 words maximum)
NOTE: We will not accept any essays generated in whole or in part by artificial intelligence technology.

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Apply

Educator Scholarship

2026 Clara Onishi Educator Scholarship
for a future educator

Minimum Qualifications

Must meet residency requirement:
- Graduated from a Hawaii high school, or
- Currently attending a college in Hawaii
Must currently be attending college
Enrolled in a teacher education program (including early childhood education, K-12, and educational leadership) approved by Hawaii or another state for the 2026-2027 school year
Has at least a 2.5 GPA (out of 4.0)

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Criteria

Show intent to stay in (or return to) Hawaii
Extra-curricular activities
Other factors related to and in furtherance of the goals of the Foundation

Application Requirements

Resume
1-minute video introducing yourself, specifically discussing your journey to become an educator (upload or share)
Essay (300 words maximum) that answers the following questions:
- Who or what inspires you to be an educator?
- How do you think you can make an impact on our future generations as an educator in Hawaii?
Optional: one letter of recommendation (preferably from someone from your teacher education program)
NOTE: We will not accept any essays generated in whole or in part by artificial intelligence technology.