HONOLULU — August 10 is the deadline for registering for the Kulia Scholarship to enable students to reap the benefits for the 2020 Fall Semester.
There will be 500 scholarships available that enables the qualified applicant to one free class of up to three credits at any of the seven University of Hawai‘i community colleges, including Kaua‘i Community College. The scholarship also includes fees and the required books to a value of $500.
The Kulia Scholarship is offered to help prospective students whose employment has been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The scholarship will support individuals who are striving to develop new skills or earn a degree.
“The past few months have been like no other time in history, and we recognize the challenges that are facing our Hawai‘i residents,” said Erika Lacro, vice president for the UH community colleges. “As employment situations are changing, the Kulia Scholarship will help Hawai‘i residents choose education as they consider their options going forward. Additionally, financial aid such as the Hawai‘i Promise scholarship that supported nearly 1,400 students in the 2018-2019 school year, is always available to qualified students.”
The UH Community Colleges have also extended the deadline to apply for the fall semester to Aug. 10. Applications to any of the seven UH community colleges, including the Kaua‘i Community College that was ranked No. 6 in the “Top Ranked Universities in Hawai‘i” by Stateuniversity.com on June 30.
To be eligible for a Kulia Scholarship, the applicant must be a Hawai‘i resident, not have attended the University of Hawai‘i in the last two years, and be furloughed or laid off from their full time job due to COVID-19.
Priority will be given to those who are pursuing their first degree, or industry-recognized credential.
According to the University of Hawai‘i Economic Research Organization, Hawai‘i hit a record 22.3 percent unemployment in April, and estimates that the state’s total employment rate as well as its unemployment rate will not return to its pre-pandemic level until 2029.
This places Hawai‘i residents and families at risk and highlights the importance of social safety net programs, job re-training, and education programs.
A report done by UHERO in 2016 states an associate’s degree from a UH Community College provides opportunities for different kinds of employment, advancement, and more resiliency during tough times.
“On average, for each $1 a UH student invests in their associate’s degree, they receive $13.84 in increased lifetime earnings,” UHERO report states.
