Area of Interest A
Education
Supporting individuals from Lānaʻi — current residents and diaspora — pursuing postsecondary education and health-related vocational credentials.
Purpose
Education is the Foundation’s primary investment in long-term mobility. Unlike many scholarship programs that fund only the first year, OHPF supports students across their full educational journey — because students from small, remote communities face compounding challenges that don’t end after freshman year.
What this covers
- Bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees at accredited institutions outside Hawaiʻi
- Health-related vocational, trade, and certification programs
- Tuition, travel, and transition costs
- Multi-year support through graduation
Who should consider applying
Is this right for you?
Who this is | Description |
|---|---|
The Departing Student | A Lānaʻi high school senior or recent graduate — or the child of diaspora — preparing to leave for college outside Hawaiʻi. |
The Continuing Student | A Lānaʻi-connected student already enrolled who needs sustained support to persist through graduation. |
The Healthcare Aspirant | A current resident or diaspora member pursuing a health-related credential — CNA, medical assistant, EMT, behavioral health aide. |
The Graduate Student | A Lānaʻi-connected individual pursuing a master’s or doctoral degree. |
The Mid-Career Changer | An adult transitioning into a health-related field who needs support for prerequisite coursework or certification. |
Example Scenarios
What support looks like
- A Lānaʻi high school graduate receives multi-year scholarship support to attend university in California — with funding that continues through graduation, not just the first semester.
- The daughter of Lānaʻi diaspora parents applies for support to pursue a nursing degree, honoring her family's connection to the island.
- A home health aide on Lānaʻi applies for funding to complete a CNA program on Maui, including tuition, inter-island travel, and housing during clinical rotations.
Scope & Boundaries
What this area does not cover
These are boundary markers — not barriers. They ensure each area of interest serves its intended purpose effectively, and that applicants are directed to the right resource.
Not covered under this area
- K–12 tuition, school fees, or primary/secondary education expenses
- Postsecondary programs at institutions within Hawaiʻi (sub-area A1 only; health-related vocational programs under A2 have no geographic restriction)
- Continuing education units (CEUs) for professional licensure renewal where the employer typically covers this cost
- Educational expenses for individuals with no demonstrated connection to Lānaʻi
- Student loan repayment for previously completed degrees
- Study abroad programs not part of a degree or credential requirement
- Non-health-related vocational or trade programs under A2 (may be considered under Board Discretion)
Ready to apply?
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. Support is available year-round.