Student Scholarship

HACAC Student Scholarship 2026 Information

The Hawaiʻi Association for College Admission Counseling (HACAC) is pleased to offer fourteen (14) scholarships ranging from $500 – $1,000 to students planning to attend a regionally accredited community college, college or university. This one-time, non-renewable award is designed for applicants with demonstrated involvement and commitment to making a positive impact on their communities. There will be at least one student selected from each county in Hawaiʻi.

Applications open on March 9, 2026. All applications and supporting materials must be submitted by Monday, April 13, 2026 at 11: 59PM HST. Awardees will be notified by the end of May 2026.

Scholarship Eligibility Criteria: 

Current High School Students:

  • Current high school senior (or recent graduate) in Hawai’i planning to attend their first year at a regionally accredited institution in Fall 2026. International students and students with undocumented/DACA status who attend high school in Hawaiʻi are also eligible to apply.
  • Currently maintains a 3.00 cumulative, unweighted GPA or higher (on a 4.0 scale).
  • Demonstrate the need for financial assistance. 
  • Demonstrate a commitment to community improvement. 
  • Submit the application and supporting documents by April 13, 2026 at 11: 59PM HST.

Community College Students:

  • Currently enrolled full-time student at a community college located in Hawaiʻi and plans to attend a regionally accredited institution in the coming Fall. International students and students with undocumented/DACA status who attend a community college in Hawaiʻi are also eligible to apply.
  • Currently maintains a 3.00 cumulative, unweighted GPA or higher (on a 4.0 scale).
  • Demonstrate the need for financial assistance. 
  • Demonstrate a commitment to community improvement.
  • Submit the application and supporting documents by April 13, 2026 at 11: 59PM HST.

How to Apply:

  • Send the following items to the HACAC Student Scholarship Committee at [email protected] by April 13, 2026 at 11: 59PM HST.
    • Completed Scholarship Application
      • Tip: Compose Short Responses and Activity Descriptions on a separate document and copy/paste information into the application (see prompts below).
    • Copy of High School Transcript or Community College Transcript with grades through Fall 2025 (including first semester) – uploaded via Scholarship Application Google Form.
    • One letter of recommendation must be emailed directly to [email protected] by the recommendation writer by April 13, 2026 at 11: 59PM HST.
      • The letter of recommendation must include the student’s name and institution (high school or community college) they attend.
      • The letter should highlight the student’s engagement in the community and any impact they may have made to improve their school or local community.
      • Please note only one letter of recommendation will be accepted.

Application Rules:

  • Incomplete or late applications will not be considered. All application items must be received by April 13, 2026 at 11: 59PM HST.
  • Applicants authorize the release of all information relative to this application process, including high school transcripts/grade reports, forms, and letter of recommendation.
  • Once enrolled in the accredited institution of their choice, the scholarship recipient must forward a copy of the acceptance letter and Verification of Enrollment form to the HACAC Student Scholarship Committee. 
  • Scholarship Awards will not be processed without these documents.
  • Scholarship Awards will be disbursed in the Fall (September) of the student’s academic year. 
  • Decisions of the HACAC Student Scholarship Committee are final.

If you have any questions, please contact HACAC’s Student Scholarship Committee at [email protected]. 

CLICK HERE FOR HACAC SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION 2026

Short Responses (250-300 word limit each)

  1. “Lawe i ka ma‘alea a kū‘ono‘ono.” Take wisdom and make it deep.
    Mary Kawena Pukui, ʻŌlelo Noʻeau No. 1957

    Tell us about an aspect of your life so far or your lived experience (background, identity, living in Hawai‘i, etc.) that has guided you in understanding the meaning of this ʻŌlelo Noʻeau. In what ways have you and will you put these words into practice? (350 word limit)
  1. Please share personal, financial, or other applicable circumstances that may have impacted your education. Examples could include changes in family and income/personal circumstances; eligibility for or receiving financial aid to attend school, free/reduced lunch, and/or fee waiver(s) (ex: College Board, ACT, NACAC, etc.).

Activities (150 word limit each)

Please select up to FIVE of your curricular and/or extracurricular activities that have had an impact on your community.

  • Provide the name of activity and a brief description of your role
  • Describe your actions/accomplishments & its impact on your community
  • 150 word limit per activity
Scroll to Top