Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

  • For UH Mānoa -- Applications are processed through the Online STAR Scholarship system. For technical problems contact the STAR team. If you have continuing problems accessing the UH Manoa Osher & Crankstart scholarships via STAR, please email us at: uhmosher@hawaii.edu with your name and phone. Please do not wait until deadline due dates.
  • Five Year Gap in Education:
    The five year gap may occur either:
    Between High School graduation and college enrollment (delayed enrollment), or
    After initial college enrollment (stopped out).
  • Cumulative Five Year Gaps: The 5-year gap in education may be cumulative; it is not required to be 5 consecutive years. However, applicants with cumulative gaps will need to address in their personal statement the nature of all the gaps in education and indicate how they intend to complete their education with their most recent return to college.
  • Awards: Osher & Crankstart Reentry Scholarships are applied to tuition only and will be paid over two semesters (Fall and Spring).  Award amounts vary but maximum award is $5,000. Crankstart and Osher Reentry Scholarship awards will not exceed $5,000, if combined.
  • Community College Transfer Students: Are eligible and encouraged to apply.
  • Part-time Students: Both full-time (12+ credits) and part-time students (6 credits) are eligible.    Awards are proportional to credit hours.
  • Hawaiʻi State Residency:  International students are not eligible.  Permanent Residents of the U.S. are eligible.  Hawaii State residents are given priority.
  • Online Courses:  Students enrolled exclusively in online courses are not eligible. For Osher Reentry Scholarships, online courses must constitute less than 50% of the student’s semester course load at UH Manoa. For Crankstart Reentry Scholarships, enrollment cannot be "exclusively" online.
  • Classified UH Mānoa Student: Only classified, degree-seeking UH Mānoa students are eligible.  This means that the student has applied to and been accepted at UH Mānoa. New students are encouraged to apply to Osher & Crankstart Reentry Scholarships early but Financial Aid awards are made after enrollment. STAR Online Scholarship Portal is typically available in November.
  • Outreach College Classes: Classified UH Mānoa students enrolled in Outreach College classes are eligible.  Please note the restriction regarding online courses.
  • Recommendation Letters: Applicants through STAR Online Scholarships will indicate the name & email of the person submitting a recommendation. Recommendors receive an email with instructions. STAR Online accepts recommendations up to 3 days after deadline closure. Give the recommender adequate time to upload their Letter. Recommendors may also mail directly to the scholarship committee.  Applicants should coordinate with the recommendor to reduce confusion.  All mail sent to:  Osher & Crankstart Reentry Scholarship, c/o: Bridge to Hope, U.H. Manoa, 2600 Campus Rd. QLC #211, Honolulu, HI  96822 or email: uhmosher@hawaii.edu
  • Contact Us: If your question is not addressed, please email: uhmosher@hawaii.edu.