Kauaʻi CC launches tuition scholarship for high school seniors 

The Hoʻolei Scholarship covers the first year of tuition at Kauaʻi CC.

The scholarship is aimed at making college more affordable and accessible.

Hoʻolei scholars can also access on-campus employment opportunities.

Kauaʻi Community College is launching a new scholarship aimed at making college more affordable and accessible for graduating Kauaʻi high school seniors in the Class of 2026.

The Hoʻolei Scholarship covers the first year of tuition at Kauaʻi CC for eligible students after financial aid is applied. The scholarship is available to seniors graduating from a public high school or charter school on Kauaʻi who directly enroll at Kauaʻi CC.

“Hoʻolei is about opening doors, removing financial barriers, and helping our local students take the next step toward their future right here at home,” said Kauaʻi CC Chancellor Margaret Sanchez.

Thanks to generous donations, along with additional support from the Stupski Foundation, the Hoʻolei fund has more than $100,000 available to  support students.

How to apply

Students must apply to Kauaʻi CC online and complete the 2026–27 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Eligible students will automatically be considered for the Hoʻolei Scholarship once both steps are completed.

For most students, financial aid already covers the full cost of tuition at Kauaʻi CC. For students with remaining tuition costs after aid is applied, the Hoʻolei Scholarship will cover the rest of their first-year tuition, allowing them to focus on their education instead of finances.

Supporting students 

In addition to tuition support, Hoʻolei scholars gain access to on-campus employment opportunities, providing a paycheck and valuable work experience while staying on island and enrolled in classes.

Students are also encouraged to apply for additional support through the UH Common Scholarship and Kauaʻi CC’s first-year Waiʻaleʻale Project, which offers scholarships and guidance to help students navigate their first year of college.

Direct2UH

In October, UH and the Hawaiʻi State Department of Education launched Direct2UH, a new initiative that simplifies the college admissions process and expands access to higher education for Hawaiʻi’s public high school seniors. 

Students graduating in the spring 2026 are automatically eligible to enroll at all seven UH community colleges, including Kauaʻi CC. Students with a GPA of 2.7 or higher are also eligible to attend UH Hilo and UH West Oʻahu.

Learn more about the Hoʻolei Scholarship