UH West O'ahu offers free tax prep, FAFSA, scholarship assistance

The University of Hawai‘i – West O‘ahu Noʻeau Center for Writing, Math and Academic Success is offering a Fund Your Future Fridays workshop series designed to assist current and prospective students, and community members with preparing for and paying for college. All workshops are free and open to the public. The UH West Oʻahu Noʻeau Center is the University’s academic support center and offers testing services, tutoring, and workshops to help students succeed at the University.

The Fund Your Future Fridays workshop series includes workshops in:

• Scholarship writing
• Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) assistance
• Scholarship opportunities
• Tax preparation assistance by Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) representatives

The Fund Your Future Fridays workshop series schedule is as follows:

Scholarship Writing Workshop

Friday, Feb. 27

10 a.m.

UH West Oʻahu Noʻeau Center, B203

Maximize your chances of getting a college scholarship! Learn how to write an effective scholarship application essay.

FAFSA Preparation Workshop

Friday, Feb. 27

Friday, March 6

Friday, March 13

8 a.m. - 2 p.m.

UH West Oʻahu Noʻeau Center, B203

Learn how to complete the FAFSA to increase your chances of receiving the maximum amount of student aid to pay for college. Bring your most recent tax filing and 2014 W-2 (wage and tax statement), 1099 or 1098 (interest and dividend statement).

Scholarship Workshop

Kamehameha Schools Nā Hoʻokama a Pauahi Scholarship

Friday, March 6

10 a.m.

UH West Oʻahu Noʻeau Center, B203

Learn about the Nā Hoʻokama a Pauahi Program (NHAP) need-based scholarship that is available to students pursuing an undergraduate or graduate degree at an accredited post-high school institution in the United States recognized by Kamehameha Schools (KS). In 2014, KS awarded approximately $12 million in scholarships to over 2,200 students.

Scholarship Workshop

Pauahi Foundation

Friday, March 6

Noon

UH West Oʻahu Noʻeau Center, B203

Learn about the Pauahi Foundation’s need-based, academic merit and geographic-based scholarships for college as well as trade and vocational courses. Scholarships are available to the general public.

Scholarship Workshop

Liko Aʻe Native Hawaiian Leadership Program Scholarships

Friday, March 13

10 a.m.

UH West Oʻahu Noʻeau Center, B203

Learn about scholarships offered by the Liko Aʻe Native Hawaiian Leadership Program. Liko Aʻe is committed to serving Native Hawaiian students pursuing higher education through scholarships, mentoring services, internship opportunities and counseling support. Scholarships are offered based on financial need and academic merit.

Tax preparation assistance

Friday, March 6

Friday, March 13

9 a.m. - noon by appointment

UH West Oʻahu Noʻeau Center, B203

Get help completing your taxes from Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) representatives. Call (808) 689-2750 to schedule an appointment or visit the UH West Oʻahu Noʻeau Center in the UHWO Library, B203.

What to bring:

• W-2, W-2G (wage and tax statements)
• 1099, 1099-R, 1099-Misc (interest and dividend statements)
• 2013 federal and state tax returns if available
• Bank account numbers and bank routing number
• 1095-A, B, or C (Affordable Care Act statements)

For more information about the Fund Your Future Fridays workshop series, contact the UH West Oʻahu Noʻeau Center at (808) 689-2750 or uhwowc@hawaii.edu. The Fund Your Future Fridays workshop series is sponsored by the UH West Oʻahu Student Affairs Department.

Established in 1976, the University of Hawaiʻi - West O‘ahu offers quality education, small classes and personalized attention with academic programs that emphasize the exploration of interdisciplinary and cross-cultural studies. UH West O‘ahu serves approximately 2,700 students at its brand new, state-of-the-art campus that opened in the City of Kapolei in 2012. For more information, visit www.uhwo.hawaii.edu, call (808) 689-2800 or toll-free (866) 299-8656. Find us on Facebook and Twitter.