About the Award
The Center for Philippine Studies (CPS) at the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa invites nominations for its annual Undergraduate Student Leadership Award, honoring an outstanding student who has demonstrated exceptional leadership in advancing and uplifting the Filipino community.
This award recognizes undergraduate students whose initiatives inspire cultural pride, strengthen community connections, and promote meaningful engagement both on campus and beyond. Faculty, staff, student organizations, and peers are encouraged to nominate individuals whose leadership reflects a deep commitment to service, cultural awareness, and community empowerment.
Each year, one student leader will be selected from the pool of nominees to receive the award. The recipient will be honored with a $1,000 prize at the FilGrad Celebration in recognition of their dedication, vision, and impact. The awardee may also be invited to share their work and leadership journey during a public presentation at the CPS Colloquium.
This award celebrates students who are not only leaders, but also advocates—those who bring people together, create opportunities for dialogue and action, and help strengthen the Filipino presence and voice in Hawai‘i.
Award Criteria:
Eligible nominees must meet the following qualifications:
- Demonstrated leadership and impact in promoting the welfare, visibility, and vitality of the Filipino community in Hawai‘i.
- Junior or Senior undergraduate standing at the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa and in good academic standing with a minimum of 3.0 GPA.
- A clear commitment to community empowerment, particularly through innovative programs, initiatives, or projects that benefit the Filipino community.
- Nomination by a UH faculty member, staff member, peer, recognized student organization or community partner, with a CV of the nominee.
Nomination: Please submit the nomination through this FORM.
Due: April 20, 2026