Hawai’i P-20 Hosts Free College Planning Events to Aid Scholarship Applications

Hawai’i P-20 Offers Essential College Planning Workshops for High School Students

Hawai’i P-20 Partnerships for Education is a statewide initiative designed to reinforce the education pipeline from early childhood through postsecondary education. This initiative aims to prepare students for college, careers, and community readiness, focusing on high-demand, living-wage occupations. It also manages data sets and dashboards to enhance transparency and discussions about educational outcomes. Recently, it announced new college planning events aimed at assisting local high school students with the scholarship application process.

Two Virtual Scholarship Workshops have been scheduled, along with the statewide Native Hawaiian Scholarship “Aha Series,” which will have in-person sessions in Maui County. The in-person events are scheduled as follows: on Nov 25 at the Lānaʻi Community Center, on Dec 10 at the University of Hawai‘i Maui College, and on Dec 12 at the Molokaʻi Education Center. All virtual and in-person events are free and open to everyone. Interested participants can register at CollegeIsWithinReachHawaii.com.

The Virtual Scholarship Workshops are planned for Nov. 7 and Nov. 21, featuring panelists from Sallie Mae, Hawai‘i Community Foundation, and the University of Hawai‘i System. The discussions will focus on how students in Hawaiʻi can access financial resources for college, regardless of family income, and will provide tips on scholarship applications and essay writing. Additionally, representatives from various Native Hawaiian scholarship organizations will be present at each event with attendees being presented with the opportunity to win a $500 scholarship.

Frank Green, a financial aid and FAFSA outreach specialist for Hawaiʻi P-20 underscored the abundance of scholarship opportunities available to students through local and national organizations. He emphasized the need for families to be informed about the procedures for accessing these funds and encouraged them to have conversations with their students early to plan for college expenses and set future goals after high school.

Green pointed out that many scholarships require FAFSA completion to be eligible, and he encouraged students to start researching scholarships, preparing their essays, and gathering the necessary documents for the FAFSA, which will be available on December 1. Starting January 15, 2025, FAFSA Completion Webinars are scheduled through March 12. During these sessions, local financial aid and FAFSA specialists will provide guidance on completing the form and will be available to answer any questions.

Cobb-Adams, a college application and transition specialist, emphasized the importance of completing the FAFSA each year for those seeking financial aid. He noted that whether students have a clear college choice or are still exploring their options, completing the FAFSA could unlock essential financial support for their education. For any questions regarding events, college planning, or the FAFSA, students can email FAFSA@Hawaii.edu. To see a complete list of free upcoming events, including all dates for the Statewide Native Hawaiian Scholarship ʻAha Series, and to register, students can visit CollegeIsWithinReachHawaii.com.

Editor’s Note:

Hawai’i P-20 Partnerships for Education has taken important initiatives and provided resources to support local high school students in their college planning and scholarship application processes. Students and their families should take advantage of these opportunities to enhance their readiness for higher education. As many scholarships require FAFSA completion to be eligible, students must be prepared by gathering essential information on it. 

Skoobuzz appreciates Hawai’i P-20 for this initiative, as it unlocks essential financial support for students and creates a pathway for their career success.