Kauaʻi Community College launches tuition scholarship for high school seniors

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 Community College for eligible students — after federal financial aid is applied. It is available to Kauaʻi students graduating from a public or charter high school who directly enroll at the community college.

“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 Community College Chancellor Margaret Sanchez in an announcement about the new scholarship.

Generous donations — along with additional support from the Stupski Foundation — provided the Hoʻolei fund with more than $100,000 available to support students.

Students must apply to Kauaʻi Community College online and complete the 2026–27 Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA.

Eligible students will automatically be considered for the Hoʻolei Scholarship once those steps are completed.

Financial aid already covers the full cost of tuition at Kauaʻi Community College for most students.

The Hoʻolei Scholarship will cover the remaining tuition costs for students still in need of financial assistance after federal financial aid is applied for first-year tuition, allowing them to focus on their education instead of finances.

Hoʻolei scholars also 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 University of Hawaiʻi Common Scholarship and Kauaʻi Community College’s Waiʻaleʻale Project, which offers scholarships and guidance to help students navigate their first year of college.

University of Hawaiʻi and Hawaiʻi Department of Education in October 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 spring 2026 are automatically eligible to enroll at all seven University of Hawaiʻi community colleges, including Kauaʻi Community College.

Students with a 2.7 grade-point average or higher are also eligible to attend University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo and University of Hawaiʻi-West Oʻahu.