The King William Charles Lunalilo Scholars
Project was launched at Kapi'olani Community College in the summer of 2012
through the generous support of the Kaneta Foundation and the University of
Hawai`i Foundation. Last week I got to see first-hand just what kind of
positive difference this program is making for first and second year students
who are, at a minimum, financially at-risk. Some of these aspiring and
inspirational scholarship recipients come from foster care or near-homeless
situations; some saw no hope in their futures; all aim to reverse a family
trend of ignoring advanced education as a viable road toward gaining
confidence, skills, and the tools essential to eventually make a difference in their
lives and for our state.
The program now has over 40 students involved,
but the wait list is equally as large as more funding is needed. The donor cost
to provide a Lunalilo scholarship student a chance to gain confidence, interact
with peers, become mentors and evolve as a more productive citizen is $6,000
for first year students. In year #2, students apply their new financial and
organizational skills to secure their own funding through scholarships or
grants as they continue their educational and life-changing journey.
This program supports students who have shown potential and
been recommended by teachers and counsellors, yet lack funds and perhaps an
inner faith initially to consider the leap into college. It is a program that
works, and you can find out more by searching under "Lunalilo Scholars" on the UH
Foundation's website or simply Google the words "Lunalilo Scholars Project". You can help the next class of youngsters and
adults make a difference as they transcend stereotypes and persevere beyond
their wildest dreams. And then we all win. Think about it…