MEDIA RELEASE

The Office of Hawaiian Affairs awarded the University of Hawaii $110,000 to help Native Hawaiian Students receive college educations and obtain employment upon graduation.

OHA is dedicating $100,000 to help Native Hawaiian students complete their doctoral programs.

The money will be used to cover the cost of books, fees and some living expenses.

Under the agreement, UH will also provide each student with a qualified Native Hawaiian mentor who will counsel, guide and assist the student through school and the job search process. Mentors will also meet with their students once a month.

OHA also granted Windward Community College’s TRiO (Upward Bound and Educational Talent Search programs) an additional $10,000 to provide Native Hawaiian students with college entrance exam preparation courses.

“As the state’s primary higher education provider, we are pleased to partner with OHA to increase college access and graduation rates for our indigenous population,” said Lui Hokoana, Associate Vice President of Student Affairs.

The university will provide OHA with tracking information on the Native Hawaiian students as they make their way through school and to future employment.