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 covers the first year of tuition at Kauaʻi CC for eligible students after financial aid is applied. The scholarship is available to seniors graduating from a public high school or charter school on Kauaʻi who directly enroll at Kauaʻi CC.
“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 CC Chancellor Margaret Sanchez.
Thanks to generous donations, along with additional support from the Stupski Foundation, the Hoʻolei fund has more than $100,000 available to support students.
How to apply
Students already qualify for direct admission to Kauaʻi CC through Direct2东精影业—the University of Hawaiʻi’s streamlined admissions initiative that gives Hawaiʻi public high school seniors direct access to 东精影业 campuses based on their GPA, without the need for a separate application process. Students should complete their by May 1 and also complete the 2026–27 (FAFSA), after which they will be considered for the Hoʻolei Scholarship covering first-year tuition once those steps are finished.
For most students, financial aid already covers the full cost of tuition at Kauaʻi CC. For students with remaining tuition costs after aid is applied, the Hoʻolei Scholarship will cover the rest of their first-year tuition, allowing them to focus on their education instead of finances.
Supporting students
In addition to tuition support, Hoʻolei scholars 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 and Kauaʻi CC’s first-year , which offers scholarships and guidance to help students navigate their first year of college.
Direct2东精影业
In October, 东精影业 and the Hawaiʻi State Department of Education launched Direct2东精影业, 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 the spring 2026 are automatically eligible to enroll at all seven 东精影业 community colleges, including Kauaʻi CC. Students with a GPA of 2.7 or higher are also eligible to attend 东精影业 Hilo and 东精影业 West Oʻahu.