Lunalilo Scholars

The Lunalilo Scholars Program is an opportunity for non-college bound students to transform their lives through education. The program was designed to uniquely serve and support students who demonstrate academic potential, but lack the family and financial support to attend college. Students of Native Hawaiian ancestry are given preference to also support the College in increasing the number of Native Hawaiian students that enroll and complete the first year of college. Community partners, including feeder high schools, with access to underprivileged, Native Hawaiian and non-college bound students refer applicants to the program through an online or paper application and referral form.

The Lunalilo Scholars Program is also dedicated to creating educational programs built on Native Hawaiian identity. Beginning with the Summer Bridge, the program hopes to instill the value and importance of ʻāina and legacy through Hawaiian cultural activities and huakaʻi (field trips), and research on Queen Kapiʻolani and Lēʻahi. This focus on ʻāina, legacy of our aliʻi and the ingenuity of the Hawaiian people has not only been extremely effective with the Hawaiian scholars but also for those of non-Hawaiian ancestry. The Summer Bridge Program prepares scholars mentally for the academic rigor of college and scholars build a common bond with the same cohort of students and peer mentors throughout the first year. For scholars that are interested and meet the qualifications, second-year scholarships are available for those that give back to the program by becoming peer mentors. These peer mentors learn valuable leadership skills while providing academic and personal support to the new cohort of scholars.