Allen A. Bailey Scholarship 2027 - Preschool Ed
The Allen A. Bailey Scholarship helps graduate students who are preparing to teach young learners in preschool settings. Administered by the Pauahi Foundation in Honolulu, the fund typically makes three awards per cycle for students enrolled full time in a preschool education program. Kamehameha Schools graduates receive preference, though mainland and Hawaii residents who are not KS alumni remain eligible. Pauahi Foundation policy also gives preference to applicants of Hawaiian ancestry to the extent allowed by law. The 2027-2028 application window is expected to open 1 October 2026 on the foundation scholarship portal.
What is the Allen A. Bailey Scholarship?
The Allen A. Bailey Scholarship sits inside the Pauahi Foundation portfolio of community scholarships that back Hawaii's educators. If you are pursuing a graduate degree focused on preschool classrooms, this fund is one of the few national listings that names early childhood specifically rather than general education.
Three awards are offered each cycle, which keeps the competition narrow compared with mega-grants but still meaningful for students balancing licensure exams, practica, and tuition. Preference flows first to Kamehameha Schools graduates, then to applicants whose stories align with Pauahi's mission to cultivate Native Hawaiian leadership, always within federal and state non-discrimination rules.
You can live on the mainland and still apply, which surprises some candidates who assume every Pauahi scholarship requires Hawaii residency. What matters is full-time enrollment in preschool education and a clear plan to serve young learners once you finish the degree.
Eligibility
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✓Graduate student in preschool educationYou must be enrolled or planning to enroll full time in a graduate program with a major or concentration in preschool or early childhood education. Undergraduate applicants are not eligible for this named fund.
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✓Full-time enrollmentPauahi listings require full-time graduate status for the academic year covered by the award. Part-time students should review other Pauahi scholarships that allow reduced credit loads.
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✓Open to Hawaii and US mainland residentsThe scholarship is listed as open to applicants from the State of Hawaii and the US continent. You do not need to live in Hawaii, though local ties may strengthen your narrative.
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✓Preference for Kamehameha Schools graduatesKS alumni receive preference, but the foundation explicitly states that non-KS graduates will be considered when they meet the academic requirements.
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✓Hawaiian ancestry preference where lawfulPauahi Foundation policy gives preference to students of Hawaiian ancestry to the extent permitted by law. All eligible applicants may still apply.
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✓Community engagementListing partners such as BigFuture note that community service and extracurricular involvement are weighed alongside your academic plan for early childhood education.
Benefits
- Number of awards Three scholarships per cycle
- Award amount Varies (set when winners are chosen)
- Use of funds Graduate tuition and related education costs
- Renewal Confirm with Pauahi for multi-year programs
- Room and board Not guaranteed; depends on award letter
Document checklist
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✓Pauahi Foundation online applicationApply through the foundation scholarship portal when the 2027-2028 cycle opens. One application can route you to multiple Pauahi funds, including Allen A. Bailey.
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✓Graduate program documentationUpload proof that you are admitted to or enrolled in a preschool education graduate program, including your planned course load.
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✓TranscriptsProvide official or unofficial transcripts from your undergraduate degree and any graduate work completed to date.
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✓Personal essayBigFuture lists an essay requirement. Use it to explain your preschool teaching goals, field experiences, and how the scholarship supports licensure or classroom readiness.
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✓Resume or activity summaryHighlight community service, classroom practica, and leadership roles that show you can work with young children and their families.
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✓Financial information if requestedThis fund is not strictly need-based, yet Pauahi may ask for household information to coordinate with other awards. Complete every requested field to avoid disqualification.
How to apply
Deadline and timeline
FAQ
What is the Allen A. Bailey Scholarship?
It is a Pauahi Foundation graduate scholarship for students majoring in preschool education. The fund makes three awards per cycle and is named for a donor who supported early childhood teacher preparation in Hawaii.
Do I have to graduate from Kamehameha Schools to apply?
No. KS graduates receive preference, but Pauahi listings state that non-KS graduates will be considered if they meet the graduate and major requirements.
Can mainland US students apply for the Allen A. Bailey Scholarship?
Yes. The scholarship is open to residents of Hawaii and the US continent who are full-time graduate students in preschool education.
When does the Allen A. Bailey Scholarship application open?
Pauahi Foundation opens the 2027-2028 scholarship application on 1 October 2026. Partner directories list a close date around 15 December 2026, but you should confirm the live deadline in the portal.
How much is the Allen A. Bailey Scholarship worth?
Award amounts vary by year and available fund balance. Pauahi publishes three awards for this scholarship name; winners receive the specific amount stated in their award letter.
Does Hawaiian ancestry affect eligibility?
Applicants of Hawaiian ancestry receive preference to the extent permitted by law, yet the scholarship remains open to all qualified graduate students in preschool education.
Is the Allen A. Bailey Scholarship need-based?
BigFuture classifies the award as not strictly need-based or merit-based, meaning selection weighs your program fit, essay, service, and foundation preferences rather than a single GPA cutoff.
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