USA Scholarships
Benedict Kalamaku Lee Loy Scholarship 2027
The Benedict Kalamaku Lee Loy, KS 1905 Endowed Scholarship is a Pauahi Foundation need-based fund that supports one learner each year who is building a credential at a trade school, community college, two-year college, or four-year university. You may study full time or at least half time, and any high school graduate in the United States can apply if your cumulative GPA sits between 2.0 and 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. Pauahi asks for an essay on financial hardships, one letter of recommendation, tax and W-2 documentation, and proof of community service or extracurricular activities. The foundation gives preference to applicants of Hawaiian ancestry to the extent permitted by law. Select this scholarship inside the 2027-2028 postsecondary application opening October 1, 2026 and closing December 1, 2026.
What is the Benedict Kalamaku Lee Loy Scholarship?
The Benedict Kalamaku Lee Loy, KS 1905 Endowed Scholarship sits in Pauahi Foundation's community listing as a single annual award for students who need a practical boost toward a credential, not a perfect 4.0 transcript. Kamehameha Schools alumni and donors endowed the fund to remember the Class of 1905 while helping today's learners pay for trade programs, community college, or university study anywhere in the United States.
Pauahi built the criteria around real-world enrollment patterns. Half-time schedules count, GPAs from 2.0 up to 3.0 qualify, and graduates of any high school may apply. What matters after those gates is honest financial need, a thoughtful hardship essay, solid recommendation, and evidence that you show up for your community through service or activities.
If Hawaiian ancestry is part of your story, Pauahi may weigh that when the law allows, yet mainland students and non-Hawaiian applicants still compete on the same need and essay rubric. Mark October 1 through December 1, 2026 on your calendar for the 2027-2028 portal window, stack this fund with other Pauahi selections in one login, and keep [email protected] handy if a reviewer asks for corrected tax paperwork before the committee meets.
Eligibility
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✓U.S. residencyYou must be a resident of the United States when you apply. Pauahi Foundation lists this fund for domestic postsecondary students regardless of whether you attend in Hawaiʻi or on the mainland.
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✓High school graduateRecipients may be graduates of any accredited high school, including homeschool completers, before enrolling in the postsecondary program the scholarship will support.
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✓Half-time or full-time enrollmentYou must be enrolled at least half time in an accredited post-high program, including trade schools, community colleges, two-year colleges, or four-year universities for the 2027-2028 academic year.
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✓GPA between 2.0 and 3.0Pauahi requires a cumulative GPA from 2.0 up to 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. Grades below 2.0 disqualify you; this fund targets students who are progressing but not at the top of the merit curve.
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✓Demonstrated financial needYou must document financial need through Pauahi's Student and Parent Form plus federal tax returns and W-2s as listed in the application. Award size follows fund income and your verified need.
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✓Community service or activitiesShow participation in community service or extracurricular activities in the unified application profile so reviewers can see how you contribute outside class.
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✓Hawaiian ancestry preferencePauahi Foundation policy gives preference to applicants of Hawaiian ancestry to the extent permitted by law. The listing remains open to all eligible U.S. residents who meet the academic and need criteria.
Benefits
- Number of scholarships One recipient per cycle
- Eligible programs Trade, certificate, associate, or bachelor study
- Enrollment flexibility Half-time or full-time at accredited schools
- Award use Tuition and related costs per Pauahi policy
- Published dollar cap Varies with fund income; not a fixed public amount
- Graduate degrees Not listed for this undergraduate-focused fund
Document checklist
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✓Pauahi Foundation online applicationCreate or reuse your account at the Pauahi scholarship portal when the 2027-2028 cycle opens October 1, 2026. Select the Benedict Kalamaku Lee Loy, KS 1905 Endowed Scholarship before you submit.
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✓Financial hardship essayWrite an essay describing the financial circumstances or hardships you have faced, including specific challenges on your path to college, how they affected your life, and strategies you used to manage them.
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✓Letter of recommendationSubmit one letter from a teacher, counselor, employer, or community organization leader who can speak to your character, achievement, and service to the community.
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✓School transcriptUpload an official or unofficial transcript showing your cumulative GPA within the 2.0 to 3.0 range and your current enrollment or admission status.
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✓Student and Parent FormComplete Pauahi's financial worksheet for the cycle year so reviewers can calculate need alongside your tax documents.
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✓Federal tax returns and W-2sProvide applicable Form W-2s and the federal income tax return (1040 series) for the tax year Pauahi specifies in the live application checklist.
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✓Activity and service listUse the application activities section to document extracurricular involvement and volunteer work that supports your file.
How to apply
Deadline and timeline
FAQ
What is the Benedict Kalamaku Lee Loy Scholarship?
It is a Pauahi Foundation endowed fund named for a Kamehameha Schools Class of 1905 legacy. One need-based scholarship is awarded annually to a U.S. resident enrolled at least half time in an accredited trade school, community college, or university, with a GPA between 2.0 and 3.0.
Who can apply for the Lee Loy KS 1905 Scholarship?
Any U.S. resident who graduated from high school and enrolls at least half time in an accredited post-high program may apply if they demonstrate financial need, maintain a 2.0 to 3.0 GPA, and complete Pauahi's essay and financial documentation. Community service or extracurricular involvement strengthens your file.
When is the Benedict Kalamaku Lee Loy Scholarship deadline for 2027?
Pauahi Foundation opens the 2027-2028 postsecondary application on October 1, 2026 and closes it on December 1, 2026. All required documents must be submitted through the online portal by that deadline.
How much is the Lee Loy Scholarship worth?
The listing specifies one award rather than a published dollar amount. Pauahi sets disbursement based on fund income and your verified financial need after selection. Your award letter will state the exact figure.
Do I need Hawaiian ancestry for the Lee Loy Scholarship?
The fund is open to eligible U.S. residents nationwide. Pauahi Foundation may give preference to applicants of Hawaiian ancestry to the extent permitted by law, but you do not have to be of Hawaiian ancestry to apply.
What essay does the Lee Loy Scholarship require?
You must describe the financial circumstances or hardships you have faced, including specific challenges on your path to college, how they affected your academic and personal life, and what strategies or resources helped you manage them.
Can part-time students apply for the Lee Loy Scholarship?
Yes. Pauahi requires at least half-time enrollment in an accredited program, which includes many community college schedules and trade-school loads. Full-time students are also eligible.
Can I apply for other Pauahi scholarships with the same application?
Yes. Pauahi allows you to select every fund you qualify for within one postsecondary application. Add Lee Loy plus other scholarships, then upload documents that satisfy the strictest requirement among your choices.
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