USA Scholarships
David A. Mortensen D.A.M. Scholarship 2027
The David A. Mortensen (KS ''71) D.A.M. Scholarship honors a Kamehameha Schools alumnus by funding one full-time student each year who is training for a human-services career dedicated to public safety. Pauahi Foundation targets associate or bachelor''s study leading toward police, fire, water safety, or similar protective roles, with a 2.5 minimum GPA and demonstrated financial need. You will write about how that career path will help your community and family, plus a separate hardship essay, and upload W-2s and federal tax returns with Pauahi''s Student and Parent Form. Graduates of any Kamehameha Schools campus receive special consideration, and Hawaiian ancestry may receive preference where permitted. Select this fund inside the 2027-2028 application opening October 1, 2026 and closing December 1, 2026.
What is the David A. Mortensen (KS '71) D.A.M. Scholarship?
The David A. Mortensen D.A.M. Scholarship is Pauahi Foundation's bet on students who plan to run toward danger instead of away from it. Fire crews, police academies, lifeguard pipelines, and allied human-services programs all fit the spirit of the fund, as long as you can explain in writing how that training will protect your community and support your family.
Need matters as much as the career story. Pauahi asks for tax returns, W-2s, and a candid hardship essay, so reviewers can see both your public-service motivation and the financial gap the award would close. A 2.5 GPA floor keeps the door open to solid students who are not chasing valedictorian status but are serious about finishing a credential.
Kamehameha alumni and applicants of Hawaiian ancestry may receive extra weight when the law allows, yet mainland residents and non-KS graduates still compete on the same forms. Mark October 1 through December 1, 2026 for the 2027-2028 portal window, select the Mortensen fund inside one Pauahi login, and keep your public-safety essay focused on outcomes you can actually deliver after graduation.
Eligibility
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✓U.S. residencyYou must be a resident of the United States. Pauahi lists this fund for applicants in the State of HawaiĘ»i and the continental United States.
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✓Minimum 2.5 GPAMaintain a cumulative GPA of at least 2.5 on a 4.0 scale. Upload a transcript that shows grades through your most recent completed term.
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✓Full-time enrollmentEnroll full time in an accredited post-high program for the academic year you seek funding. Half-time schedules do not meet this fund's listing.
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✓Public safety career pathPursue an associate or bachelor's degree tied to human services dedicated to public safety, such as criminal justice, fire science, lifeguard training, or related protective fields.
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✓Demonstrated financial needDocument need through Pauahi's financial forms, W-2s, and federal tax returns for the tax year the application specifies.
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✓Community service or activitiesShow participation in community service or extracurricular activities in your Pauahi profile so reviewers see commitment beyond coursework.
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✓Kamehameha and Hawaiian preferenceGraduates of a Kamehameha Schools campus receive special consideration. Pauahi Foundation may give preference to applicants of Hawaiian ancestry to the extent permitted by law.
Benefits
- Number of scholarships One recipient per cycle
- Eligible credentials Associate or bachelor's study
- Career focus Police, fire, water safety, related fields
- Geographic scope Hawaiʻi and continental U.S. students
- Published dollar amount Varies with fund income
- Part-time enrollment Not eligible for this fund
Document checklist
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✓Pauahi Foundation online applicationRegister at the Pauahi postsecondary portal when the 2027-2028 cycle opens October 1, 2026. Add the David A. Mortensen (KS '71) D.A.M. Scholarship to your selections.
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✓Public safety career essayExplain how a career in police work, fire science, water safety, or a related public-safety field will make a difference in your community and family, using the personal statement prompts in the guidebook.
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✓Financial hardship essayDescribe the financial circumstances or hardships you have faced, including specific challenges, their impact on your education, and strategies you used to manage them.
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✓School transcriptUpload an official or unofficial transcript showing at least a 2.5 cumulative GPA and your enrollment or admission status.
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✓Student and Parent FormComplete Pauahi's financial worksheet for the cycle year alongside your tax uploads.
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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 listed in the live application checklist.
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✓Activity and service documentationList extracurricular and volunteer work in the unified application so reviewers can connect your service record to your public-safety goals.
How to apply
Deadline and timeline
FAQ
What is the David A. Mortensen D.A.M. Scholarship?
It is a Pauahi Foundation fund named for Kamehameha Schools Class of 1971 alumnus David A. Mortensen. One need-based scholarship supports a full-time U.S. student training for a human-services career in public safety through an associate or bachelor's degree.
What majors qualify for the Mortensen D.A.M. Scholarship?
Pauahi lists police work, fire science, water safety, and other agencies with similar protective responsibilities. Criminal justice, fire fighting, emergency services, and closely related human-services paths fit the intent if your essays show a clear public-safety career plan.
What GPA do I need for the Mortensen scholarship?
You need a cumulative GPA of at least 2.5 on a 4.0 scale. Upload a transcript that reflects your latest completed term.
When is the Mortensen D.A.M. Scholarship deadline for 2027?
Pauahi opens the 2027-2028 postsecondary application on October 1, 2026 and closes it on December 1, 2026. Confirm the exact time zone cutoff on the live portal.
Do I need to graduate from Kamehameha Schools?
No, but Kamehameha graduates from any campus receive special consideration. All eligible U.S. residents who meet GPA, enrollment, and need criteria may apply.
What essays does the Mortensen scholarship require?
You must explain how your chosen public-safety career will help your community and family, and separately describe financial hardships you have faced. Pauahi also requires standard financial documentation.
Can mainland students apply for the Mortensen D.A.M. Scholarship?
Yes. The listing is open to residents of the State of Hawaiʻi and the continental United States. You do not need to attend college in Hawaiʻi if you meet the other requirements.
How much is the Mortensen D.A.M. Scholarship worth?
Pauahi awards one grant per cycle without publishing a fixed dollar amount. Your award letter states the disbursement based on fund income and verified need after selection.
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