USA Scholarships
Johansen 'Ohana Scholarship 2027
The Johansen ''Ohana Scholarship is a Pauahi Foundation family fund for full-time postsecondary students who compete in athletics, serve their communities, and intend to apply what they learn toward the Hawaiian community in Hawaiʻi. You must demonstrate financial need through Pauahi''s Student and Parent Form, W-2s, and federal tax returns, plus two essays on personal growth through an activity and on financial hardships. One letter of recommendation from a teacher or community member who can speak to your character and service completes the file. Residents of the State of Hawaiʻi and the continental United States may apply, and Pauahi gives preference to applicants of Hawaiian ancestry to the extent permitted by law. Select this scholarship in the 2027-2028 application opening October 1, 2026 and closing December 1, 2026.
What is the Johansen ''Ohana Scholarship?
The Johansen ''ohana endowed a Pauahi Foundation scholarship for students who sweat on the field and still show up for neighbors off it. Reviewers want athletes who can point to service hours, honest financial need, and a plan to bring what they learn back to the Hawaiian community in Hawaiʻi, whether you train in Honolulu or at a mainland campus.
Two essays carry the file. One walks through an activity that changed how you see yourself or your career. The other lays out financial hardships without drama but with enough detail that need reviewers trust your numbers. Add tax forms, the Student and Parent Form, and a recommendation from someone who has watched you compete and volunteer.
Preference for Hawaiian ancestry applies where the law allows, yet the listing stays open to eligible U.S. residents nationwide. Open the Pauahi portal October 1, 2026, stack Johansen with other funds you qualify for, and submit by December 1 for 2027-2028 support.
Eligibility
-
✓U.S. residencyYou must be a resident of the United States. Pauahi lists this fund for applicants in the State of Hawaiʻi and on the continental United States enrolled at accredited institutions.
-
✓Full-time classified enrollmentYou must enroll full time as a classified undergraduate or graduate student at an accredited post-high institution for the academic year you seek funding.
-
✓Athletics participationShow ongoing participation in athletics through school teams, club sports, or organized competitive programs documented in your Pauahi activities profile.
-
✓Community serviceDemonstrate community service or related volunteer work alongside athletics so reviewers see both competitive discipline and civic contribution.
-
✓Commitment to serve HawaiʻiExplain how you will bring expertise from your college experience back to benefit the Hawaiian community in Hawaiʻi. Tie your major, athletics, and service to that goal in your essays.
-
✓Demonstrated financial needComplete Pauahi's Student and Parent Form and submit applicable W-2s and federal income tax returns for the tax year the live application specifies. Award size follows verified need and fund income.
-
✓Hawaiian ancestry preferencePauahi Foundation policy gives preference to applicants of Hawaiian ancestry to the extent permitted by law. The scholarship remains open to all eligible U.S. residents who meet need and activity criteria.
Benefits
- Number of scholarships One recipient per cycle
- Need-based support Disbursement tied to verified need
- Eligible levels Undergraduate and graduate study
- Service expectation Bring expertise back to Hawaiʻi
- Published dollar cap Varies with fund income
- Part-time enrollment Not listed for this fund
Document checklist
-
✓Pauahi Foundation online applicationSign in when the 2027-2028 cycle opens October 1, 2026. Select the Johansen 'Ohana Scholarship and complete shared profile sections.
-
✓Personal growth activity essayAnswer Pauahi's prompt to discuss an on- or off-campus activity such as community service or volunteerism that sparked personal growth and a new understanding of yourself or your career goal.
-
✓Financial hardship essayDescribe the financial circumstances or hardships you have faced, including how they affected your path to college and what strategies or resources helped you manage them.
-
✓Letter of recommendationSubmit one letter from a teacher or a community member or organization leader who can comment on your overall character, achievement, and contribution to serving the greater community.
-
✓Student and Parent FormComplete Pauahi's financial worksheet for the cycle year so reviewers can calculate need alongside your tax documents.
-
✓Federal tax returns and W-2sProvide applicable Form W-2s and the federal income tax return for the tax year listed in the live application checklist.
-
✓School transcriptUpload an official or unofficial transcript showing good academic standing and full-time enrollment or admission status.
How to apply
Deadline and timeline
FAQ
What is the Johansen 'Ohana Scholarship?
It is a Pauahi Foundation family scholarship that awards one need-based grant per cycle to a full-time U.S. postsecondary student who participates in athletics and community service and intends to bring expertise back to benefit the Hawaiian community in Hawaiʻi.
What essays does the Johansen 'Ohana Scholarship require?
You write about an on- or off-campus activity that sparked personal growth and a new understanding of yourself or your career goal, plus a separate essay describing financial circumstances or hardships you have faced. Both responses live inside the Pauahi portal.
When is the Johansen 'Ohana Scholarship deadline for 2027?
Pauahi opens the 2027-2028 postsecondary application on October 1, 2026 and closes it on December 1, 2026. Submit financial documents and your recommendation before that cutoff.
Do I need to play a varsity sport for the Johansen Scholarship?
Pauahi expects documented athletics participation, which can include school teams, club sports, or organized competitive programs. Pair athletics with community service entries so reviewers see a complete profile.
What financial documents does Johansen require?
You submit Pauahi's Student and Parent Form, applicable W-2s, and federal income tax returns for the tax year specified in the live application, along with the financial hardship essay.
Can mainland students apply for the Johansen 'Ohana Scholarship?
Yes. The fund is open to residents of the State of Hawaiʻi and the continental United States. You must still explain how you will bring your education back to serve the Hawaiian community in Hawaiʻi.
How much is the Johansen 'Ohana Scholarship worth?
Pauahi selects one recipient annually without publishing a fixed dollar amount. Your award letter states the disbursement based on fund income and verified financial need.
Who should write my Johansen recommendation letter?
Pauahi asks for one letter from a teacher or a community member or organization leader who can comment on your character, achievement, and contribution to serving the greater community.
Scholarship Union
More in-depth scholarship guides curated by experts.
Related guides
Always verify scholarship details on the official source before applying. Information on this page may change.
Visit official website