USA Scholarships
Kamehameha Class of 1950 Scholarship 2027
The Kamehameha Schools Class of 1950 Scholarship honors alumni who endowed a Pauahi Foundation fund for full-time undergraduates working toward a vocational credential, associate degree, or bachelor''s degree at an accredited U.S. institution. Pauahi lists one award per cycle, selects on demonstrated financial need, and asks for an essay on hardships plus two letters that speak to your character and self-discipline. Community service or extracurricular involvement strengthens your profile. The fund welcomes applicants in the State of Hawaiʻi and on the U.S. continent, and Pauahi gives preference to students of Hawaiian ancestry to the extent permitted by law. Select this scholarship in the unified portal when the 2027-2028 cycle opens October 1, 2026 and closes December 1, 2026.
What is the Kamehameha Schools Class of 1950 Scholarship?
The Class of 1950 left Pauahi Foundation a fund that still backs one full-time learner each year who is grinding through a vocational program, associate degree, or bachelor's path when money gets tight. Alumni wanted character to matter as much as need, so reviewers read two recommendation letters that prove self-discipline, not just a friendly note from someone who likes you.
Geography is wider than the Kamehameha name suggests. Students in Hawaiʻi and on the mainland share the same portal, with preference for Hawaiian ancestry where the law allows. Pauahi does not publish a GPA floor for this listing, which helps if your transcript shows steady progress while life outside class eats your budget.
Mark October 1 through December 1, 2026 for the 2027-2028 window. Stack this fund with other Pauahi selections in one login if you meet each fund's rules, and keep [email protected] handy for follow-up questions about tax paperwork before the committee meets in spring 2027.
Eligibility
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✓Two- or four-year post-high programEnroll full time in an accredited two- or four-year vocational, associate, or bachelor's degree program in the United States. Other study levels do not match this Class of 1950 listing.
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✓Demonstrated financial needSubmit the hardship essay and financial documents Pauahi requires for this fund, including the Student & Parent Form, applicable W-2s, and federal income tax returns for the tax year the portal specifies.
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✓Character and self-discipline referencesProvide two letters of recommendation from a teacher, school counselor, religious leader, or community organization that address your character and self-discipline. Generic praise without those themes will not satisfy the fund criteria.
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✓Community service or activitiesParticipate in community service or meaningful extracurricular activities and reflect that involvement in your Pauahi profile and essays.
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✓US residency in Hawaiʻi or continental USPauahi describes the fund as open to applicants in the State of Hawaiʻi and on the U.S. continent. Answer residency questions on the live application accurately.
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✓No published minimum GPAThe Pauahi data listing shows no minimum GPA for this fund. Strong academic progress still helps reviewers, but need and character evidence drive selection.
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✓Preference for Hawaiian ancestryFoundation policy gives preference to applicants of Hawaiian ancestry to the extent permitted by law. Non-Hawaiian applicants remain eligible when they meet need and enrollment rules.
Benefits
- Number of awards 1 recipient per cycle
- Award amount Varies with fund income and need
- Eligible programs Vocational, associate, or bachelor's
- Enrollment Full-time required
- Need-based selection Hardship essay and tax docs
- Full tuition guarantee Not covered
- Graduate study Not covered - undergraduate fund
Document checklist
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✓Pauahi Foundation online applicationRegister at the postsecondary portal when the 2027-2028 cycle opens October 1, 2026 and select the Kamehameha Schools Class of 1950 Scholarship.
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✓Financial hardship essayAnswer the fund prompt: describe the financial circumstances or hardships you have faced. Tie costs to your vocational or degree path.
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✓Student & Parent Form and tax documentsUpload the Student & Parent Form, all applicable W-2s, and the federal income tax return (1040 series) for the tax year Pauahi lists in the live checklist.
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✓Two recommendation lettersSecure letters from a teacher, counselor, religious leader, or community organization that explicitly discuss character and self-discipline.
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✓Official transcriptProvide transcripts showing enrollment in an eligible vocational, associate, or bachelor's program.
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✓Activities and service listComplete Pauahi profile sections for extracurriculars and community service so reviewers see sustained involvement.
How to apply
Deadline and timeline
FAQ
What is the Kamehameha Schools Class of 1950 Scholarship?
It is a Pauahi Foundation legacy fund from the Kamehameha Schools Class of 1950 that awards one need-based scholarship per cycle to a full-time U.S. undergraduate in a vocational, associate, or bachelor's program. Selection weighs financial need, a hardship essay, and two character-focused recommendation letters.
When is the Class of 1950 Scholarship deadline for 2027?
Pauahi opens the 2027-2028 postsecondary application on October 1, 2026 and closes it on December 1, 2026. Submit every required upload through the online portal before that cutoff.
Does the Class of 1950 Scholarship require a minimum GPA?
Pauahi's public listing shows no minimum GPA for this fund. You still need full-time enrollment in an eligible program and documented financial need.
How many recommendation letters does Class of 1950 require?
You submit two letters from a teacher, school counselor, religious leader, or community organization. Both should speak to your character and self-discipline, not only grades or activities.
Can mainland students apply for the Class of 1950 Scholarship?
Yes. Pauahi lists the fund for applicants in the State of Hawaiʻi and on the U.S. continent. You must meet residency questions on the live application and enroll full time at an accredited U.S. institution.
How much is the Class of 1950 Scholarship worth?
Pauahi does not publish a fixed dollar amount. Expect a partial award sized from fund income and your verified financial need after committee review.
Do I need Hawaiian ancestry to win the Class of 1950 Scholarship?
Ancestry is a preference under Pauahi policy, not a hard requirement. Eligible applicants without Hawaiian ancestry may still receive the single annual award.
Can I apply for other Pauahi scholarships with the same application?
Yes. Add every fund you qualify for inside one postsecondary application. Upload documents that satisfy the strictest requirement among your selected scholarships.
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