USA Scholarships
Kamehameha Class of 1956 Scholarship 2027
The Kamehameha Schools Class of 1956 Scholarship targets full-time undergraduate and graduate students whose cumulative GPA sits between 2.5 and 3.5 on a 4.0 scale, with preference for business and STEM fields. Pauahi Foundation awards two need-based grants per cycle after you submit a hardship essay, the Student & Parent Form, W-2s, federal tax returns, and two recommendation letters from a teacher, counselor, employer, or community organization commenting on character, achievement, and service. Applicants in the State of Hawaiʻi and on the U.S. continent may apply, and Pauahi gives preference to Hawaiian ancestry to the extent permitted by law. Add this scholarship when the 2027-2028 postsecondary portal opens October 1, 2026 and closes December 1, 2026.
What is the Kamehameha Schools Class of 1956 Scholarship?
The Class of 1956 carved out a GPA band on purpose. If your cumulative average lands between 2.5 and 3.5, you sit in the sweet spot this Pauahi fund was built for, especially when you study business or STEM and still need help after other aid runs out.
Two awards per cycle go to full-time undergraduates or graduate students who can show financial need and community contribution. Employers may write recommendation letters here, which helps if you work while studying engineering, accounting, or computer science.
Compare the GPA window with the Class of 1954 Scholarship 2027, which starts at 2.0 without an upper cap, or the Class of 1950 Scholarship 2027, which has no published GPA minimum. Submit everything through Pauahi between October 1 and December 1, 2026 for the 2027-2028 cycle.
Eligibility
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✓GPA between 2.5 and 3.5Maintain a cumulative GPA from 2.5 up to 3.5 on a 4.0 scale. GPAs below 2.5 or above 3.5 fall outside the Class of 1956 listing.
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✓Business or STEM major (preferred)Pauahi gives preference to students pursuing business or STEM majors. Other majors may still apply when they meet GPA and need rules, but spell out academic goals clearly.
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✓Full-time undergraduate or graduate enrollmentEnroll full time at an accredited post-high institution in the United States as an undergraduate or graduate student.
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✓Demonstrated financial needSubmit the hardship essay and financial documents Pauahi lists: Student & Parent Form, applicable W-2s, and federal income tax returns.
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✓Two service-focused recommendation lettersProvide two letters from a teacher, counselor, employer, or community organization that comment on your character, achievement, and contribution to serving the greater community.
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✓US residency in Hawaiʻi or continental USResidents in the State of Hawaiʻi and on the U.S. continent may apply when they meet academic and need criteria.
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✓Preference for Hawaiian ancestryFoundation policy gives preference to applicants of Hawaiian ancestry to the extent permitted by law.
Benefits
- Number of awards 2 recipients per cycle
- GPA window 2.5 to 3.5 cumulative
- Field preference Business and STEM favored
- Award amount Varies with need and fund income
- Full tuition guarantee Not covered
- Number of awards Shared pool of 2 awards
- GPA window 2.5 to 3.5 cumulative
- STEM / business research Preference applies
- Need-based selection Hardship essay and tax docs
- Living stipend Not specified
Document checklist
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✓Pauahi Foundation online applicationRegister when the 2027-2028 cycle opens and select the Kamehameha Schools Class of 1956 Scholarship.
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✓Financial hardship essayDescribe the financial circumstances or hardships you have faced, linking costs to your business or STEM program when possible.
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✓Student & Parent Form and tax documentsUpload the Student & Parent Form, all applicable W-2s, and the federal income tax return for the tax year Pauahi specifies.
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✓Two recommendation lettersSecure letters from a teacher, counselor, employer, or community organization addressing character, achievement, and community service.
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✓Official transcriptProvide transcripts showing a cumulative GPA between 2.5 and 3.5 and full-time enrollment.
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✓Major documentationUse your Pauahi profile and essays to show business or STEM coursework, especially if your major title is interdisciplinary.
How to apply
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1
Confirm GPA and major fit
Print your transcript and verify cumulative GPA sits between 2.5 and 3.5. Highlight business or STEM coursework in your essays if your major name is unconventional.
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2
Line up employer or mentor recommenders
Employers may write for this fund. Ask for stories about service and achievement, not only job performance.
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3
Gather tax forms and draft the hardship essay
Collect W-2s, federal returns, and the Student & Parent Form before the portal opens October 1, 2026.
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4
Open the Pauahi portal
Sign in at pauahi.org/postsecondary-scholarships and add the Class of 1956 scholarship plus any other eligible funds.
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5
Upload transcripts and letters
Attach academic records, both recommendation letters, and financial documents in one complete submission.
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6
Submit before December 1, 2026
Meet the 2027-2028 postsecondary deadline unless Pauahi announces an extension.
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7
Accept award and verify enrollment
Respond promptly to spring 2027 notifications and send enrollment verification for disbursement.
Deadline and timeline
FAQ
What is the Kamehameha Schools Class of 1956 Scholarship?
It is a Pauahi Foundation legacy fund that awards two need-based scholarships per cycle to full-time undergraduate or graduate students with a cumulative GPA between 2.5 and 3.5, with preference for business and STEM majors.
What GPA is required for the Class of 1956 scholarship?
Your cumulative GPA must fall between 2.5 and 3.5 on a 4.0 scale. Students below 2.5 or above 3.5 should look at other Pauahi funds such as the Class of 1952 or 1954 listings.
Does the 1956 scholarship require a STEM or business major?
Pauahi lists preference for business and STEM majors. You may still apply from other fields if you meet the GPA and need rules, but explain your academic plan clearly.
How many recommendation letters does the 1956 fund require?
You submit two letters from a teacher, counselor, employer, or community organization. Writers should address character, achievement, and community service.
When is the Class of 1956 scholarship deadline?
Pauahi opens the 2027-2028 postsecondary application on October 1, 2026 and closes it on December 1, 2026.
Can graduate students apply for the 1956 scholarship?
Yes. Full-time graduate students within the 2.5 to 3.5 GPA window may apply, especially in business or STEM graduate programs.
How much is the Class of 1956 scholarship worth?
Pauahi does not publish a fixed amount. Expect a partial award based on verified need and fund income.
Can mainland students win the 1956 scholarship?
Yes. The fund welcomes applicants in the State of Hawaiʻi and on the U.S. continent who meet GPA, enrollment, and financial need requirements.
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