USA Scholarships
Kamehameha Class of 1965 Scholarship 2027
The Kamehameha Schools Class of 1965 Scholarship supports one full-time undergraduate each cycle who attends an accredited two- or four-year vocational, trade, technical, or bachelor''s degree program and holds at least a 2.5 cumulative GPA. Pauahi selects on demonstrated financial need after you submit a hardship essay, the Student & Parent Form, applicable W-2s, federal income tax returns, and two letters from teachers, counselors, coaches, clergy, employers, or community leaders attesting to your character. Applicants in the State of Hawaiʻi and on the U.S. continent may apply, and Pauahi gives preference to students of Hawaiian ancestry to the extent permitted by law. Add this fund when the 2027-2028 postsecondary portal opens October 1, 2026 and closes December 1, 2026.
What is the Kamehameha Schools Class of 1965 Scholarship?
The Class of 1965 set aside one need-based seat for undergraduates who learn a trade or earn a bachelor's degree without a sky-high GPA on paper. Pauahi Foundation expects at least a 2.5 cumulative average and proof that tuition bills outpace what your family can cover after other aid.
Two recommendation letters must speak to character. A coach who watched you show up after a loss, or an employer who trusted you with keys, often tells a stronger story than a form letter about grades alone. Gather W-2s, tax returns, and the Student & Parent Form early because the hardship essay should match the numbers reviewers see.
Graduate students should look elsewhere in the Pauahi catalog. For vocational and bachelor's paths, mark October 1 through December 1, 2026 for the 2027-28 cycle, compare rules with the Class of 1950 Scholarship 2027, and file through Pauahi postsecondary scholarships.
Eligibility
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✓Minimum 2.5 cumulative GPAMaintain at least a 2.5 cumulative GPA on the scale Pauahi specifies. Transcripts below that threshold do not match the Class of 1965 listing.
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✓Vocational, trade, technical, or bachelor's programEnroll full time in an accredited two- or four-year post-high vocational, trade, technical, or bachelor's degree program in the United States. Graduate-only programs fall outside this fund.
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✓Demonstrated financial needSubmit the hardship essay and financial documents Pauahi lists: Student & Parent Form, all applicable W-2s, and federal income tax returns for the tax year the portal names.
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✓Two character recommendation lettersProvide two letters from a teacher, counselor, coach, clergy member, employer, or community leader attesting to your character.
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✓Full-time enrollmentAttend and remain enrolled full time in your accredited program for the academic year the award covers.
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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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✓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 GPA, enrollment, and need rules.
Benefits
- Number of awards 1 recipient per cycle
- Program types Accredited voc, trade, or tech
- Minimum GPA 2.5 cumulative
- Award amount Varies with need and fund income
- Full tuition guarantee Not covered
- Number of awards Same single award pool
- Four-year programs Accredited bachelor's eligible
- Need-based selection Hardship essay and tax docs
- Two character LORs Required
- Graduate study Not covered
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 1965 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 teachers, counselors, coaches, clergy, employers, or community leaders that speak to your character, not only grades or job skills.
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✓Official transcriptProvide transcripts showing at least a 2.5 cumulative GPA and full-time enrollment in an eligible program.
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✓Enrollment verification after awardIf selected, submit any enrollment confirmation Pauahi requests so funds can disburse to your school.
How to apply
Deadline and timeline
FAQ
What is the Kamehameha Schools Class of 1965 Scholarship?
It is a Pauahi Foundation legacy fund that awards one need-based scholarship per cycle to a full-time undergraduate in an accredited vocational, trade, technical, or bachelor's program who meets the 2.5 GPA minimum and documents financial need.
What GPA is required for the Class of 1965 scholarship?
You need at least a 2.5 cumulative GPA. Students below that threshold should explore other Pauahi funds with different academic rules.
Can graduate students apply for the Class of 1965 scholarship?
No. Pauahi limits this listing to full-time undergraduates in eligible two- or four-year post-high programs.
What programs qualify for the Class of 1965 scholarship?
Accredited two- or four-year vocational, trade, technical, and bachelor's degree programs qualify. Confirm your school appears on Pauahi's recognized list when you apply.
How many recommendation letters does the 1965 fund require?
You submit two letters from teachers, counselors, coaches, clergy, employers, or community leaders attesting to your character.
When is the Class of 1965 scholarship deadline?
Pauahi opens the 2027-2028 postsecondary application on October 1, 2026 and closes it on December 1, 2026.
How much is the Class of 1965 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 Class of 1965 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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