USA Scholarships
Kamehameha Class of 1972 Scholarship 2027 - Pauahi
The Kamehameha Schools Class of 1972 Scholarship targets learners whose paths were marked by hardship yet who still show the drive to grow through education. Pauahi Foundation administers two need-based awards for full-time undergraduate or graduate students at accredited U.S. institutions. You need at least a 2.8 GPA, documented financial need, an essay on obstacles you faced, a separate hardship essay, tax forms, and two recommendation letters, including one from a counselor or social service agency who can speak to extraordinary life circumstances. Pauahi welcomes residents in Hawaiʻi and on the continental United States and may prefer applicants of Hawaiian ancestry as permitted by law. Add this fund when the 2027-2028 postsecondary application opens October 1, 2026 and closes December 1, 2026.
What is the Kamehameha Schools Class of 1972 Scholarship?
The Class of 1972 built this fund for students who kept moving forward after life turned harsh. Pauahi Foundation awards two need-based scholarships each cycle to full-time undergraduates and graduate students who can name the obstacles they faced, show how those events shaped them, and still point to a clear academic plan. The listing mentions trauma, poverty, violence, and health crises as examples, not as a checklist you must match item for item. What matters is honest context plus evidence that school will genuinely help you rebuild.
Paperwork is heavier than a typical merit award. You will write two essays, upload tax forms, and secure a counselor or social service letter that speaks directly to your circumstances, alongside a second mentor who knows your character. A 2.8 GPA floor keeps the bar realistic for students whose transcripts reflect years of instability rather than perfect grades.
You can study in Mānoa or Minneapolis as long as your institution is accredited and you enroll full time. Mark October 1 through December 1, 2026 for the 2027-28 cycle, pair this fund with the Class of 1971 Get Chance Scholarship 2027 only if you are still a high school senior rather than a current college student, and use Pauahi postsecondary scholarships for the live checklist.
Eligibility
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✓Full-time postsecondary enrollmentEnroll full time as a classified undergraduate or graduate student at an accredited U.S. college, university, or program Pauahi recognizes for the 2027-2028 academic year.
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✓Minimum 2.8 GPAPauahi lists a 2.8 GPA minimum for this fund. Your transcript should meet or exceed that threshold when you apply.
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✓Challenging life circumstancesThe Class of 1972 fund serves individuals whose lives were impacted by difficult or traumatic events such as loss of a family member, domestic violence, abuse, poverty, or major health problems, yet who show motivation to benefit from education.
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✓Demonstrated financial needDocument need through the hardship essay and the Student & Parent Form, W-2s, and federal tax returns Pauahi requests for the 2027-28 cycle.
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✓US residency in Hawaiʻi or continental USThe listing is open to qualifying residents in the State of Hawaiʻi and on the U.S. continent. Follow residency questions on the live application.
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✓Preference for Hawaiian ancestryFoundation policy gives preference to students of Hawaiian ancestry to the extent permitted by law. Non-Hawaiian applicants remain eligible when they meet need, GPA, and circumstance criteria.
Benefits
- Number of scholarships 2 recipients per cycle
- Award amount Varies with endowed fund income
- Study levels Undergraduate and graduate
- Need-based selection Hardship essay and financial docs required
- Combined Pauahi applications Multiple funds in one submission
- Full tuition guarantee Not covered
- High school seniors only Not covered (postsecondary fund)
Document checklist
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✓Pauahi Foundation online applicationRegister on the Pauahi postsecondary portal when the 2027-28 cycle opens and select the Kamehameha Schools Class of 1972 Scholarship.
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✓Obstacle essayAnswer the prompt asking you to recount a challenge, setback, or failure, describe how it affected you, and explain what you learned from the experience.
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✓Financial hardship essayRespond to the prompt asking you to describe financial circumstances or hardships you have faced, including how challenges affected your academic and personal life.
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✓Student & Parent Form and tax documentsUpload the Student & Parent Form, all applicable W-2s, and federal income tax returns for the tax year Pauahi specifies in the live checklist for 2027-28.
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✓Counselor or social service recommendationSubmit one letter from a counselor or social service agency that cites your challenging life circumstances and how you would benefit from this scholarship.
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✓Second letter of recommendationProvide a second letter from a teacher, clergy member, community leader, nonprofit contact, or similar mentor who knows your character and goals.
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✓Most recent transcriptUpload official or unofficial transcripts showing full-time enrollment and a GPA of at least 2.8.
How to apply
Deadline and timeline
FAQ
What is the Kamehameha Schools Class of 1972 Scholarship?
It is a Pauahi Foundation need-based fund created by the Kamehameha Schools Class of 1972. Two scholarships support full-time undergraduate or graduate students who document financial need, hold at least a 2.8 GPA, and show how difficult life circumstances shaped their path yet left them motivated to succeed in school.
Who should apply for the Class of 1972 scholarship?
Postsecondary students whose lives were impacted by events such as family loss, violence, abuse, poverty, or serious health problems, and who can explain those experiences through essays and a counselor or social service recommendation, may apply when they also meet the 2.8 GPA and financial need rules.
What GPA do I need for the Class of 1972 scholarship?
Pauahi lists a minimum GPA of 2.8 for this fund. Upload a transcript that shows you meet that threshold while enrolled full time in an eligible program.
What essays does the Class of 1972 scholarship require?
You must answer the obstacle prompt about a challenge, setback, or failure and a separate hardship prompt about financial circumstances you have faced. Each essay should stand on its own with concrete details.
What recommendation letters does the Class of 1972 scholarship need?
Pauahi requires one letter from a social service agency or counselor who can cite your challenging life circumstances and a second letter from another mentor such as a teacher, clergy member, or community leader.
When is the Class of 1972 scholarship deadline for 2027?
Plan on an October 1, 2026 opening and a December 1, 2026 close for the 2027-2028 Pauahi postsecondary cycle. Confirm timestamps on the live portal before you submit.
How much is the Class of 1972 scholarship worth?
Pauahi lists two awards per cycle without a single fixed public dollar cap. Disbursement follows endowed fund income and your documented need after selection.
Can high school seniors apply for the Class of 1972 scholarship?
This fund targets classified full-time undergraduate and graduate students, not graduating high school seniors. Seniors should review the Class of 1971 Get Chance Scholarship if they need a high school-level Pauahi fund.
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