USA Scholarships
Violet K. Hughes Jr. Education Scholarship 2027
The Violet K. ''32 and Henry T. Hughes, Jr. Scholarship supports one full-time graduate or fifth-year certification student each cycle who majors in education at an accredited U.S. college or university. Pauahi Foundation lists the fund for learners in Hawaiʻi and on the mainland, with no published minimum GPA on the community guidebook table. Reviewers expect community service or extracurricular involvement plus interest in Hawaiian language, culture, or history and a plan to contribute to the greater community after you earn your credential. Pauahi gives preference to applicants of Hawaiian ancestry where permitted by law. Apply when the 2027-2028 postsecondary portal opens October 1, 2026 and closes December 1, 2026.
What is the Violet K. '32 and Henry T. Hughes, Jr. Scholarship?
The Violet K. '32 and Henry T. Hughes, Jr. Scholarship backs one educator-in-training each year who is already deep into graduate work or a fifth-year certification program. Pauahi Foundation keeps the academic gate simple on paper: full-time enrollment, an education major, and an accredited U.S. campus in Hawaiʻi or on the mainland. The competition still turns on your story, because reviewers want to see community service, a thread of Hawaiian language or culture, and a credible plan to keep contributing after you earn your credential.
Only one student receives the grant each cycle, so every essay and activity entry needs to earn its place. Pauahi does not publish a minimum GPA for this fund, which can help if your graduate practicum terms pulled your average down temporarily. Full-time status is non-negotiable, though, so confirm your credit load against Pauahi's live definitions before you submit.
Preference for Hawaiian ancestry applies where the law allows, and the award amount follows endowed fund income. Open the unified portal October 1, 2026, add the Hughes fund, and file before December 1, 2026 for 2027-2028 support.
Eligibility
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✓Graduate or fifth-year certification studentYou must be a graduate student or a fifth-year certification student pursuing a credential in education. Undergraduate-only applicants do not match this listing.
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✓Education major or pathwayYour program must focus on education at an accredited two- or four-year institution in Hawaiʻi or the continental United States.
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✓Full-time classified enrollmentEnroll full time as a classified student. Pauahi does not list half-time eligibility for the Hughes fund.
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✓U.S. residencyYou must be a U.S. resident and meet Pauahi's residency questions on the live postsecondary application.
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✓Community service or activitiesDocument volunteer work, clubs, or leadership in your Pauahi profile so reviewers see how you serve beyond coursework.
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✓Hawaiian culture and community commitmentExplain your interest in Hawaiian language, culture, or history and how you plan to contribute to the greater community after you complete your education program.
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✓Hawaiian ancestry preferencePauahi Foundation policy gives preference to applicants of Hawaiian ancestry to the extent permitted by law. Other eligible education students may still compete.
Benefits
- Number of scholarships 1 recipient per cycle
- Eligible level Graduate or 5th-year certification
- Eligible field Education degrees and credentials
- Award amount Varies with endowed fund income
- Undergraduate study Not eligible for this fund
- Half-time enrollment Not listed as eligible
Document checklist
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✓Pauahi Foundation online applicationRegister on the Pauahi postsecondary portal when the 2027-2028 cycle opens and select the Violet K. '32 and Henry T. Hughes, Jr. Scholarship.
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✓Most recent transcriptUpload graduate or certification-program transcripts that show full-time classified enrollment in an education major.
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✓Resume or activity listList teaching practica, tutoring, community service, and cultural activities that support your education and lāhui narrative.
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✓Personal statement and portal essaysComplete Pauahi's shared prompts about service, cultural connection, and your plans to contribute after graduation.
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✓Program verification if requestedBe ready to confirm your fifth-year certification or graduate education pathway if Pauahi staff ask during review.
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✓Recommendation letters if requiredFollow the live portal checklist for the year you apply. Some cycles require letters when you pair this fund with other Pauahi awards.
How to apply
Deadline and timeline
FAQ
What is the Violet K. Hughes Jr. Scholarship?
It is a Pauahi Foundation endowed fund named for Violet K. Class of 1932 and Henry T. Hughes, Jr. One scholarship supports a full-time graduate or fifth-year certification student majoring in education at an accredited U.S. institution.
Who qualifies for the Violet K. and Henry T. Hughes scholarship?
You must be a graduate student or fifth-year certification student pursuing education full time at an accredited college in Hawaiʻi or the continental United States, with documented service and a plan to contribute to your community.
Is there a minimum GPA for the Hughes education scholarship?
Pauahi's community guidebook table lists no minimum GPA for this fund. Strong academic progress still helps, but the published gate focuses on level, major, and full-time enrollment.
Can undergraduate education majors apply for the Hughes scholarship?
No. The listing targets graduate students and fifth-year certification students. Undergraduates should look at other Pauahi funds that match their study level.
Is the Violet K. Hughes Jr. scholarship need-based?
BigFuture classifies the fund as not need-based. Emphasize your education pathway, service, cultural connection, and essays unless you also apply to Pauahi need scholarships in the same cycle.
When is the Hughes 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 many Hughes scholarships does Pauahi award?
The official listing specifies one award per cycle. Dollar amounts follow endowed fund income rather than a fixed public stipend.
Do I need Hawaiian ancestry for the Hughes scholarship?
Pauahi gives preference to applicants of Hawaiian ancestry where the law allows. Other eligible education students may still compete when they meet program and enrollment rules.
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