Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 33, Number 6, 1 June 2016 — Scholarship targets future doctors, engineers and scientists [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

Scholarship targets future doctors, engineers and scientists

By Ka Wai Ola Staff Anew scholarship opportunity has opened up for Native Hawaiians interested in heeoming heahh practitioners, environmental stewards, forensic specialists and scientists. Chaminade University and Kamehameha Schools have partnered to provide $5.5 million in scholarships over five years to students pursuing bachelor's degrees in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), one of the fastest growing segments of the workforce. The Ho'oulu STEM Scholarship Agreement creates an opportunity for Native Hawaiian students pursing BS degrees in STEM subjects to receive full tuition assistance at Chaminade, and possibly four years of living expense assistance, as well. This aid would allow stu-

dents to finish college in four years, without the worry of accumulating significant debt. "The program removes Ananeial and non-financial barriers to Native Hawaiian success in STEM, and in parallel reflects our faculty's commitment to curriculum and pedagogy that bridge science and root culture," said Chaminade Dean of Natural Sciences and Mathematics Helen Turner. "Solutions to heahh, environmental and justice ehallenges are to be found in science and technology, and we envision Ho'oulu students leading the eommunity in the future to strengthen the lāhui." The memorandumof understanding between the two educational institutions makes $5.45 million in scholarships available for five years. Both schools are eommhted to improving participation and access to STEM education

for Native Hawaiians. This fall, Chaminade will be welcoming 25 freshmen and 10 transfer students who plan to pursue degrees in biology, biochemistry, forensic sciences, environmental studies, nursing, pre-med and pre-health. "Both Chaminade University and Kamehameha Schools are committed to helping raise and equip future leaders of Hawai'i and beyond. This program is a great step forward and builds momentum for our partnership as we collaborate to create and advance educational opportunities at the collegiate level," said Kamehameha Schools Chief Executive Officer Livingston "Jack" Wong. "We look forward to continuing to work with Chaminade to a set a new trajectory for student opportunities and career choices, enabling healthy, prosperous lives." ■

Both Chaminade University and Kamehameha Schools are committed to helping raise and equip future leaders of Hawai'i and beyond." — Livingston "Jack" Wong, Kamehameha Schools Chief Executive Ofhcer

This past academic year, Chaminade University and Kamehameha Schools signed an agreement to provide scholarships for Native Hawaiians pursuing careers in STEM fields. From left to right, Chaminade Dean of Natural Sciences and Mathematics Helen Turner, PhD; Kamehameha Schools Trustees Mieah Kāne and Lanee Wilhelm; Kamehameha Schools CE0 Jack Wong (sitting); former Chaminade Director of the Office of Native Hawaiian Partnerships RaeDeen Keahiolalo-Karasuda, PhD; Chaminade Board of Regents Chair Vaughn Vasconcellos; Chaminade President Bro. Bernard PloegerSM, PhD (sitting); Chaminade Regentand Oueen Liliuokalani TrustTrustee Patrick Yim (Ret. Judge); and Kamehameha Schools Vice President of Strategy and lnnovation Lauren Nahme. - Photo: Courtesy ofChaminade University