Best Grants for International Development in Hawaii

St. Julian and Adrienne Simpkins Book Award

To provide book awards to students pursuing higher education.

Number and Size of Awards

Up to five awards of $500 each; paid in one lump sum in the Fall semester.

Allowed Use of Award

Awards may be used for college textbook expenses.

The Robert L. Wesley Award, established by the SOM Foundation in 2020, honors BIPOC undergraduate students in architecture and related fields. Each year, three students receive a $10,000 award along with mentorship from leading BIPOC professionals. This initiative aims to support the educational journey of these students, enabling them to pursue their aspirations in design without financial constraints. The award fosters a community of support, encouraging the next generation of licensed architects to thrive.

The Lillian & Warren Woodward Memorial Scholarship, awarded by the Elk Grove Regional Scholarship Foundation, supports students pursuing education, especially in teaching or special education. This $1,000 scholarship is available to students from eligible Elk Grove schools with a minimum GPA of 3.0. Applicants must demonstrate community service involvement and write an essay reflecting their experiences. The scholarship aims to enhance educational opportunities and foster community engagement among youth.

The Laura A. Lujan Autry Scholarship Fund provides financial support of $1,750 to eligible students from specific schools such as Elk Grove High and Cosumnes River College. Applicants must have a minimum GPA of 3.0 and demonstrate financial need. This scholarship encourages students with interests in nursing and agricultural programs, particularly those from single-parent households or with prior involvement in relevant activities. It aims to enhance educational opportunities within the community.

The Kiwanis Club of Rancho Murieta offers the Turn Around Scholarship to support local students in their educational pursuits. Six scholarships of $1,000 each are available for eligible high school seniors from Pleasant Grove, Sheldon, Calvine, Las Flores, Rio Cazadero, and William Daylor. Applicants must demonstrate academic improvement and a minimum GPA of 3.0, as well as overcome personal challenges. This initiative aims to empower youth and strengthen community ties.

The Kiwanis Club of Rancho Murieta offers scholarships to graduating high school seniors who are residents of Rancho Murieta, Sloughhouse, or Wilton. With three scholarships available at $2,000 each, eligibility includes a minimum GPA of 2.0 and full-time enrollment in a post-secondary institution. Applicants must participate in school and community activities, and provide two letters of recommendation. This initiative supports local youth in their educational pursuits.

The Kiwanis Club of Elk Grove Scholarship offers a $1,000 award to eligible high school students from Elk Grove, including Elk Grove High, Cosumnes High, Laguna Creek High, and Monterey Trail High. Applicants must maintain a minimum GPA of 2.5, demonstrate full-time enrollment in a post-secondary institution, and participate in school and community activities. A Key Club membership and a 200-500 word essay detailing the applicant's experiences and future goals are also required.

The Kiwanis Club of Elk Grove offers the Jessie Baker Memorial Scholarship, valued at $1,000, aimed at supporting local students pursuing education in Special Education Teaching or related fields. Applicants must be full-time students from designated Elk Grove high schools, maintain a minimum GPA of 2.5, and demonstrate financial need. A personal essay outlining educational objectives is required, along with participation in school and community activities, ensuring a commitment to both academic and civic engagement.

The Lester Little Ag Education Scholarship, offered by the Muskingum County Community Foundation, aims to support graduating seniors pursuing higher education in agricultural studies. Scholarships will be awarded to students from John Glenn, Philo, Tri-Valley, Maysville, and West Muskingum High Schools. Preference is given to those active in their school's ag programs and 4-H, with additional consideration for female applicants, fostering a commitment to agricultural education and community engagement.

The Buhl Regional Health Foundation Scholarships provide essential financial support to students pursuing healthcare education. Open to high school seniors from Mercer County, PA, these scholarships enable recipients to earn degrees, diplomas, or certificates in various healthcare fields. By investing in the education of future healthcare professionals, the foundation aims to enhance community well-being and empower students to develop vital skills for a successful career in healthcare.

The American Academy of Optometry Foundation is inviting applications for the 2025-26 Allison Summers Pediatric Pilot Grant. This $10,000 grant aims to support mid-career optometrists in conducting pilot research that fosters new collaborations and innovative projects in pediatric optometry. Eligible candidates must be Fellows of the Academy and demonstrate a commitment to advancing pediatric research. The deadline for submitting the Letter of Intent is August 4, 2025.

The Jack and Mary Rowe Memorial Scholarship Fund honors the legacy of Jack and Mary Rowe by supporting high school graduates in Duluth, Hermantown, or Proctor who are pursuing engineering studies. This scholarship, valued at $4,500 for one year, recognizes academic excellence without considering financial need, encouraging students with a GPA of 3.9 or higher, or 3.5 in honors courses, to apply and engage in extracurricular activities.

The Valley Hospital Auxiliary has been supporting future healthcare professionals since 1961 by providing scholarships to high school seniors and undergraduate students. In 2025, they awarded $30,000 to 21 exceptional students who have shown academic excellence and a commitment to healthcare. This initiative not only benefits the recipients but also contributes to the community by nurturing the next generation of medical leaders. Eligible high school students can reapply throughout their college years, ensuring continuous support for their educational journeys.

The Four Directions Scholarship Fund for Native Students, created by Penny Gill, aims to support Ojibwe students through higher education. With a total award of $10,000 distributed over four years, the scholarship is available to enrolled members of specific Chippewa tribes who demonstrate financial need. It reflects Gill's commitment to sharing educational opportunities with her community on Madeline Island, honoring the original caretakers of the land.

The National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI) is set to release a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) focused on the ethical, legal, and social implications (ELSI) of genomics. This initiative aims to explore how genomics can enhance health and well-being while addressing its broader societal impacts. The NHGRI encourages applications from diverse academic disciplines to promote innovative and replicable research approaches that effectively analyze the consequences of genomic advancements.

The Duluth Building & Construction Trades Council Scholarship Fund provides $2,500 for one year to eligible applicants. To qualify, students must have a parent or legal guardian who is a member of one of the 17 unions affiliated with the council and must be graduates of any school within the DSACF service area with a GPA of 2.75 or higher. Preference is given to those pursuing careers in healthcare, but all career paths are encouraged to apply.

The Gerald & Sybil Cohen Family Foundation Scholarship aims to ease the financial burden of college costs for students pursuing education in STEM fields. Open to U.S. citizens aged 18 and older with a minimum GPA of 3.5, the scholarship is available for public colleges and universities. Preference is given to dependents of former employees of Information Builders, Inc. Awards are not guaranteed and may vary in amount.

The Bernard B. and Mary L. Brusin Scholarship Fund offers financial support to Jewish and Roman Catholic students from specific Duluth-area high schools. Established in 1987, this scholarship honors the Brusins' commitment to education and community service. Award amounts range from $5,000 to $10,000 annually, with a total potential of $40,000 over four years. Eligible applicants must demonstrate financial need and a dedication to community involvement.

The Amelia and Emanuel Nessell Family Scholarship Fund supports students in financial need, prioritizing Jewish applicants. Established in 1997 in memory of Amelia and Emanuel Nessell, this scholarship reflects the family's commitment to education. Eligible candidates must be Duluth public or private school graduates with a GPA of 3.0 or higher and active in extracurriculars. Award amounts range from $1,250 to $1,500 per year, totaling $2,500 to $3,000 over two years.

The Albert H. Roffers Athletic Scholarship Fund provides financial assistance to graduating senior athletes from Ashland High School. Award amounts range from $1,000 to $1,500 for one year and can be used at accredited educational institutions. This scholarship honors Albert H. Roffers, a dedicated community member who supported local sports programs. Eligible applicants must have participated in two varsity sports, maintained a GPA of 2.0 or higher, and demonstrated both character and financial need.

The National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI) is launching a funding opportunity for the ancient DNA for Modern Genomics (aDMG) program. This initiative aims to create an ethical resource of ancient human DNA to enhance understanding of modern human traits and health. By leveraging both existing and new aDNA data, the program seeks innovative collaborations that integrate ancient and contemporary genomic information. Researchers with expertise in population genomics are encouraged to apply.

Margaret Jones Irvin Scholarship Fund

Fund provides higher education scholarship assistance to students pursuing an undergraduate, graduate, or doctoral degree.

Amount

$1,000+

The Wenatchee Valley Medical Group and Confluence Health Employee Scholarship supports employees and their families pursuing higher education in healthcare. Offered by the Community Foundation of North Central Washington, this scholarship is available for various educational paths, including trade schools, community colleges, and four-year universities. Preference is given to employees, their children, and first-degree relatives, emphasizing those aiming for healthcare-related training. This initiative fosters educational advancement within the community.

The Gil and Kay Sparks Scholarship, established in 2020 by friends of the couple, honors their contributions to the Wenatchee Valley community. This scholarship supports graduating seniors from Westside High School or similar non-traditional schools in Chelan, Douglas, or Okanogan counties, aiming to aid students pursuing further education. Recipients should demonstrate resilience in overcoming life challenges, reflecting the legacy of Gil and Kay, who exemplified community building with humility.

Fund provides scholarships to further the education of young men and women who appear to be able, deserving, and in real need of financial assistance in their post high school education in the fields of either technical, vocational, academic, or professional education.

Amount

• $1,000+

The Community Foundation of Grant County offers over 120 scholarship opportunities for U.S. citizens and eligible noncitizens pursuing higher education at accredited institutions. With more than $1 million awarded annually, the foundation supports students of all backgrounds and academic abilities. Scholarships are competitive and aimed at covering qualified educational expenses, including tuition and fees. Applicants are encouraged to collaborate on proposals, enhancing community impact through education and development.

Sterling High School Alumni Association Scholarship Fund in Memory of Dwight David Huggins

Dwight David Huggins (Class of 1962) contributed to this scholarship with a gift from his estate in 2024. His intent was to assist deserving African American/Black students residing in Greenville County, in need of financial assistance to be able to attend institutions of higher learning while seeking to become lifelong learners and productive, self-sufficient members of our society. The preference for descendants of Sterling High School Alumni and Israel Metropolitan AME church is in recognition of him being a former member of both organizations.