Best Grants for Teachers Continuing Education in Hawaii

The Department of Defense Research and Education Program aims to support Historically Black Colleges and Universities and Minority-Serving Institutions by enhancing defense-related research and educational capabilities. This initiative encourages collaboration with other educational institutions and government organizations to increase STEM graduates and strengthen national defense. Eligible applicants include accredited minority institutions and community colleges. The program is open until July 31, 2029, providing a significant opportunity for institutions meeting the defined criteria.

The Beacon Scholarship for Rural America, sponsored by Carrot-Top Industries, Inc., offers $1,000 scholarships to support low-income students from rural areas pursuing higher education. Eligible applicants must be graduating high school seniors, current college students, or adult learners with a GPA of 3.0 or higher, and reside in a rural area. The scholarship aims to empower students by alleviating financial burdens as they enroll in accredited college programs.

This funding opportunity invites academic and research institutions to enhance shared biomedical research facilities through the purchase of modern scientific equipment. Aimed at core laboratories and animal research facilities, the program seeks to improve operational efficiency and strengthen research-auxiliary activities. Note that the funding does not cover individual research instruments or indirect infrastructure components. Applications are due by 5:00 PM local time.

The Hapai Pohaku Scholarship Fund, established in 2018 by Kapolei homestead leaders, aims to support students from the Kapolei homestead in pursuing higher education. Eligible applicants must be Hawaii residents, maintain a minimum GPA of 2.0, and be high school graduates or equivalents. The fund emphasizes the importance of community engagement, as applicants must reside in the Kapolei Region and will be verified by the homestead president. This scholarship fosters educational advancement within the local community.

The Guy Marshall Scholarship Fund, established in 2008 by the advisors of the Cecil G. Marshall Fund, aims to support students from Hawaii pursuing their undergraduate education in the continental U.S. This scholarship emphasizes financial need and requires a minimum GPA of 3.0. Eligible applicants must be high school seniors or entering freshmen from Hawaii and intend to maintain support throughout their four years of study.

The Good Eats Scholarship Fund aims to support aspiring professionals in agriculture and culinary arts who will bring enhanced food quality to Hawaii. Eligible applicants must demonstrate financial need, maintain a minimum GPA of 2.7, and show commitment to food-related programs. Preference is given to previous recipients who continue to meet the criteria. This initiative fosters local talent and encourages a strong connection to food production in the islands.

The Maximizing Opportunities for Scientific and Academic Independent Careers (MOSAIC) program aims to enhance diversity in research by supporting early career investigators from underrepresented backgrounds. This initiative offers a K99/R00 career transition award for postdoctoral scholars and a UE5 cooperative agreement that provides mentorship and professional development. The program's goal is to ensure successful transitions into independent, tenure-track faculty roles in NIH mission areas, ultimately fostering a more inclusive scientific community.

The MOSAIC Organizational Research Education Award aims to enhance diversity in biomedical research by supporting educational initiatives for individuals from underrepresented backgrounds. This NIH program focuses on developing skills through creative courses and mentoring activities designed for the next generation of researchers. Organizations with a proven track record in professional development and networking are encouraged to apply, helping to prepare K99/R00 grantees for successful faculty careers in research-intensive institutions.

The MOSAIC Postdoctoral Career Transition Award (K99/R00) aims to enhance diversity in the biomedical sciences by supporting early career investigators from diverse backgrounds. This program facilitates the transition from mentored postdoctoral positions to independent faculty roles. Awardees will receive NIH research support and engage in professional development, mentoring, and networking activities to foster their competitive research careers, ultimately contributing to a more diverse scientific workforce in NIH mission areas.

The Toraji & Toki Yoshinaga Scholarship Fund, established in 1996 by the Hawai‘i Community Foundation, supports students attending BYU-Hawaii, Chaminade University, or Hawaii Pacific University. Award amounts vary, typically averaging around $6,000, based on financial need and academic standing. Applicants must be residents of Hawai‘i and maintain at least a 2.0 GPA. Preference is given to previous recipients who continue to meet eligibility criteria.

The William Lew Scholarship Fund, established by the Hawai‘i Community Foundation, provides financial support for students pursuing bachelor's degrees in business and associates degrees in culinary arts. This scholarship honors the memory of William Lew and aims to assist students of Chinese ethnicity residing in Hawai‘i, with awards averaging around $6,000. Eligible candidates must demonstrate financial need, maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA, and attend specific University of Hawaii campuses.

The Ray Yoshida Kauai Fine Arts Scholarship, established in 2006 by renowned artist Raymond Yoshida, supports Hawaii residents pursuing fine arts. Eligible applicants must be high school seniors from Kauai with a minimum GPA of 2.7 and demonstrate financial need. This scholarship honors Yoshida's legacy of artistic education and aims to empower the next generation of artists from Hawaii.

The Pat Shinobu Scholarship Fund, established in 2015 by the Hawai‘i Community Foundation, aims to support students from Hawai‘i pursuing higher education. Eligible applicants must be full-time undergraduate students with a minimum GPA of 2.7, demonstrate financial need, and provide a recommendation letter. Preference is given to public high school graduates from Hawai'i Island and previous recipients who maintain eligibility. This fund fosters educational opportunities and equity within the community.

The S&G Labs Hawaii Scholarship Fund, established by the Hawai‘i Community Foundation in 2018, aims to support students transitioning from drug treatment into educational training. Applicants must be Hawaii residents with financial need, maintaining a minimum GPA of 2.5, and enrolled full-time in an accredited institution. Average awards are around $6,000, depending on available funds and applicant qualifications. This initiative fosters equity and opportunity for vulnerable communities in Hawaii.

The Otto & Aegun Hensens Educational Fund, established in 2018, supports Hawaii high school graduates pursuing degrees in medicine, science, technology, engineering, or mathematics. To qualify, applicants must be residents of Hawaii, maintain a GPA of 2.0 or higher, and demonstrate financial need. Preference is given to previous recipients and members of the Aiea Korean Methodist Church. This fund plays a vital role in fostering future leaders in STEM fields.

The Health Equity Data Access Program (HEDAP) offers funding for six seats in the CMS Virtual Research Data Center, enabling researchers to access critical CMS data for minority health research. Focused on various health topics, HEDAP aims to tackle health disparities among underserved populations, including racial and ethnic minorities and individuals affected by poverty. The program encourages innovative research methods and intersectional approaches, enhancing researchers' capacity to utilize CMS data effectively while providing actionable insights for stakeholders.

The Michael John Perry Fund I, established by Michael John Perry, supports Maui residents pursuing a career as commercial pilots. Eligible students must maintain a minimum GPA of 2.0, demonstrate financial need, and be in good academic standing. The fund prefers previous recipients who continue to meet eligibility criteria. This initiative aims to empower local students in their aviation careers, contributing to the development of skilled pilots from Hawaii.

The Marion Maccarrell Scott Scholarship, established by Gertrude F. Straub in memory of her father, supports students from Hawai'i public high schools planning to attend college on the mainland. Eligible applicants must demonstrate financial need, possess good character, and maintain a minimum GPA of 2.8. This scholarship encourages studies in fields related to history, government, and international relations, promoting an understanding of world cooperation and peace.

The Margaret Follett Haskins (Maui) Scholarship Fund, established in honor of a dedicated educator, aims to support Hawaii residents pursuing higher education. Eligible applicants include undergraduate juniors or seniors at the University of Hawaii Maui College with a minimum 3.0 GPA and financial need. Preference is given to past recipients who maintain eligibility. This initiative reflects Haskins' belief in the transformative power of education, providing vital assistance to deserving students in their academic journeys.

The Margaret Follett Haskins Scholarship, established in memory of a dedicated educator, supports residents of Hawai‘i who have graduated from a community college and plan to further their studies at a University of Hawaii campus. This scholarship prioritizes applicants with a minimum GPA of 3.5 and demonstrated financial need. Recipients from the previous year are given preference if they continue to meet eligibility requirements. This initiative fosters educational advancement and honors Margaret's commitment to learning.

The Lori Lee Kondo Scholarship Fund, established in 2020 by the Hawai'i Community Foundation, supports graduates of Kauai Public High Schools who demonstrate financial need and maintain a minimum GPA of 2.0. Eligible applicants must be residents of Hawaii and continue their education at the undergraduate or graduate level. Previous recipients can reapply if they meet the criteria and remain in good academic standing, fostering academic success and community engagement.

The Laura Rowe Burdick Scholarship Fund, established by a dedicated educator from Wailuku Elementary School, supports Maui County high school seniors pursuing higher education or vocational training. Applicants must demonstrate financial need and a minimum GPA of 2.7. Preference is given to those committed to returning to their community after graduation. This scholarship aims to empower local students to succeed and contribute positively, fostering growth and resilience within Maui County.

The Creative Projects Grant, previously known as the Creative Catalyst Grant, supports Illinois artists and non-profit organizations in developing arts-related projects, events, and professional growth. With an open deadline until funds are expended, applicants must submit their proposals at least eight weeks before their project's start date. As of September 2025, demand exceeds available funds, and award notifications continue as reviews are completed. Future details for the FY27 grants will be announced next year.

The Lannice and Kevin Chang Scholarship Fund, established in 2022, aims to support students from Kauai, Hawaii. Applicants must be Hawaii residents demonstrating financial need and maintaining a minimum GPA of 2.0. Preference is given to prior recipients who continue to meet eligibility requirements. This initiative by the Hawai'i Community Foundation underscores a commitment to educational support for local students, fostering academic success and community growth.

The Fogarty Emerging Global Leader Award supports early career research scientists from low- or middle-income countries (LMIC) by providing research funding and mentored career development for three to five years. This program encourages LMIC scientists in health-related fields to develop projects aligned with their country's health priorities, fostering independent research careers within their institutions. Applications are welcomed from junior faculty members, enhancing global health research and capacity in LMICs.

The NIDCD Early Career Research (ECR) Award (R21) supports new scientists establishing independent research careers in areas related to hearing, balance, smell, taste, voice, speech, or language. This grant encourages innovative projects such as secondary data analysis, small research initiatives, and technology development, aiming to generate preliminary data for future R01 applications. All applications must be submitted by 5:00 PM local time of the applicant organization.

The Rise for Education Grant Program offers funding for hydroponic classroom gardens that enhance STEM education and nutrition. This initiative encourages hands-on learning, integrating STEM and arts through practical gardening projects. Eligible applicants include schools, homeschooling families, and educational organizations. The program fosters community building and entrepreneurship via activities like Farmer's Markets, while boosting student engagement and developing essential skills. By implementing this program, educators can create an engaging and interactive learning environment year-round.