It’s National Scholarship Month and the Hawai’i Medical Service Association (HMSA) is celebrating the 17th year of its annual Kaimana Awards & Scholarship Program, which honors Hawaii high school seniors and their schools for excellence in academics, athletics, community service, healthy activities, and sportsmanship. Applications are now available online and open to graduating high school seniors.
HMSA will award up to 15 students $5,000 scholarships each. To be eligible, applicants must graduate from a Hawaii high school in 2022 with a 2.75 or higher GPA. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, requirements have been relaxed and participation in athletics and involvement in community service during their high school years are encouraged but not required.
“We continue to support our local students as they pursue goals in higher education,” said HMSA Senior Vice President and Chief Community Engagement Officer Kathryn S. Matayoshi. “Our Kaimana Awards & Scholarship Program helps to recognize the future leaders of our state and helps them celebrate their achievements in education.”
Applicants must also submit an official transcript, write a personal statement and essay about community and well-being, and submit two letters of recommendation from school faculty, mentors, or coaches.
Recipients can use their scholarships to pay for college tuition, books, computers, and room and board. Scholarship use is subject to National Collegiate Athletic Association rules and regulations for those who are participating in collegiate sports.
Since 2005, HMSA has sponsored the Kaimana Awards & Scholarship Program in partnership with the Hawaii High School Athletic Association (HHSAA).
To apply, visit https://hmsa.com/kaimana. All applications must be received by Friday, Feb. 25, 2022.
About HMSA
Caring for the people of Hawaii is our promise and our privilege. Working together with employers, partners, and physicians and other health care providers, we promote well-being; develop reliable, affordable health plans; and support members with clear, thoughtful guidance.
HMSA is the most experienced health plan in the state, covering more than half of Hawaii’s population. As a recognized leader, we embrace our responsibility to strengthen the health and well-being of our community.
Headquartered on Oahu with centers and offices statewide to serve our members, HMSA is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.
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