While National Scholarship Month may not be as well-known as Mental Health Month or get you on your feet like National Walking Day, this annual celebration encourages current and prospective college students to get moving by applying for free money to help further their higher education goals.
Every November, the National Scholarship Providers Association observes National Scholarship Month, recognizing the value scholarship awards provide for those seeking higher education. With the rising cost of college tuition and national student loan debt at over $1.75 trillion, now is the perfect time to learn more about scholarship opportunities that may help cover the cost of college tuition and books.
According to Christina Rivera, college and career counselor at University Laboratory School, high school students often mistakenly believe they don’t qualify for a scholarship. “Don’t be intimidated,” Rivera says. “College is expensive. Any aid will be helpful, and it doesn’t hurt to apply.”
Applying for scholarships can be overwhelming, but it’s worth the effort. Unlike student loans, scholarship funds never have to be paid back.
Scholarship tips
Rivera acknowledges that applying for scholarships can be daunting and shares her top five tips to navigating the application process:
- Start early. Don’t procrastinate! As soon as you can, gather your documents, request your transcripts and letters of recommendation, draft your personal statement or essay, and begin filling out your application. Rushing to complete an application at the last minute could lead to mistakes and cost you the scholarship.
- Be careful. Read and follow all instructions carefully. Careless mistakes can hurt your chances. Some organizations may not consider your application if sections are incomplete or filled out incorrectly.
- Develop an organization system. Keep organized with a spreadsheet that includes deadlines, documents needed, scholarship application directions, and contact information.
- Ask for help. Having someone with fresh eyes read and proofread your application before you submit it may help avoid errors.
- Apply, apply, apply! Most importantly, apply for as many scholarships as possible. Applying for more scholarships increases your chances of being awarded.
Search for local scholarships
The HMSA Kaimana Awards & Scholarship Program is one of the many scholarships available from local companies and organizations. In 2025, HMSA will celebrate 20 years of investing in the next generation of Hawaii’s leaders. The program typically grants up to 15 students $5,000 scholarships each for excellence in academics, athletics, community service, healthy activities, and sportsmanship, but in honor of its 20th anniversary, we’ll be awarding 20 scholarships in 2025.
Eligible students must:
- Graduate from a Hawaii high school in the application year.
- Have a 2.75 or higher GPA verified by a school transcript (official or unofficial) submitted by a school faculty member.
- Have participated in at least one sport during one or more of their high school years. Eligible sports must be sanctioned by the Hawaii High School Athletic Association (HHSAA).
- Have participated in community service projects in addition to school activities during their high school years.
- Write a personal statement and an essay about community and well-being.
- Submit two letters of recommendation from school faculty, mentors, or coaches.
Visit the Kaimana website for more details and note that the application deadline is Friday, Feb. 21, 2025 at 4 p.m. You could be on your way to finding free money for college. Good luck!
More Kaimana info
Read about past HMSA Kaimana scholarship recipients and discover how scholarships can make a lasting impact.
kaimana 2024: a celebration of achievement
Read all about this year’s HMSA Kaimana Awards & Scholarship Program luncheon and picture yourself at next year’s awards ceremony.
first look: previous kaimana scholarship winners
Where are past Kaimana Scholarship winners now? Check out four in-depth profiles of previous HMSA Kaimana Scholarship recipients and catch up on how they’re doing in the Spring 2022 issue of Island Scene.
the power of physical fitness
Pediatrician and former Kaimana Scholarship winner, Vinson Diep, M.D., discusses ways to keep the whole family healthy and active.
