Keaholoa STEM Scholars Program Applications

The UH Hilo Keaholoa STEM Scholars Program serves as learning hub for underrepresented ethnic minority students—in particular Native Hawaiians and other Pacific Islanders—which will provide resources to help them achieve academic success in STEM fields (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics). Drawing from the Hawaiian ‘ōlelo no‘eau, “He lawaiʻa ke kai papaʻu he pokole ke aho, he lawaiʻa no ke kai hohonu, he loa ke aho/A fisherman of the shallow sea has only a short line, a fisherman of the deep sea has a long line,” Keaholoa—literally translated as “the long line”—is committed to providing students with opportunities to “learn deeply” through engagement in rigorous scientific research that is grounded in indigenous knowledge and cultural practices. Keaholoa offers cultural immersion, community building experiences, volunteer opportunities, place-based learning, faculty-guided research and summer internship experiences, academic support, professional development, STEM skills development, peer mentoring, and graduate school exploration.

Keaholoa is an integral part of the Islands of Opportunity Alliance (IOA), a network of 11 campuses across Oceania supported by the NSF-funded Louis Stokes Alliances for Minority Participation (LSAMP) program. The IOA aims to prepare and diversify the STEM workforce in Oceania by providing culturally resonant education and research experiences. Keaholoa and other students across the IOA will interact through various programs. In addition, Keaholoa students should be willing to participate in an ethnographic study on how Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander worldviews are incorporated into STEM learning.

Application Now Closed

Eligibility

• Students must be enrolled at the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo
• Students must be an underrepresented minority (URM) student (based on ethnicity). Preference is given to students of Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (NHPI) heritage
• Students must declare or intend to declare to pursue a STEM related degree (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics), including social sciences with scientific methodologies and related fields with a focus on Indigenous STEM (such as Hawaiian Studies with a focus on Mālama ʻĀina)

Requirements

• Students must engage in a research experience & program guided huakaʻi (field-trip)
• Students must participate in the Keaholoa STEM Learning Community activities
• Students must complete an evaluation survey each semester
• Students must present their research project at the end-of-semester hōʻike
• Students may be asked to participate in the annual (IOA)-LSAMP student symposium (present/panel/event support), held in late spring or summer 2024 in Hilo

Stipends

Incoming students (1st year), Keaholoa Scholars (2nd year), and Peer Mentors (3rd & 4th year) will receive $2,000 ($1000 per semester) in the form of a stipend, for successfully completing requirements as noted above. Students may plan with coordinator on a case-by-case basis to best align current ideas & projects with program requirements.

Graduate Student Assistants will receive $3,000/year ($1500 per semester) for mentorship / research support in the form of a stipend, for successfully completing requirements as noted above. Students may plan with coordinator on a case-by-case basis to best align current ideas & projects with program requirements.

Application Questions?

Contact: Keala Campbell, Coordinator
Email: kealac@hawaii.edu