GEAR UP Hawai‘i, Hawai‘i P-20’s college access grant, is utilizing a coordinated, regional “6-16” approach to provide students with developmentally appropriate support to help them successfully complete high school, then enroll and persist in college. This seven-year discretionary grant is designed to increase the number of low-income students who are prepared to enter and succeed in postsecondary education.
6-16 high schools work with their feeder middle schools and higher education partners (UH campuses) to develop and implement a vertically-aligned, comprehensive 6-16 college and career program that will provide counseling and support for students to explore career interests, develop their Personalized Transition Plans (PTP), engage in work-based learning opportunities, transition successfully through the 6-16 pipeline, and eventually attain their career goals.
To help schools focus on their services, 6-16 middle schools coordinate activities that address college and career aspirations (e.g., a college pledge event, a college visit), while high school partners provide services focused on supporting their juniors students in preparing for college. In addition, middle school, high school, and college partners coordinate summer programs that focus on academic enrichment or transition.
GEAR UP Hawai‘i Scholarship
Please complete this scholarship form.
- Complete the GEAR UP Hawai‘i Scholarship form by May 15, 2026 to ensure your funds are received for Fall 2026 enrollment – no essay required!
- Questions? Email gearuphi@hawaii.edu
What is the GEAR UP Hawai‘i Scholarship?
- The GEAR UP Hawai‘i Scholarship is a one-time, non-renewable college scholarship funded by the GEAR UP Hawai‘i (GU Hawai’i grant 2025-2032), and is available to the classes of 2026-2032 high school graduates from one of the eligible GEAR UP Hawai’i high schools who enroll in one of the eligible in-state institutions of higher education in a Pell-eligible program of study. The minimum scholarship amount is the minimum Pell grant amount for the year the scholarship is awarded.
What is GEAR UP Hawai‘i?
- The GEAR UP (Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs)Hawai‘i grant is funded by the U.S. Department of Education and administered by Hawai‘i P-20 Partnerships within the University of Hawai‘i System. This discretionary grant program is designed to increase the number of low-income students who are prepared to enter and succeed in postsecondary education.
- The goals of GEAR UP Hawai‘i are to increase academic performance and college preparation; improve high school graduation and postsecondary enrollment rates; and increase the knowledge of postsecondary options, preparation, and financing among students and families. Eligible GEAR UP Hawai‘i students will receive a one-time scholarship to use for postsecondary education.
How much money will I be awarded through the GEAR UP Hawai‘i Scholarship?
For Class of 2026 graduates, the GEAR UP Hawai‘i Scholarship is a one-time payment of $740. This figure may vary in future years based on Pell grant amounts as determined by the U.S. Department of Education.
Who is eligible for the GEAR UP Hawai‘i Scholarship?
You are eligible for the GEAR UP Hawaii Scholarship if you:
- Graduated from one of the GEAR UP Hawai‘i high schools between 2026-2032;
- Are less than 22 years of age at the time of scholarship award;
- Are eligible for federal student aid;
- Enroll in a Pell-eligible program of student at an eligible postsecondary institution in Hawaii before reaching age 22.
GEAR UP Hawai‘i high schools:
- Farrington
- Honoka‘a
- Ka‘ū
- Kahuku
- Ke Kula ‘o ‘Ehunuikaimalino
- Kea‘au
- Kealakehe
- Kohala
- Konawaena
- Leilehua
- McKinley
- Moloka‘i
- Nānākuli
- Pāhoa
- Wai‘anae
- Waimea
Eligible Postsecondary Institutions (subject to change):
- University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa
- University of Hawai‘i Hilo
- University of Hawai‘i West O‘ahu
- Leeward Community College
- Windward Community College
- Honolulu Community College
- Kapi‘olani Community College
- Kaua‘i Community College
- Hawai‘i Community College
- University of Hawai‘i Maui College
- Brigham Young University Hawai’i
- Chaminade University
- Hawai’i Pacific University
- Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
- Wayland Baptist University
- Hawaiʻi Medical College
- Pacific Rim Christian University
Note: This list is subject to change; eligible institutions must be physically located in Hawai‘i and eligible for Title IV federal student aid.
What should I do if I decide to attend another eligible in-state college or university, or if I decide to enroll to attend college during a different semester?
- Students should email gearuphi@hawaii.edu as soon as possible for assistance.
GEAR UP Hawai‘i Regional Teams (2025-2032)
(as of 11/21/25)
Kahuku Team
- Kahuku High & Intermediate
- Windward Community College
McKinley Team
- McKinley High School
- Ke‘elikolani Middle School
- Kapi‘olani Community College
Farrington Team
- Farrington High School
- Dole Middle School
- Kalākaua Middle School
- Honolulu Community College
Leilehua Team
- Leilehua High School
- Wahiawā Middle School
- Leeward Community College
Wai‘anae-Nānākuli Team
- Wai‘anae High School
- Wai‘anae Intermediate School
- Nānākuli High & Intermediate School
- Leeward Community College
- Wai‘anae Moku Education Center
Ka‘ū-Kea‘au-Pahoa Team
- Ka‘ū High & Pāhala Elementary School
- Kea‘au High School
- Kea‘au Middle School
- Pahoa High & Intermediate School
- Hawai‘i Community College Hilo
- University of Hawai‘i – Hilo
Honoka‘a-Kohala-Kealekehe-Konawaena Team
- Honoka‘a High & Intermediate School
- Kohala High School
- Kohala Middle School
- Kealakehe Intermediate School
- Kealakehe High School
- Konawaena Middle School
- Konawaena High School
- Ke Kula ‘O ‘Ehunuikaimalino
- Hawai‘i Community College Kō Education Center
- Hawai‘i Community College Pālamanui
- University of Hawai‘i – Hilo
Waimea Team
- Waimea High School
- Waimea Canyon Middle School
- Kaua‘i Community College
Molokaʻi Team
- Molokaʻi High School
- Molokaʻi Middle School
- UH Maui College