Scholarships
HEA/HSTA-Retired Professional Development Grant
Scholarship Requirements and Procedures
Five grants up to $2,000 each are awarded to HSTA members in good standing and have been HSTA members for at least one year, have a Baccalaureate degree, and have a commitment to continue in the field of public education.
Selection will be based on the following information:
- Completed HEA/HSTA-Retired Professional Development Grant Form, including the Nature of Study or Training Planned and Personal Statement
- A letter of reference from a person who is familiar with the applicant’s professional work and goals
- The letter should be relevant to the applicant’s plan of study and goals for professional improvement. This reference letter is confidential and should be sent by the writer via email or mailed directly to the address listed below.
The following table of points will be applied in scoring:
1-10 points Plan of study;
1-10 Points Contribution of study plan to professional improvement;
1-10 points Educational activities in the:
(5 points) School or Office;
(3 points) Hawaii State Teachers Association (HSTA); and
(2 points) Community;
1-10 points Financial need; and
1-10 points Letter of reference
The HEA/HSTA-Retired Professional Development Grant Committee will review all applications and select the winners. The Committee’s decision will be final.
Applications and letter of reference must be received by Wednesday, April 30, 2025 via mail or email.
TO DOWNLOAD OR PRINT APPLICATION (Click form below):
SY 2025-2026 HEA/HSTA-Retired Professional Development Grant Form
Download, complete, print or save application form above and mail or email to:
Hawaii Education Association/HSTA-Retired Professional Development Grant Committee
1953 South Beretania Street, Suite 5C
Honolulu, HI 96826
or hea.office@hawaiieducationassociation.org
For any questions, please contact HEA office at 808-949-6657
In-Service Public School Educators
Scholarship Amount: $2,000
For tenured and/or permanent Hawaii State Department of Education pre-K – 12 teachers, school administrators, or educational assistants, HEA offers scholarships to support study or training.
Ronald K. Toma Professional Development
Scholarship Amount: Varies
For tenured Hawaii State Department of Education pre-K – 12 teachers and school administrators, HEA offers scholarships to support those pursuing enrichment opportunities and professional learning.
Student Teachers
Scholarship Amount: $2,000
For student teachers intending to teach in the Hawaii State Department of Education, HEA and the family of Helen McKay have established a Student Teacher Scholarship to minimize the need for employment during the student teaching semester.
Hiroshi & Barbara Kim Yamashita Undergraduate College Students
Scholarship Amount: $2,000
For full-time undergraduate students majoring in education and intending to teach in a Hawaii public school, HEA is pleased to offer the Hiroshi & Barbara Kim Yamashita HEA Scholarship to assist with college.
Continuing College Students
Scholarship Amount: $1,000
HEA offers college scholarships for undergraduate and graduate students pursuing a career in education.
Graduating High School Seniors
Scholarship Amount: $2,000
HEA offers college scholarships for graduating high school seniors who will enroll in any two-year or four-year accredited institution of higher learning.
HEA Carol H. Yoneshige Undergraduate College Students
Scholarship Amount: $3,000
For full-time undergraduate students majoring in education in their 2nd or 3rd year, intending to teach in a Hawaii public school, elementary or secondary level.
HEA/HSTA-Retired Professional Development Grant
Scholarship Amount: $2,000
For HSTA members in good standing and have been HSTA members for at least one year, have a Baccalaureate degree, and have a commitment to continue in the field of public education.