Scholarships
Ronald K. Toma Scholarship for Professional Development
Scholarship Requirements and Procedures
A total of $6,000 is allocated for this purpose. Each application will be rated on its merits and ranked. Awarded amounts up to $1,000 each will be deducted by priority applications until the $6,000 threshold is attained. Therefore, there will be multiple awards depending on the priority of activities (conferences, workshops, seminars) and the amounts requested. This scholarship supports those pursuing enrichment opportunities, other than an advanced degree and/or formal post-secondary courses in higher education and professional learning for tenured Hawaii State Department of Education pre-K – 12 teachers and school administrators in good standing. All awardees will require Hawaii Education Association (HEA) membership by the fifth day after notification to activate the scholarship.
Employees, officers, and directors of HEA, and their immediate family members and individuals living in the same household (whether related or not) of such employee, officer, or director are not eligible to apply.
APPLICATIONS ARE NOW CLOSED. WILL BE AVAILABLE FEBRUARY 2026!
Selection will be based on the following information:
- Completed HEA Scholarship Application Form, including the Nature of Study or Training Planned section
- 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, submitted through the website or mailed directly to the address listed below.
The following table of points will be applied in scoring:
1-15 points Professional learning related to Academic Plan;
1-10 Points Expected outcomes;
1-10 Points Benefits of professional learning to self and Hawaii DOE;
1-10 points Educational activities and contributions in the:
(5 points) School;
(3 points) Hawaii Education Association (HEA); and
(2 points) Community; and
1-5 points Letter of reference
Submit Your Application Online
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.