Scholarships
Student Teacher Scholarship Sponsored by the Helen McKay Memorial
Scholarship Requirements and Procedures
Two scholarships of $2,000 each will be awarded to two student teachers intending to teach in the Hawaii State Department of Education who are enrolled in a State Approved Teacher Education Program as a full-time undergraduate or post baccalaureate candidate in any state-approved or nationally accredited institution of higher learning or enrolled in a Hawaii SATE alternative licensure program in the 2025-2026 academic year. Scholarships are awarded to student teachers to minimize the need for employment during the student teaching semester. 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 AND WILL BE AVAILABLE FEBRUARY 2025!
Selection will be based on the following information:
- Completed Student Teacher Scholarship Application Form (check semester of student teaching)
- Official college transcripts
- Personal statement
- Statements should be no more than 300 words typed or legibly hand-written on a separate sheet. Give (a) University/College and location/site of student teaching (b) reasons for choosing teaching as a career and what will you contribute to the teaching profession, and (c) experiences related to situations inherent in teaching, e.g. Tutoring, Club Advisorship. Plans for the future, extra-curricular interests and activities, membership in clubs/organizations, past and present work experiences, etc. may be cited.
- Completed HEA Financial Aid Form
- Recommendation from College Faculty, or Principal of Masters of Education in Teaching (MET) Participant, or Observation Participation (OP) Teacher Supervisor
The following table of points will be applied in scoring:
1-15 points Ability
1-15 Points Personal Statement
1-15 points Financial Need
1-5 points Recommendation
The HEA Scholarship Committee will review all applications and select the scholarship winners. The Committee’s decision will be final.
If mailing or emailing applications, transcripts, forms and reference letters, please address them and any questions to:
HEA Scholarship Committee (Student Teacher)
1953 South Beretania Street, Suite 5C
Honolulu, HI 96826
Phone: 949-6657
or hea.office@hawaiieducationassociation.org
PLEASE CHECK BACK AGAIN. APPLICATIONS ARE NOW CLOSED AND WILL BE AVAILABLE FEBRUARY 2025!
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 In-Service Public School Educators
Scholarship Amount: $1,000
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.