Teaching As A Career Scholarships
sponsored by Pi Lambda Theta-beta Zeta Hawai’i Chapter
HEA Supports High School Students
Three high school students interested in teaching as a career received valuable HEA scholarships to help cover the cost of tuition, books and other expenses to pursue their dream of leading a classroom on their own.
HEA provides TAAC scholarships to students who are involved in their schools club or Career and Technical Education pathway. The following are passionate about their work and show great promise of becoming the educators of tomorrow. Congratulations to the following recent high school graduates!
Layden Balisacan graduated from James Campbell High School, where he was an active member of the school’s Career and Technical Education Pathway, FCCLA, and Educators Rising.
Passionate about working with children and advocating for student well-being, Layden has gained valuable hands-on experience through kindergarten internships, early college coursework, leadership projects, and community service.
His scholarship will help offset the cost of pursuing a degree in education, allowing him to focus on preparing for a career as a teacher and returning to Hawaiʻi to serve future generations of students. Inspired by the impact educators have on students’ confidence and sense of belonging, Layden is committed to creating supportive, inclusive classrooms where every child feels heard, valued, and empowered to succeed.
Adora Cobb graduated from Mililani High School and participated in the Teaching as a Profession (TAAP) pathway. Her goal is to be a secondary English teacher.
Over the past four years in the education pathway, she has gained valuable classroom experience through lesson planning, teaching, classroom observations, and mentoring students across elementary, middle, and high school settings. Her scholarship will help offset the cost of attending the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa, where she plans to pursue a degree in education with a focus on secondary English.
Adora is committed to creating inclusive classrooms where every student feels they belong and enjoys learning. She looks forward to using her classroom experience and passion for education to inspire the next generation of students.
Chloe Toledo graduated from Pearl City High School and was a member of the Teaching as a Profession (TAAP) pathway. Her dream is to become a special education teacher.
Throughout high school, Chloe gained valuable classroom experience by creating lesson plans, working one-on-one with students in special education, and leading learning sessions at the 2026 EdRedefined Conference. Her scholarship will help cover the cost of attending Leeward Community College, where she plans to begin her studies in education with a focus on special education.
Inspired by the teachers who have shaped her own life, Chloe is committed to supporting students with diverse learning needs and creating inclusive classrooms where every learner can succeed. She looks forward to building on her classroom experience helping students reach their full potential.