Hawaii Ukulele College Scholarships

Scholarship Sponsored by Ukulele Festival Hawaii

Description
**Program overview**
The Ukulele Festival Hawaii Scholarship Program awards college scholarships to graduating Hawaii high school seniors who demonstrate an interest in the ukulele. The scholarship is administered by Ukulele Festival Hawaii, a nonprofit organization that supports music education and community engagement through events and grants. This program is one of several ways the organization invests in the next generation of musicians and students connected to Hawaii’s musical traditions.

Key takeaways:
- Scholarship for Hawaii high school seniors with an interest in the ukulele
- Administered by Ukulele Festival Hawaii (nonprofit)
- Part of the organization’s broader education and community efforts

Eligibility
**Who may apply**
Applicants must be current graduating high school seniors and residents of Hawaii who have been accepted for admission to an accredited college or university. Candidates must demonstrate good character and a record of meaningful community service. A genuine interest or passion for the ukulele is also required.

Key takeaways:
- Current Hawaii high school senior and state resident
- Must have college/university acceptance to an accredited institution
- Requires evidence of good character and community service
- Must demonstrate a passion for the ukulele

Award Value
**Amount awarded**
The scholarship award listed for this program is $2,000. The publicly provided information specifies the award amount but does not state whether the award is renewable; applicants should consult the current application materials for renewal details.

Key takeaways:
- Single award amount: $2,000
- Check current materials for renewal or multiple-award details

Application Requirements
**Required materials**
Applicants must submit a completed application form and a one-page typed personal statement. Additional required documents include two letters of recommendation (one from a high school teacher) and evidence demonstrating financial need; an optional first page of parents’ Form 1040 may be submitted with the Social Security number concealed. Applicants must also provide proof of acceptance to an accredited college or university.

Key takeaways:
- Completed application form and one-page typed personal statement required
- Two letters of recommendation: one must be from a high school teacher
- Proof of college acceptance required
- Optional parental 1040 first page allowed for financial-need verification (SSN concealed)

Evaluation Criteria
**Scoring and weightings**
The selection process uses a point-based evaluation that totals 100 points. The personal statement and supporting documents are scored across specific areas: education plans/financial need (20 points), expression of love for the ukulele (40 points), volunteer/community service (20 points), letters of recommendation (10 points), and demonstrated financial need (10 points).

Key takeaways:
- Total evaluation = 100 points
- Major weight on ukulele-related statement (40 points)
- Other weighted areas: education/financial need (20), volunteer service (20), letters (10), financial-need evidence (10)

Application Timeline & Deadlines
**Timing and deadlines**
Specific application deadlines are set annually and are not provided here; applicants must consult the current year’s application packet or the program’s official website for exact dates. Allow sufficient time to collect recommendations, proof of college acceptance, and any financial documentation before the posted deadline.

Key takeaways:
- Check current application materials or the official website for exact deadlines
- Start early to secure recommendation letters and acceptance documentation
- Missing the deadline may render an application ineligible

How to Submit
**Submission rules**
Follow the submission method specified on the current application form (mail or electronic submission as indicated). Mailed applications must be postmarked by the stated deadline — applications postmarked after the deadline will not be accepted. If submitting optional tax documentation, conceal Social Security numbers; letters from relatives or close friends are not acceptable.

Key takeaways:
- Submit according to the application form’s instructions (mail or online)
- Mailed applications must be postmarked by the deadline to be accepted
- Conceal SSNs on any tax documents; recommendation letters from relatives/friends are disallowed

History of the Award
**Origins of the program**
Ukulele Festival Hawaii, the nonprofit behind this scholarship, was founded in 2004. The organization produces free annual Ukulele Festivals and supports Hawaii’s arts and culture through education initiatives and college scholarships. The scholarship program is one component of the organization’s efforts to promote the ukulele and nurture local musical talent.

Key takeaways:
- Ukulele Festival Hawaii founded in 2004
- Organization runs free annual festivals and funds educational programs
- Scholarship supports the organization’s mission to develop local musical talent

For exact application forms, current deadlines, and submission addresses, consult the official Ukulele Festival Hawaii scholarship materials or website.