American Association of University Women
The American Association of University Women, Hilo branch, selected five impressive, dynamic women for scholarship awards for the academic year 2018-19.
Kathryn Strong was awarded $2,000 and Amanda Alvarado, Kaylee DeCambra, Liesl Nayeli and Kaimalie Zirker each received $1,000 awards. The women attend the University of Hawaii at Hilo.
Strong has spent 13 years working in the environmental health field. She studied nursing in college then served as a Peace Corps volunteer for three years in Cambodia, working to improve health care education at a village health clinic. Her goal is to gain a master’s degree in the UH-Hilo Tropical Conservation Biology and Environmental Science Program.
Alvarado is seeking to complete a master’s in counseling psychology. Her research interests include post-traumatic stress disorder, trauma, adolescent mental health, sexual trauma and forensic interviewing. After obtaining her degree, Alvarado hopes to apply for grants and funding to open a facility for Hawaii Island youth who need extra attention, motivation and positive role models.
DeCambra is double majoring in sociology and gender and women’s studies, as well as pursuing certificates in educational studies and Spanish. After graduating, she plans on entering the UH-Hilo’s Counseling Psychology Program.
Nayeli is working to complete a bachelor’s degree in psychology. She is doing a practicum in psychology with a program called Self-Discovery Through Art. The program works with adults with chronic mental illness using cognitive behavioral therapy and art as medicine.
Zirker is pursuing a bachelor of science degree in nursing. She hopes to combine her love of flying with her love for saving lives, by working with air ambulance services.
AAUW advances equity for women and girls through advocacy, education, philanthropy and research. The Hilo branch raises funds throughout the year to support scholarships for women students at UH-Hilo of junior status or higher.
Women with an associate’s degree or equivalent bachelor’s or higher degree from a regionally accredited college or university are invited to join. For membership questions, email lizhansen222@gmail.com. For more information, visit https://hilo-hi.aauw.net or AAUW on Facebook.
Armed Forces Communications and Electronics Association-Hawaii Educational Foundation
The Armed Forces Communications and Electronics Association-Hawaii Educational Foundation will award more than 30 scholarships to Hawaii college students who are focused on science, technology, engineering, math or cyber coursework.
The grants range from $3,000 to $5,000 per student.
The AFCEA-AHEF scholarships are merit-based, academic scholarships, so financial need or family income is not considered. They are available to any Hawaii student majoring in STEM core subjects regardless of whether they or their families are in the military. The money can be used for books or tuition at any accredited school in the world.
In addition to academics, AFCEA-AHEF will consider volunteerism, character, leadership, professionalism or excellence in technology. Previous recipients are welcome to apply again this year.
The deadline to apply is June 30. To apply, or for more information, visit www.afceahef.org or email scholarships@afceahef.org.