Hana Ola Healthcare Careers Scholarship
To support and inspire the future healthcare workforce of Hawai’i
About the Scholarship
Nā Puʻuwai is committed to strengthening the health and well-being of our communities by investing in the next generation of healthcare professionals. Through the Hana Ola Healthcare Careers Scholarship, we support our mission to home grow practitioners who understand the unique needs and values of our island communities.
By investing in our future healthcare workers, we aim to build a stronger, healthier community—one where kamaʻāina are empowered to return home and care for their own ʻohana and neighbors. Whether you’re entering nursing, behavioral health, medical assisting, or another allied health profession, this scholarship can help you along your journey.
Scholarship Award
Scholarship awards will be determined based on available funding. Multiple recipients may be selected depending on the number of qualified applicants and funds available.
Eligibility
High school graduate
Resident of Molokaʻi
Dedication to apply training to improve the health status of rural communities
Acceptance into a postsecondary program OR training in a healthcare profession that leads to a degree or certification
*A postsecondary program or training in a healthcare profession refers to educational pathways that individuals can pursue to obtain a degree or certification in a healthcare field.
Scholarship Application Timeline
June 1: Open Application
June 27: Last Day for Applications
July 11: Scholarship Recipients Announced
We are now accepting applications for the 2025 Hana Ola Health Careers Scholarship
Past Scholarship Recipients
Mallory Go, Brown University
“As I prepared to enter my final year of undergraduate education, I recalled my own experiences and encounters within healthcare and am constantly surprised by how accustomed I was to evident inequities. I hail from Molokai, Hawaii, a rural community that, like the rest of Hawaii, is disproportionately affected by physician shortage, inadequate prenatal care, and unintended pregnancies.”
Mallory Go is planning to complete a PhD in epidemiology after fulfilling her Five Year Undergraduate/MPH with her master’s thesis focused on the variation of outcomes and healthcare service utilization among neonates. Mallory is looking to continue her research on health disparities among API and NHPI populations.
Her exposure to the health disparities of her community has motivated her to address
mechanisms, such as aggregated data, that underlie and contribute to health inequities that impact adverse neonatal health outcomes.
Clara Merkel, Grand Canyon University
“Growing up on the Island of Molokai, I have always harbored a deep-seated aspiration for higher education. Witnessing the unwavering dedication of my parents to provide for me and encourage my personal growth has instilled in me a profound sense of determination. From a young age, my dream of becoming a nurse has been steadfastly supported by my parents, who have consistently guided me towards achieving the best version of myself. The scarcity of accessible healthcare services on Molokai serves as a powerful motivator for me to pursue nursing as my chosen field of study.“
Clara Merkel is currently pursuing nursing in order to achieve her long term goal of returning to Molokai and contribute to her community by delivering exemplary healthcare services. As she progresses in her nursing career, she aims to build confidence and expertise that will support her transition to becoming a Nurse Practitioner.
Her aspiration to become a Nurse Practitioner reflects her desire to further elevate her role in healthcare delivery and showcases her passion to advocate for her community, ensuring they receive the highest standard of care possible while contributing meaningfully to healthcare provision on Molokai.
Bobbi-Li Morris, Southeast Community College
“I believe that every individual has the right to quality healthcare, and I am committed to doing my part in ensuring that this becomes a reality in my community. The field of radiology is a critical part of modern medicine, and I am especially motivated by the potential to make a positive impact on the health and well-being of individuals and families of Molokai.”
Bobbi-Li Morris was Nā Pu’uwai’s first scholarship recipient where she attended Southeast Community College’s Radiologic Technology distance program and graduated with an Associates of Applied Science.
Bobbi’s ultimate career goal is to become a certified radiologic technician on Molokai and provide the highest level of patient care through efficient imaging procedures. She believes becoming a radiologic technician will help eliminate barriers of healthcare for the community facing outer island appointments and fill the need for local providers on the island.