PEA Stipend & Application - Project Equal Access

About this Funding

Purpose and outcomes for the Project Equal Access project:

To prepare high-quality and diverse special education teachers
To reduce financial barriers in pursuit of a special education teacher career
To promote equity in access and support for those living in rural & remote areas of the state

Funding

$1,350 is provided for students living on Oahu and $1,600 for students living on neighboring islands, which would be provided as a lump sum (one-time) payment to assist with additional program costs, such as textbooks, technology, travel to and from field sites, travel from neighboring islands to attend face-to-face sessions at UH Mānoa, or can be used to help offset student teaching requirements.

Meet some of our Hawkins Scholars

Profile

Esther Calapini PBSPED Hawkins' Scholar

"When I saw the gains (big and little gains) the students made in the time we had with them, it made me realize that when given the opportunity, students with learning disabilities can do anything especially when they have the support they need and a team of adults that believe in their potential."

Profile

Nikolas Varney BEd ESEE Hawkins' Scholar

"Diverse teachers have diverse perspectives, which helps to establish an inclusive classroom that reflects a respect for all cultures, perspectives, ideas, etc. throughout the curriculum, as well as helps students view the world from a multicultural perspective."

Profile

Ashley Badua BEd SPED Hawkins' Scholar

"I want to be a role model and be able to influence students to be kind, respectful, and empathetic of others so that when they become adults, they can be good citizens and continue to show kindness, respect, and empathy to others."

Meet more of our scholars by visiting our 2023-2024 Hawkins Scholar website.

Eligibility Criteria

Stipend Eligibility Criteria

Must be currently enrolled in a UH Mānoa initial teacher licensure program in special education during the Fall 2024 semester.

Eligible UHM Programs

Bachelor of Education, Early Childhood & Early Childhood Special Education
Bachelor of Education, Exceptional Students & Elementary Education
Bachelor of Special Education
Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Special Education (Note: Add-a-field candidates are not eligible)
Master of Education in Teaching, Dual Secondary + Special Education

Additional priority consideration will be given to candidates who meet one or more of the following:

Candidates of color and diverse backgrounds
Candidates who are bilingual or multilingual
Candidates from, or who teach in, underrepresented & rural communities across the state
Have not already received the Project Equal Access grant funding in previous semesters

Application Information

Link to Application Form

bit.ly//CandidateScholarshipApplication (Link is case sensitive)

Deadline to Apply: September 1, 2024

Tips for Applying

Since the application is a google form, we recommend that you draft and write your open-ended responses using this template (make a copy) and then paste it into the application form button below when you are ready to submit. There is no formal word count requirement.

Before you apply

This stipend is potentially taxable and needs to be reported to the IRS. If you are receiving any financial aid, you are highly encouraged to contact UH Financial Aid Services to determine how this stipend may impact your existing funds, scholarships, grants, etc. Click here to read about receiving additional assistance.

UH Financial Aid Services Contact Info

Email: finaid@hawaii.edu
Contact UH FinAid Virtual Front Desk
- Monday-Friday, 9AM – 3PM (HST)
- Excluding state & federal holidays
Federal School Code: 001610

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I don’t meet all the priority criteria areas?

As long as you are currently enrolled in one of the identified programs for Fall 2024, you would be eligible to apply for this funding. You do not need to meet every single one of the priority criteria listed. The priority criteria will be used to determine who receives funding if there are more eligible applicants than we are able to provide funding for.

Does taking the Hawaii DOE SPED stipend for tuition impact my eligibility for this grant funding?

No, this funding is completely separate from the tuition funding that is provided in partnership with the Hawai‘i DOE. The purpose of this grant funding is to provide additional financial support that can be used towards other programmatic-related costs (e.g., books, technology needs, travel costs).

How will the scholarship be provided?

Recipients of this scholarship will receive a one-time check in the mail. A direct deposit option is not available.

Have other questions or need help?

Please reach out to our Project Equal Access Coordinator, Leina`ala Kealoha (lolivas@hawaii.edu)