Background

The Native Hawaiian Health Scholarship Program (NHHSP) was established in 1991 to address access to health care by developing a workforce of Native Hawaiian health professionals committed to serve the unique health needs of Hawaiian communities.

The program recruits and nurtures professionals in-training for primary health care disciplines most needed to deliver quality, culturally responsive health services to Native Hawaiians throughout Hawai‘i.

This merit-based program awards generous scholarships to eligible individuals who are dedicated to providing primary health services to Native Hawaiians and their families in Hawai‘i.

What does this program provide?

Financial Support 

• Tuition & Fees
• Monthly stipend during education
• Annual disbursement toward other reasonable education-related costs not covered under tuition and fees (e.g. uniforms, instruments, etc.)

Academic, Professional, and Cultural Support 

• Monthly meetings with your NHHSP Program Coordinator throughout education
• Attend nine-session cultural education series (1x/month on a Saturday) in the first year
• Pairing with a Native Hawaiian mentor in the same (or a similar) field
• Licensure & service placement preparation
• Networking & professional development opportunities in the Native Hawaiian health field

What is required of me?

Applicants

• Meet all Eligibility Criteria to apply
• 2026-2027 Application Dates:
  • Opens: February 15, 2026 @ 12:00am
  • Closes: March 15, 2026 @ 11:59pm

Selected Awardees

• Online pre-orientation on June 15, 2026 @ 10:00am HST
• In-person orientation on O‘ahu from July 6-8, 2026

During Education

• Maintain good academic standing as defined by your institution
  • Submit class schedule, enrollment verification, and transcripts each term
• Maintain monthly communication with the NHHSP through a short reflection & meeting with your Program Coordinator
• Attend nine-session cultural education series (1x/month on a Saturday) in the first year

After Graduation

• Serve full-time in medically under-served areas in Hawai‘i for two (minimum) to four (maximum) years, depending upon the length of time of scholarship support
• Maintain quarterly communication with the NHHSP through a short reflection & meeting with your Program Coordinator until your service obligation is completed

Any questions? Contact us at nhhsp@polhi.org. 

Mauli Ola Mālamalama 
677 Ala Moana Blvd. Ste. 720 
Honolulu, HI 96813 
mom.smapply.org 

M-F 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM HST 
Closed on State & Federal Holidays 

Register or Log In to see if you are eligible to apply.