In just two years, we have successfully funded eight “bridge” scholarships to the University of Hawaii at Manoa and West Oahu, and we’re just getting started…

 

Our Mission

The Advantage Kokua Scholarship is more than a typical financial aid scholarship. In partnership with University of Hawaii Foundation, the scholarship is the first of its kind to help “bridge” the path for at-risk, high-potential students who have completed two years at a local community college, and are now ready to attend the University of Hawaii at Manoa or the University of Hawaii West Oahu to seek a 4-year degree. Most importantly, they’ve demonstrated one of our own core corporate beliefs by showing a commitment to community service and volunteerism.

The Advantage Kokua Scholarship came to fruition a few of years ago when Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Advantage Realty formed a committee with the mission of giving back to the community in a focused, impactful manner. With so many worthy causes to consider, the committee agreed that there was a crucial need for highly educated go-getters to reinvigorate the local work force. We believe our group of recipients are exactly the kind of people who are going to make a big difference in whatever corporate, entrepreneurial or government positions they hold in the future. We even give preference in awards to successful reapplying students so we can help them fully achieve their education goals.

Last year, we provided eight scholarships to students, giving them the ability to improve their future by attending the University of Hawaii at Manoa and University of Hawaii West Oahu. Our previous and current recipients are truly special people, and we look forward to following their progress and sharing their stories with you.

Our story

In 2016, members of Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate (BHGRE) Advantage Realty formed a committee with the mission of giving back to the community in a focused, impactful manner.  With so many worthy causes, there was an incredibly wide array of ideas and opportunities discussed.  As the committee discussed the most focused and impactful opportunities, the idea of a scholarship began to form.

By partnering with the University of Hawaii Foundation, the committee learned about many wonderful 13th year programs that identify financially at-risk youths and provide them opportunities to attend local community colleges.  While these programs are critical for the success and future of students, students that wish to continue to 4-year degree can have a challenging road ahead.

Upon learning about this, the mission to give back to the community in a focused and impactful manner became clear.  The Advantage Kokua Scholarship Program was formed, in partnership with the University of Hawaii Foundation, to identify high-potential students from existing 13th year programs, and provide a “bridge” scholarship to attend a 4-year program.

Fundraising for the Advantage Kokua Scholarship began in 2016.  Through contributions made by BHGRE Advantage Realty agents, partners, clients and company contributions, we are proud to have funded a total of eight scholarships in 2017 & 2018.  These students are truly special, and we look forward to sharing their stories with you soon!

We are now focusing on the scholarship class for 2019 and beyond! 

Scholarship Process & Criteria

What is the Advantage Kokua Scholarship?

The Advantage Kokua Scholarship is more than a typical financial aid scholarship.  The Scholarship partners with existing “13th year” programs which send financially at-risk candidates to UH Community College programs.  Partners, such as the Lunalilo Scholars Program, identify financially at-risk candidates and provide the means and personalized support, mentoring, and tutoring needed to start a new life in community college.  While these programs are critical to the success and future of students, there are many that wish to continue toward a 4-year degree.

This is where the Advantage Kokua Scholarship comes in.  This scholarship is the first of its kind to help “bridge” the path for at-risk, high-potential students who have completed two years at a local community college, and are now ready to attend the University of Hawaii at Manoa or the University of Hawaii West Oahu. 

As we embark on this endeavor, we are proud to partner with the University of Hawai’i Foundation!


Criteria

  • Recipients must demonstrate a commitment to community service and volunteerism.

  • Recipients must demonstrate high potential as demonstrated through their grade point average

  • Recipients must have been enrolled in a UH Community College 13th year program or first-year experience program at their respective campuses (i.e. Lunalilo Scholars Program, etc.)

  • Recipients must have obtained their associated degrees or must have completed a minimum of 48 credits towards their associate degrees and are transferring to UH Manoa or UH West Oahu.

  • Recipients must be a resident of the State of Hawaii and a graduate of a Hawaii high school or equivalent.

  • Preference is given to renewal students that were granted a year 1 scholarship and continue to meet the existing criteria.

  • Recipients must have financial need as defined by federal financial aid guidelines (FAFSA).


Selection Process & Scholarship Awards

Applications will be collected by University of Hawaii Foundation.  Using criteria selected by the BHGRE Advantage Realty Committee (see “Criteria”), the University of Hawaii Foundation Selection Committee will review applications and select the applicants that are most deserving. 

Scholarship Awards are annual awards in the amount of $5,000, to be used towards tuition, books, etc.  Of the scholarships, two students must be from Kapiolani Community College, one from Leeward Community College, and one from Windward Community College, with at least two of these students attending University of Hawaii at Manoa.