Delta Kappa Gamma Kauai ETA Chapter Offers Multiple Education Scholarships

The Delta Kappa Gamma Kauai ETA Chapter announced that applications are being accepted for its education scholarships, offering one to four awards of $1,000 to $2,000 each for women pursuing careers or advanced study in education. The awards aim to lower financial barriers for women studying early childhood, elementary, middle or high school education, or for ETA members pursuing graduate coursework.

Eligible applicants include “women who are currently enrolled in the Kauai Community College Early Education Program;” “women attending a college or university in the state of Hawaii who are enrolled in a Teacher Prep Educational Program, or are in pursuit of a degree in elementary, or middle/high school education;” and “an ETA Chapter member who is pursuing coursework for a masters or doctorate in education.” Applications must be submitted and completed by April 6 for consideration. Application forms are available through ETA Scholarship Committee members, including Kauai ETA Chapter President Roberta Zarbaugh at rzarbaugh1952@gmail.com or by text at 808-652-2788, and Amber Mokuahi at mokuahiohana@gmail.com.

The chapter frames its awards as recognition for applicants with both academic and community commitment. “ETA Education scholars have been described as exemplary female students and community members who demonstrate achievement, participation and community involvement. The ETA Education scholars possess personal and thoughtful teaching goals.” The chapter also cites a long-term investment in local educators: “Since 2016, Delta Kappa Gamma ETA Chapter has awarded $28,000, or 14 $2,000 scholarships, each year.” That continuity signals a sustained local effort to support the pipeline of teachers on Kauai at a time when recruitment and retention of qualified educators matters to schools and families across the island.

Separate Delta Kappa Gamma programs are also available. Xi Chapter offers one $1,000 scholarship to a graduating senior with an interest in pursuing an educational career or a student already enrolled in an accredited teaching program on Kauai; the award is for one year and may not be renewed and may be used at any two- or four-year accredited institution. Xi Chapter’s selection uses a point system, Academic Achievement (20), Application and Personal Statement (20), Recommendations (10), and Other factors such as financial need, and applications are accepted c/o Judy Cabanting, PO Box 487.

At the state level, the Hawai‘i State Organization continues to accept scholarship applications for students pursuing degrees in education or performing arts. “The application, official transcript(s), and two (2) letters of recommendation must be submitted on or before March 1, 2025.” Materials may be emailed to sandituitele@gmail.com or mailed to the Hawaiʻi State Organization Scholarship Committee c/o Sandi Tuitele at 2306 Coyne Street, Honolulu, HI 96826-1426. The state organization is also awarding two Lucille Hodgins Selective Recruitment Grants of $1,000 per grant for the 2025-2026 academic year; applicants must submit three personal statement essays and transcripts, with KSBE high school students required to include a letter of recommendation.

For Kauai students and educators, these layered opportunities, from chapter awards to state grants, represent tangible financial support for training and retaining teachers in local schools. Prospective applicants should contact Roberta Zarbaugh or Amber Mokuahi for the ETA Chapter application, Judy Cabanting for Xi Chapter materials, or Sandi Tuitele for state-level scholarship instructions, and follow the specific deadlines for each program.