Grove Farm Foundation Opens Applications for Three $20,000 Kauaʻi Merit Scholarships

“Applications are now open for the 2026 Grove Farm Scholarship, which will award three $20,000 merit-based scholarships to graduating seniors planning to attend a four-year college or university.”

Students on track to graduate in 2026 from Kapa‘a High School, Kaua‘i High School or Waimea High School are eligible to apply. Completed applications must be submitted to each student’s high school counseling office by Feb. 20, 2026. Applicants must meet a minimum grade point average of 3.0 and be enrolled in or accepted to an accredited four-year college or university.

The Grove Farm Foundation frames the awards as merit-based aid that recognizes academic achievement and community commitment. “The focus of the Grove Farm Foundation Scholarship Program is to recognize academic excellence, a commitment to helping the community, and the quality of an applicant's character and leadership.” Award recipients must also fulfill an ongoing annual community service requirement to maintain the scholarship. “Scholars are required to complete ongoing community service work on an annual basis to maintain their scholarship.”

The program provides three scholarships each year, each valued at $20,000. “Each year, three scholarships are awarded, each valued at $20,000.” Since the program began, Grove Farm reports it has awarded $840,000 in scholarships, and it describes the Grove Farm Scholars Program as “one of the largest scholarships within the State of Hawaii.” Grove Farm additionally funds its 501(c)(3) charitable foundation with roughly $350,000 annually to support education and other community services on Kaua‘i.

Recipients of the 2025 Grove Farm scholarships included Michaela Alcaraz and Lauryn Hashimoto of Kaua‘i High School and Margarita Lomongo of Waimea High School. Photo credit for the 2025 announcement was attributed to Grove Farm Foundation.

For students and families on Kaua‘i, the awards can be a meaningful reduction in the cost barrier to attending a four-year institution off-island or on Oʻahu. By tying renewal to community service, the scholarship also reinforces civic engagement and leadership among recipients, aligning financial support with sustained local contribution. The program’s focus on the Garden Island’s three public high schools keeps the opportunity concentrated on students who live and study on Kaua‘i.

Prospective applicants can find the application and program rules on the Grove Farm Scholarship Program page on Grove Farm’s website. For administrative inquiries the listing shows: Grove Farm Scholarship, 3 1850 Kaumualii HIghway, Lihue, HI 96766. (808) 254-3678. Students should check with their high school counseling office for guidance and to confirm submission details.

As the Feb. 20, 2026 deadline approaches, eligible seniors should gather transcripts, proof of college enrollment or acceptance, and any required recommendation or personal statements. For many Kaua‘i families, these scholarships represent both immediate college aid and an investment in local leadership that aims to give back to the Garden Island community.