The Maui Native Hawaiian Chamber of Commerce Foundation and ‘Āina Momona are partnering to bring a new scholarship to Maui County. The program is now accepting applications for the Mercer “Chubby” Vicens Memorial Scholarship, a new award honoring the founding president of the Maui Native Hawaiian Chamber of Commerce, who died in March 2026 at the age of 90. Five scholarships of $1,000 each will be awarded to students from Maui County pursuing higher education at a college, university, or trade and vocational school. The application deadline is Friday, September 18, 2026.

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The scholarship is designed as gap funding. Rather than covering a full year of tuition, it is meant for students who have already applied for financial aid, scholarships, and grants and still fall short of what their education costs — so that a remaining shortfall does not stand between a Maui County student and their schooling.

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What the selection committee looks for

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Applications are scored on a 100-point matrix that reflects the values Vicens lived by. Two essays — on the applicant’s work with the Native Hawaiian community, and on their financial need and intent to give back to Maui County — account for 40 points. Essays may be written in English or ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi and are scored equally.

 

The remaining points recognize the full range of a student’s life. Paid employment is weighted alongside volunteer service, in recognition that many Maui students work through high school to support themselves or their ʻohana. Cultural practice (i.e., hula, mele, lawaiʻa, mahiʻai and loʻi work, lāʻau lapaʻau, waʻa paddling, ʻāina stewardship) is worth 20 points. Another 20 points go to Hawaiian language: full credit for graduating from a Hawaiian language immersion (kaiapuni) school or completing three or more years of high school ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi, and partial credit for shorter study.

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Eligibility

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• Resident of Maui County (Maui, Molokaʻi, or Lānaʻi).

• Enrolled in, or planning to enroll in, an accredited college, university, or trade or vocational program.

• Has applied for other financial aid and still has remaining, unmet financial need.

• Good standing with your program 

 

How to apply

 

Application forms are available here [click here to view and download application]. Completed applications, essays, and supporting documents, including proof of Maui County residency, proof of enrollment or acceptance, and financial aid documentation showing unmet need, must be submitted via the form below by Friday, September 18, 2026. Questions may also be submitted via the form below.

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Accessibility Commitment

We are committed to making our scholarship application process accessible to all applicants. If you need an alternative format, a disability-related accommodation, or encounter any barriers while applying, please contact us via the form below.