Kosasa Foundation Awards $25,000 To Chaminade’s Emerging Scholars Program

Enrolling in this program and working towards my degree has changed my perspective.”

As part of the program, federal Pell Grant funding—through a pilot program—and private donations cover the costs of all tuition, books and fees. Students had to apply and be selected for the first cohort. COVID-19 presented an additional obstacle, including frequent pandemicprompted lockdowns. Davidson said the cohort will graduate in Spring 2023 and the next group will begin that Fall Term.

“If we want safer communities, if we want healthier families, if we want people who are incarcerated to have a chance when they come out, these are the types of rehabilitative programs we should be offering,” she said. “The idea is to shift the mindset. It will cost society less in the end.” Ronald Page can attest to the power of the program. He said the classes and discussions keep his mind sharp—and leave him wanting more.

“I know I’m doing something positive for myself,” he said.

CHAMINADE UNIVERSITY RECENTLY RECEIVED A $25,000

GRANT FROM THE KOSASA FOUNDATION IN CONTINUED

SUPPORT OF ITS EMERGING SCHOLARS EARLY COLLEGE

PROGRAM. NOW IN ITS SECOND YEAR, THE PROGRAM IS

DESIGNED TO PROMOTE PATHWAYS TO COLLEGE FOR RURAL

KAUA'I HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS.

Open to qualified high school juniors and seniors, the Emerging Scholars program gives students a chance to discover and explore their passions and academic interests while earning dual-enrollment (high school and college) credits. For the 2022–2023 academic year, the program plans to enroll 40 Kapa'a High school juniors and seniors.

“We are extremely proud of our Emerging Scholars Early College program and grateful to the Kosasa Foundation for its ongoing support,” said Chaminade President Lynn Babington, Ph.D. “Programs like this allow Chaminade to provide access to college education for rural high school students, enhancing their enrichment opportunities and ability to grow as civic minded individuals.”

The Emerging Scholars Early College program is comprised of distance learning, featuring Chaminade faculty and guest speakers. At the beginning of each semester, a team of Chaminade faculty and staff will visit Kapa'a High School for an orientation with students, parents and teachers. At the completion of the academic year, students will participate in a culminating event on Chaminade’s campus, where they will stay in the residence hall and enjoy a sample of college experience.

In its first year, the Emerging Scholars program on Kaua'i, which was also funded by the Kosasa Foundation, had a cohort of 24 juniors and seniors from Kapa'a High School.