The Paubox Kahikina Scholarship helps Native Hawaiian students pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) and Tech in general. Its purpose is to offer financial support and create a strong network for these students. The scholarship makes education more affordable and connects students with professionals, giving them valuable opportunities to learn and grow in their chosen STEM or Tech fields. This scholarship is about more than just money; it's about building a community and empowering Native Hawaiian students to succeed in STEM or Tech careers.
See also: The big ideas behind the Paubox Kahikina Scholarship
Logan Lau, a 2022 Kamehameha Schools Kapalama High School graduate, intends to utilize the 2023 Kahikana Scholarship to study Computer Science with an additional concentration on AI or computer engineering at Stanford University. Here is a word from Logan himself:
“Hello everyone, my name is Logan and I am from Aina Haina on the island of Oahu. I am a 2022 graduate of Kamehameha Schools Kapalama and am now a rising sophomore at Stanford University, studying computer science and management science engineering. I first became interested in computer science after arriving at Stanford and witnessing the near-infinite number of opportunities and resources available in the tech industry. But having had zero experience in computer science I decided to go out on a limb just to see if I would like it. Evidently, I greatly enjoyed it and now intend to pursue a degree in computer science with a sub-concentration on either artificial intelligence or computer engineering. Looking back at my first year I believe it went exceptionally well. I made new friends, explored my many interests, and got one step closer to figuring out what I want to do. Aside from my general freshman requirements, a few class highlights include Chem 29N, chemistry in the Kitchen, in which my final project was to make sourdough bread. Throughout Chem 29n I also made steak, chocolates, homemade pasta, and much more. Another highlight was CS46N working with data in which I gained a very in-depth understanding of using Excel spreadsheets and Google spreadsheets and also state-of-the-art data analytic, visualization software like Tableau prep and cloud to collect, clean analyze, and visualize data sets. Most of all though I greatly enjoyed being able to fulfill my one-year language requirement by taking Hawaiian language through the fall, winter, and spring quarters. Not only was it a much-needed piece of home in my life but it was a reminder of the community that I’ve always been called to serve. However, none of this would be possible without the support and encouragement of organizations like Paubox. As a proud 2023 recipient of the Paubox Kahikina STEM Scholarship, I’m extremely thankful and grateful for the financial assistance and lifelong connection provided by Paubox. Not only will the scholarship go towards alleviating the significant burden of college expenses but it will continue to allow me to fully immerse myself in my studies and extracurricular pursuits. Attending Stanford has been a dream come true and Paubox’s scholarship has made this dream achievable. Once again I’d like to send out a huge Mahalo to Paubox for their commitment and support to my educational future. I am truly blessed by your generosity. Mahalo Nui.”
Watch: Paubox Kahikina Scholarship Recipient Reflection | Logan Lau
Kirsten Peremore
