Kauhale Medical Scholars Program

About the Program

The Native Hawaiian Center of Excellence’s Kauhale Medical Scholars Program is a six-week summer program, from June 2, 2025 to July 11, 2025, created for pre-medical undergraduate students enrolled in any of the four-year University of Hawaii schools (Mānoa, West Oʻahu, Hilo, Maui), with future interest in applying to medical school, specifically the John A. Burns School of Medicine.

The main components of the program are:

  • Multiple learning assessments to give students insight into what type of learner they are and how that might inform their learning experiences
  • Toolkit of strategies–based on learning assessment reports–applicable to learning skills, reading, coursework, and exam preparation/taking
  • Comprehensive introduction and preparation for Organic Chemistry
    • What is Organic Chemistry?
    • Practice with and advice for expected coursework
  • Physician mentorship and shadowing opportunities
  • Exposure to Native Hawaiian cultural education and experiences
  • Post-program Support: Individual advising from program learning specialist throughout the year

  • Identify and apply individual learning styles to enhance study techniques, enabling success on standardized tests, medical school exams, and board certifications.
  • Develop strategies to build emotional resilience and self-confidence, equipping students to navigate the challenges of medical school effectively.
  • Engage in mentorship with culturally relevant Hawaiian physicians to foster professional growth, community connection, and culturally informed medical practices.
  • Build a professional network of Native Hawaiian healthcare practitioners to foster collaboration, mentorship, and culturally informed healthcare practices.

Application Process

Eligibility Requirements

Must be:

  • Enrolled as a pre-medical undergraduate student in one of the following four University of Hawai’i schools: UH Mānoa, UH West Oʻahu, UH Hilo, UH Maui College
  • Must have completed General Chemistry II and projected to take Organic Chemistry in the next academic year (2025-2026) OR have completed Organic Chemistry with a C or below
  • Must reside on Oʻahu for the duration of the program
    • Funding available to support accommodations of participants from neighbor islands (either through the department’s accommodations or your own arrangements)
  • Able to commit to 30 hours per week

 

Deadline and Notification

The online application closed on Friday, February 28, 2025. Applications will not be accepted after the deadline.

Applications will be reviewed, and candidates will be contacted via email sometime in March. The students who have been selected for participation in the program must accept their invitation by the decision deadline, Monday, March 31st, 2025.

 

Program Dates and Commitment Expectations

The program starts on Monday, June 2, 2025 and concludes on Friday, July 11, 2025.

Students must commit to 30 hours per week.

 

Compensation

A stipend of $1,500 will be awarded upon successful completion of all components of the program.

 

View program pdf version here

Contact Information

Heaven Faʻagau
NHCOE Learning Specialist
heavenw@hawaii.edu
(808) 692-1056

Applications are now CLOSED