Kauhale Medical Scholars Program

About the Program

The Native Hawaiian Center of Excellence’s Kauhale Medical Scholars Program is a seven-week cohort summer program, from Saturday, May 16, 2026 to Thursday, July 2, 2026, created for pre-medical undergraduate students, with future interest in applying to medical school, specifically the John A. Burns School of Medicine.

 

Informational ZOOM Session

Held on November 18th at 2 p.m. View here!

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 a student within the UH System (eg. UH Mānoa, UH West Oahu, UH Hilo)
  • Must have completed General Chemistry II and projected to take Organic Chemistry in the next academic year (2026-2027) 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 2026 online application opens on Monday, November 3, 2025 and will close on Sunday, January 25, 2026 at 11:59 PM HSTApplications will not be accepted after the deadline.

Applications will be reviewed, and candidates will be contacted via email for a follow up interview by Monday, February 16th, 2026. The students who have been selected for participation in the program must accept their invitation by the decision deadline, Monday, February 28, 2026.

 

Program Dates and Commitment Expectations

The program starts on Saturday, May 16, 2026 and concludes on Thursday, July 2, 2026Students must be available during Summer Session 1 and commit to 30 hours per week.

 

View program pdf version here

Contact Information

Nicole Lee
NHCOE Project Associate
nl33@hawaii.edu
(808) 692-1044

Applications are now CLOSED