It’s a big week for University of Hawaii‘s community colleges. First $9.7 million for a new campus in Kona, and now $100,000 for scholarships at Leeward Community College.

The gift, from electrical energy provider Kalaeloa Partners L.P., establishes the Kalaeloa Partners Scholarship, which will help part-time and full-time students who graduated from Leeward high schools Campbell, Kapolei, Nanakuli, Waipahu or Waianae.

More than one-third of the students at Leeward CC receive private or federal aid, or both.

“Another third of our student body is seriously struggling, often dropping out of school to support children of their own, or even their parents,” said financial aid director Aileen Lum-Akana, according to a press release from the college. “The support of Kalaeloa Partners will play a large role in the future success of many of our students.”

Things are really moving and shaking for students over on the Leeward Coast, with this new scholarship and the Department of Education designating it a pilot site for some bold reforms. As a result, school district officials and community partners are focusing heavily on eliminating obstacles to student success.

 Photo courtesy of the University of Hawaii Foundation.