The University of Hawai‘i–West O‘ahu pre-nursing program received a $25,000 gift from ‘Ohana Health Plan, which made the announcement at a special check presentation on March 13 at the UH West O‘ahu campus.
The purpose of the ‘Ohana Health Plan Pre-Nursing Scholarship – UH West O‘ahu is to assist students enrolled in the pre-nursing program at UH West O‘ahu, with funds to be used for costs associated with attendance (e.g. tuition, books, fees, etc.).
The UH West O‘ahu Bachelor of Applied Science, Health Professions, General Health Science concentration with a Pre-Nursing Pathway was designed to address the nursing shortage in the state of Hawai‘i, specifically the west side of O‘ahu, and aims to develop and prepare scholarly leaders from west O‘ahu who are interested in improving the health and wellness of their community through a career in nursing.
“Healthcare and increasing the number of healthcare professionals — especially nurses — is paramount in Hawai‘i,” said Dr. Rebecca Romine, Faculty Director of the Pre-Nursing Pathway Program at UH West O‘ahu.
“These scholarships will help reduce financial stress so our students can focus more on their studies and academic performance,” said Romine, who is an Associate Professor with the Division of Mathematics, Natural, and Health Sciences at UH West O‘ahu. “The scholarship funds will help students from the west side of O‘ahu learn and practice the skills and knowledge within the pre-nursing curriculum so that they pursue their nursing career.”
Nicole Akana, Co-Lead of the Pre-Nursing Pathway Program, added that the scholarship is more than financial support for students.
“It’s an investment in the future of healthcare on the west side of our island,” Akana said. “By empowering aspiring nurses, we are addressing the critical nursing shortage and strengthening our local workforce, ensuring quality care for our community for generations to come.”
‘Ohana Health Plan initially created the scholarship in 2016 with a $10,000 gift that impacted 12 students.
“Hawai‘i is experiencing a nursing shortage and ‘Ohana Health Plan is committed to investing in our local workforce development,” said Scott Sivik, ‘Ohana Health Plan President and Chief Executive Officer. “We are pleased to offer another round of Pre-Nursing Pathway Scholarships at the University of Hawai‘i–West O‘ahu to students interested in transforming the health of the community, one person at a time.”
‘Ohana Health Plan provides government-sponsored managed care services to families – from keiki to kūpuna – and individuals with complex medical needs primarily through Medicaid, Medicare Advantage (Wellcare), and Medicare Prescription Drug Plans (Wellcare) across the state. ‘Ohana Health Plan is a Centene Corporation company, a leading healthcare enterprise committed to helping people live healthier lives.
The following are among the criteria and eligibility requirements for the ‘Ohana Health Plan Pre-Nursing Scholarship – UH West O‘ahu:
- UH West O‘ahu student enrolled in the pre-nursing program
- Undergraduate, full-time
- Graduate of a Hawai‘i high school, preferred
- Resident of Hawai‘i, as determined by the University admissions office, preferred
- Demonstrates academic merit, as determined by the selection committee
Visit the UH Foundation website to learn more about the ‘Ohana Health Plan Pre-Nursing Scholarship – UH West O‘ahu. Students may apply for the scholarship here.