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Our Work

Hawai‘i Renewable Learning Fund

Impact Investments, Workforce & Economic Mobility

Highlights

$2.5MRevolving loan fund to upskill residents, address key labor needs, and drive economic development for Hawaiʻi

Social Finance is partnering with philanthropic funders, The College of Engineering at the University of Hawaiʻi, and Hawaiian engineering firms to help Hawaiʻi residents earn engineering degrees and meet the talent needs of local firms.

$58-89K

Expected starting salary for engineers in Hawaiʻi

The Hawaiʻi Renewable Learning Fund provides zero-interest loans to low-income college students to cover their remaining costs of attendance after grants and scholarships. After graduation, if a student earns above $50,000, they pay back their loan through fixed monthly repayments for up to five years. If they earn less than this minimum salary, they may apply for an income-based deferment and have a $0 monthly repayment obligation. All loans repayments are recycled back into the fund to support future students.  

The Fund is partnering with local employers to offer loan repayment assistance to graduates who accept and remain in positions with their companies.

For Interested Students

How It Works

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About the College of Engineering at the University of Hawaiʻi

The College of Engineering at the University of Hawaiʻi offers B.S. degrees in Civil and Environmental, Computer, Construction, Electrical, and Mechanical Engineering, as well as Engineering Science (Aerospace and Biomedical focuses). A leading education and research institution, the College of Engineering awards 250 bachelor's degrees each year. Graduates experience strong job placement outcomes, thanks in part to the College's relationships with local employers.

Participant Stories

How the Hawai’i Renewable Learning Fund Helped Jotis Focus on School
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How the Hawai’i Renewable Learning Fund Helped Jotis Focus on School

Kaua’i native Jotis transferred from the University of Hawai’i at Hilo to the University of Hawai’i at Manoa College of Engineering but didn’t receive enough financial aid to cover his tuition and other costs. But then Jotis applied to the Hawai’i Renewable Learning Fund, which provided him the supplementary financial support he needed to fully dedicate himself to training for a career in engineering.

The Hawai’i Renewable Learning Fund Gives Melanie The Boost She Needs
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The Hawai’i Renewable Learning Fund Gives Melanie the Boost She Needs

On the verge of finishing her civil engineering degree at the University of Hawai’i at Manoa College of Engineering, Melanie, born and raised on O’ahu, found herself in need of financial support as she juggled her capstone coursework and a job. Melanie applied to the Hawai’i Renewable Learning Fund and got the assistance she needed to find the balance she needed to finish her college career strong.

By recycling every dollar repaid back into the Fund, we’re able to continuously support more students than we could using traditional loan or scholarship models. With this Fund, we are supporting public education while investing in the sustainable economic development of Hawaiʻi.

Alex Harris

Vice President of Programs at the Harold K.L. Castle Foundation
SSFM International is thrilled to see the Hawaiʻi Renewable Learning Fund come to fruition. This forward-thinking project not only aligns with our ongoing commitment to nurture local talent and foster sustainable economic growth in Hawaiʻi but also marks a significant step toward creating a resilient and skilled workforce for Hawaii’s future.

Michael P. Matsumoto

President/CEO of SSFM International, Inc.
At Bowers + Kubota, we believe our people are our greatest asset. That's why we are excited to be a part of this new approach to investing in and supporting our college students.

Brian Bowers

President of Bowers + Kubota Consulting

Partners and Supporters

News

All photos courtesy of UH Manoa. 

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