The Paubox Kahikina Scholarship helps Native Hawaiian students pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) and Tech in general. Its purpose is to offer financial support and create a strong network for these students. The scholarship makes education more affordable and connects students with professionals, giving them valuable opportunities to learn and grow in their chosen STEM or Tech fields. This scholarship is about more than just money; it's about building a community and empowering Native Hawaiian students to succeed in STEM or Tech careers.
See also: The big ideas behind the Paubox Kahikina Scholarship
As a recent Kamehameha Schools graduate and scholarship recipient, Caleb will move on to attend Cornell University to study biomedical engineering. Here is a word from Caleb:
“Aloha! My name is Caleb Takiguchi, and I am so excited to be a recipient of the 2025 Paubox Scholarship. I am from Waipahu, Oʻahu, and graduated from Kamehameha Schools. I currently am a freshman at Cornell University pursuing Biomedical Engineering.
There are many paths that higher education opens up, especially with the limited opportunities that can be present on the island. As a Native Hawaiian, I am driven to give back to my community through biomedical engineering. I want to focus on developing affordable, less invasive treatments for chronic diseases like Type II diabetes, which disproportionately affects my people.
Throughout my high school journey, I have sought opportunities to challenge myself academically, earning recognition for my efforts. Consistently maintaining a 4.0 GPA or higher, I earned a place on the Principal’s List for all four years of high school. I was named an Indigenous National SAT Recognition Scholar for being among the top 10% of test-takers in Hawaiʻi and honored as a National Merit Semifinalist, given to the top 1% of PSAT test-takers in the nation. As an Advanced Placement (AP) Scholar with Distinction, I demonstrated my commitment to rigorous coursework, achieving top AP Calculus, Biology, English, and World History scores.
In addition to my academic and extracurricular commitments, I’ve sought meaningful ways to serve my campus and the greater community. I founded Mālamalama Hawaiʻi, a club designed to expose my peers to opportunities in the medical profession by hosting guest speakers — local doctors, nurses, and other medical professionals who shared their journeys and expertise. With over 60 members, we created a space for students to explore pathways in healthcare, planting seeds for future contributions to our community. Similarly, my involvement with the Lifesavers Club allowed me to teach CPR skills to peers and children, promoting health awareness and emergency preparedness to over 100 students in grades 6–12.
Each experience, achievement, and challenge I have gone through have prepared me to pursue biomedical engineering. Developing less invasive, cost-effective treatments for chronic diseases like diabetes is not only a career goal, it is my kuleana to my community.
None of this would be possible if I did not have the support of the Paubox Kahikina Foundation. Their support, both financially and professionally, have been a huge help in my transition to college and I am so grateful for their belief in students like me to achieve great things.”
Read more: Paubox Kahikina Scholarship Recipient Reflection | Caleb Takiguchi