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 2023 Kamehameha Schools Kapālama graduate and scholarship recipient, Jade Hao will move on to pursue a Computer Science degree with a Biology minor. Here is a word from Jade Hao:

“Aloha mai kākou! My name is Jade Haʻo, I am pursuing a degree in Computer Science and a Biology minor in the last year of my undergrad journey. I am very honored to be part of the 2026 cohort of the Paubox Kahikina Scholars. First and foremost, I want to extend my deepest gratitude to Hoala Greevy, the volunteer committee, and everyone who is a part of the Paubox community for their aid and constant support of Native Hawaiians in STEM fields.

As a little introduction to who I am, I was born and raised in Kailua-Kona, Hawaiʻi. I am also a 2023 graduate of Kamehameha Schools Kapālama. Being a boarder at Kamehameha allowed me to figure out who I was and what I wanted to do as the college application deadline loomed. From taking some coding courses throughout high school to also finding a passion for biology at the same time, I knew I wanted to have a mix of both. This led me down the path of enrolling and pursuing a degree at the University of San Francisco.

As I entered USF for my freshman year, I was rudely awakened with a sudden realization that this, in fact, was nothing like high school. Adjusting to life in San Francisco was exciting yet scary; there were all these new experiences, yet there was this associated longing for home. It was apparent the stark contrast between Hawai’i academic life and San Francisco academic life. I found it strange being part of the roughly 0.4% of the student body that identified as Native Hawaiian, especially considering I was also one of only three Hawaiian students in the Computer Science program.

I found myself needing a sense of community, and I found that through these clubs on campus: Women in Tech (WiT), Food Recovery Network (FRN), and Promoting Animal Welfare through Service (P.A.W.S), which gave me a community that I was desperately in need of. WiT allowed me to surround myself with women who understood the challenges of navigating computer science. FRN allowed me to get into my community, reducing food waste at my university as well as giving food to individuals who needed it the most. Lastly, P.A.W.S allowed me to support animal welfare initiatives and find friends along the way.

As the next two years flew by, I found myself delving deep into life here at USF. I found myself in e-board positions, and I am serving as the Vice President of WiT, Head of Finance for FRN, and the President of P.A.W.S. Of these experiences, my involvement in WiT became especially meaningful to me. As Vice President, I had the opportunity to help create a space where students could connect, learn from one another, and feel empowered to pursue careers in technology. One of my biggest accomplishments had to be collaborating with other students to create one of the biggest Hackathons here at USF, DonsHack. With over $2,000 worth of prizes, sponsorships from Redbull and Narra, and dozens of students participating, organizing the event taught me the importance of teamwork, communication, and leadership. From reaching out to sponsors and securing funding to coordinating logistics, inviting industry professionals to serve as our judges, and making sure the event ran smoothly, I was able to work alongside my peers to turn an idea into a successful event that brought the USF community together. Seeing students build, collaborate, and showcase their projects made all of the hard work worthwhile, and it showed me how much can be accomplished when a group of people comes together around a shared goal.

Throughout the summer before my junior year, I had the most amazing opportunity to work alongside Purple Maiʻa as a Junior Software Developer. I had the privilege of working as a Junior Software Developer at the Purple Maiʻa Foundation, where I grew both technically and personally. I worked on three main projects: creating a scholarship search tool for college students, developing an eco-simulation game rooted in Hawaiian values, and building an interactive Hawaiʻi Soil Series Map. Beyond coding, I had the opportunity to work alongside students, farmers, and local organizations, gaining hands-on experience through soil sampling, ʻāina work days, and collaborative projects. Overall, this internship challenged me to think creatively, take on leadership roles, and explore how technology can support Hawaiʻi and its communities. It was an amazing experience, and it truly solidified the need for more exposure in tech for Hawaiʻi.

Throughout my time at USF, I have had such amazing opportunities, such as being a representative for USF at the Tapia: Celebration of Diversity in Computing, being a teaching assistant for Machine Learning, pursuing becoming a McGrath Scholar, and more. As my time dwindles here at USF, I find myself reflecting on how much I have grown, both personally and professionally, through these experiences. Each opportunity has challenged me to step outside of my comfort zone, connect with others, and discover new ways that I can contribute to the communities I am a part of.

I am incredibly grateful for the people who have supported me along the way and for the experiences that have shaped my journey at USF. Looking back, I am proud of how far I have come and excited to carry the lessons, relationships, and values I have gained here into the next chapter of my life. While my time at USF may be coming to an end, I know that the impact these experiences have had on me will continue to shape who I am and the work I hope to do in the future.

As I enter my senior year, I am excited to continue with my classes, make more friends, graduate, and enjoy this truly amazing experience that I have had so far. It is surreal for me to think about this amazing opportunity that I have been granted, and I am grateful to be a part of the Paubox ʻohana. Again, mahalo nui to everyone at Paubox for your support! Excited to be a part of the 2026 cohort!”

Read more: Paubox Kahikina Scholarship Recipient Reflection | Jade Hao