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

 

A 2024 Kamehameha Schools Kapālama graduate, scholarship recipient Haliʻa Sniffen is entering her third year at the University of California, Los Angeles, where she studies psychology. Here is an update from Haliʻa:

“Aloha mai kākou! My name is Haliʻa Sniffen, and I am incredibly grateful to be a recipient of the 2026 Paubox Kahikina Scholarship.

I am from Kāneʻohe, Oʻahu, where I live with my parents, three brothers, and two dogs. I am a 2024 graduate of Kamehameha Schools Kapālama and am currently a third-year psychology major at the University of California, Los Angeles. My career goal is to become a sports psychologist for a college, professional, or Olympic sports team, as well as for the youth of Hawaiʻi, to help improve athletes’ mental health.

My passion for this specific field of study started in high school. In 2022 and 2023, I competed on a national level in spring kayaking, which included training twice a day, every day, for months, and traveling to the continent to race and try out for USA teams. Through this experience, I learned that to perform at a high level, an athlete’s mental health has to be prioritized as much as weightlifting and practice. I aspire to work for a professional, college, or Olympic team to provide therapy and counseling to athletes.

Another passion of mine is my culture. As a Native Hawaiian, I was fortunate to be given admission into Kamehameha Schools and attended for six years. At Kamehameha, I participated in the Hula Hawaiian Ensemble, Papa ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi, Papa Kilo Hōkū, paddling, and was part of the Song Contest Hoʻike cast. Through these activities, I gained an appreciation for my lāhui and feel a kuleana to give back. After working with a professional, college, or Olympic team, I want to return to Hawaiʻi to be a resource for the athletes, especially Native Hawaiian athletes. I want to use my experience to help mentally prepare them to be the best high-performing athletes they can be.

My second year at UCLA has been very eventful. I became a co-lūʻau director and helped to put on the Hawaiʻi Club’s 41st annual lūʻau. I joined and became a co-social media director for the UCLA chapter of The Hidden Opponent (THO). THO is a sports psychology and mental awareness non-profit organization that has college clubs all around the country. We were able to go to sports games and talk about athlete mental health. I was also admitted into the Psych Professional club, Bruinsynaptogenesis (BSG). This club teaches its members how to use their Psychology degree after graduation, as well as prepare for the professional world by doing resume reviews and mock interviews. Throughout the year, we reach out to professionals in the Psychology field and recruit them for our end-of-the-year networking event. We hold this event for any Psychology student at UCLA to join and network. Being able to join two Psychology clubs was very beneficial for me this year, and I enjoyed all of the experiences.

Just like my first year, I still enjoy UCLA sports games, intramural sports, and adventuring in LA. I have been on a couple of hikes, have a season pass to Knott’s Berry Farm and Six Flags, and love to find new places to eat. This past year I even got to watch UH win the NCAA menʻs volleyball championship! It was a great game, and of course I was cheering for UH.

I am incredibly grateful to my family for allowing and supporting me to pursue my education at UCLA. I am also so thankful for the aid that the Paubox Kahikina Scholarship provides. The financial aid and networking have been incredible resources for me and Paubox has provided such great support. I canʻt wait to continue my education, and I am so excited for this upcoming school year!

Me ke aloha,

Haliʻa Sniffen”

Read more: Paubox Kahikina Scholarship Recipient 2026: Haliʻa Sniffen