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
Scholarship recipient Landon Choy is about to be a junior at Stanford University, majoring in Computer Science. Here is a word from Landon:
“As I prepare to enter my junior year at Stanford University, majoring in Computer Science, I find myself reflecting on the experiences, support systems, and values that have shaped my academic and professional path thus far. Growing up in Hawaiʻi, I was raised with a strong sense of responsibility to my community and the land and a deep appreciation for innovation as a tool for meaningful change. The Paubox Kahikina Scholarship has played a vital role in helping me pursue this.
The scholarship has helped relieve the financial burdens from attending a university like Stanford but has also strengthened my identity as a Native Hawaiian in the field of technology. I am deeply grateful for the support, which has allowed me to focus on building the skills necessary to give back to my community through technology.
During the summer of 2024, I interned at Chevron, where I worked with data engineers on cost analysis tools for offshore operations. While the role was technically rewarding, it also made me realize that I want to apply my skills in ways that more directly serve people and the environment. This summer, I will be interning at Medtronic, where I will be focused on using my skillset to help end-users directly.
Looking ahead, I am passionate about using artificial intelligence to address some of Hawaiʻi’s most pressing challenges, such as climate change and education. Through a career in industry, I hope to develop responsible solutions that reflect the values I was raised with and the future I hope to help build. Mahalo to Paubox for investing in the next generation of Native Hawaiian leaders in tech. Your support is making a lasting difference.”
Read: Paubox Kahikina Scholarship Recipient Reflection | Landon Choy
