1 min read
Paubox Kahikina Scholarship Recipient Makamaenani Kaili-Kramer: 2025 update
Kirsten Peremore
July 30, 2025
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 scholarship recipient Makamaenani Kaili-Kramer is a senior at Pacific University, majoring in kinesiology and focusing on optometry. Here is a word from Makamaenani:
“Aloha mai kākou!
My name is Makamaenani Kaili-Kramer, and I am a 2024 Paubox Kahikina STEM Scholarship recipient. I am currently a rising senior at Pacific University, majoring in kinesiology and focusing on optometry. I am very grateful to receive the Paubox Kahikina STEM Scholarship for another year, as it is a significant stepping stone toward achieving my goals.
My experience at Pacific University has been very transformative, and I am very thankful to you for all the academic opportunities available to me. As my undergraduate career comes to an end, I am currently in the application process for Optometry School to achieve my career aspirations. I plan to apply to the Optometry program at Pacific University to return to Maui after my college education ends and give back to the community that supported me after all these years.
This Summer, I’m excited to continue interning with Maui Optix. Fortunately, the Maui Optix team and doctors let me continue my internship while I’m home during my summer and winter breaks. This opportunity deepens my understanding of optometry and helps me build essential life skills. These include increased confidence, improved communication, effective time management, and stronger teamwork abilities.
Furthermore, I am a proud recipient of the Paubox Kahikina STEM Scholarship, a program dedicated to supporting Native Hawaiian students pursuing careers in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics. I strongly encourage all Native Hawaiian students interested in STEM to apply for this scholarship, as it provides significant financial relief for college expenses. The Paubox Kahikina STEM Scholarship has enabled me to finance my higher education, and I am profoundly thankful to Hoala Greevy and the entire Paubox organization for their generous support!
Mahalo Nui Loa”
Read more: Paubox Kahikana Recipient Reflection
Subscribe to Paubox Weekly
Every Friday we'll bring you the most important news from Paubox. Our aim is to make you smarter, faster.
