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 2025 recipient, Stacy Cambra is a second-year pre-med student at the University of California, Berkeley, studying Integrative Biology. Here is a word from Violet:

“This past year as a freshman has been an exciting experience, going from living on a rural island to a busy city. During my first year at Berkeley, I worked as an intern for the Pacific Islander Initiative, contributed to a sociology research project, and connected with others in my Native community.

While I have faced many challenges being so far from home and adjusting to a new environment, I have also learned so much about the world, myself, and my passions. Despite the difficulties I have endured, I am endlessly grateful for the opportunity to pursue a higher education.

No matter how difficult things get academically or how homesick I may feel, I am comforted by the fact that I am truly taking the first steps toward fulfilling my dream of becoming an oncologist. In doing so, I hope to return to Maui and serve my community through healthcare. I have seen firsthand the shortage of healthcare professionals in Hawaiʻi, particularly on Maui. This reality motivates me to keep moving forward so that one day I can be of service to my community by providing locally rooted care and helping build a bridge between healthcare and the people of Hawaiʻi.

Overall, I am incredibly grateful to return to UC Berkeley for another year with the support of the Paubox Kahikina Scholarship. I am excited for what this next year will bring and am ready to make my family and myself proud by working hard and committing myself to the personal and academic growth that I hope to one day bring home to my lāhui.”

Read more: Paubox Kahikina Scholarship Recipient Reflection | Violet Mossman