HONOLULU — Leeward Community College students will soon benefit from new scholarships thanks to a $100,000 gift from Kalaeloa Partners, L.P. The Kalaeloa Partners Scholarship will assist part-time and full-time students who have graduated from either Kapolei High School, Campbell High School, Nanakuli High School, Waipahu High School or Waiʻanae High School.
"More than one third of our students are supported by either private or federal aid, and often it is a combination of the two," said Aileen Lum-Akana, financial aid director, Leeward Community College. "Another third of our student body is seriously struggling, often dropping out of school to support children of their own, or even their parents. The support of Kalaeloa Partners will play a large role in the future success of many of our students," Lum-Akana concluded.
Kalaeloa Partners LP is a community focused electrical energy provider for the island of Oʻahu. Their Kalaeloa Cogeneration Plant is the most efficient power plant on the island, and supplies 20 percent of the electricity needs of the island.
"Our decision to support Leeward CC students through a scholarship grew out of our relationship and respect for Tommylynn Benavente, professor of Culinary Arts at The Pearl (the Leeward CC fine dining culinary training restaurant)," said Hans "Ruedi" Tobler, general manager, Kalaeloa Partners, L.P. He continued, "We were impressed with Tommylynn's commitment to the community, and the caliber of students we encountered at The Pearl, and wanted to make a difference in the community by helping to make quality higher education affordable for Leeward residents." Tobler concluded, "One of my favorite quotes is 'Tell me and I'll forget. Show me, and I may not remember. Involve me, and I'll understand.' As donors to Leeward CC, we are learning more, growing in our involvement and building a partnership that benefits us all."
Leeward Community College has experienced a record student enrollment increase of 34 percent over the past four years while providing a stimulating environment for academic learning and a center of cultural life for our community.
"We are thrilled to accept this generous commitment by Kalaeloa Partners to help our students with much-needed new scholarship opportunities," said Manny Cabral, Leeward Community College chancellor. "Ruedi Tobler and the Kalaeloa Partners ʻohana have stepped forward to give a college education to a significant number of students. On behalf of all those who will benefit, I express my mahalo nui loa."
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The University of Hawaiʻi Foundation, a nonprofit organization, raises private funds to support the University of Hawaiʻi System. Our mission is to unite our donors' passions with the University of Hawaiʻi's aspirations to benefit the people of Hawaiʻi and beyond. We do this by raising private philanthropic support, managing private investments and nurturing donor and alumni relationships. www.uhfoundation.org.
Leeward Community College As the third largest campus in the University of Hawaiʻi system, Leeward Community College provides access to higher education and plays an important role in workforce development in Leeward and Central Oʻahu. The College focuses on students, teaching, learning, and responsiveness to community needs. With courses in more than 100 subject areas, Leeward CC offers a comprehensive curriculum for immediate entry into the workforce or for transfer towards a baccalaureate degree. Leeward Community College, with diverse student population and experienced and caring faculty, has provided access, affordability, and a high quality education to the people of Hawaii since 1968. www.leeward.hawaii.edu/
