Applications Open for Ho‘olono Scholarships
Nā Leo TV Opens Spring 2025 Applications for the Ho‘olono Scholarship
Supports Hawai‘i Island Youth in Media Careers
Nā Leo TV, Hawai‘i Island’s community access TV station, is now accepting applications for the Spring 2025 Ho‘olono Scholarship. Named after the Hawaiian words "ho‘o" (to make) and "lono" (a report or news), this scholarship is for youth passionate about creating content and sharing impactful stories. The Ho‘olono Scholarship represents Nā Leo TV’s commitment to investing in Hawai‘i Island’s next generation of talent in fields such as broadcast, journalism, digital and creative media.
“Nā Leo TV is proud to empower Hawai‘i Island youth to pursue careers in media and storytelling through the Ho‘olono Scholarship,” said Ashley Kierkiewicz, President & CEO of Nā Leo TV. “Investing in our next generation is essential to encouraging diversity and innovation in the media landscape. This scholarship offers more than just financial support; it encourages young people to use their voices to connect, educate, and contribute to their communities, ensuring our island perspectives are represented in content creation.”
The Ho‘olono Scholarship is available to Hawai‘i Island high school seniors and current post-secondary students majoring in media-related fields and maintaining a minimum GPA of 3.0. Scholarships of $1,000 to $2,500 will be awarded ahead of the Fall and Spring semesters to assist students with their educational expenses as they work toward becoming media professionals.
Applications for the Spring 2025 Semester are due by Friday, December 13, at 5 PM. Applicants must submit a completed application form, a letter of recommendation, proof of enrollment or acceptance letter, their most recent academic transcript, and, optionally, a portfolio showcasing media projects such as video clips, articles, photos, or other relevant work.
Scholarship recipients will be notified by January 10, 2025, and invited to participate in an exclusive NLTV podcast. Scholarships are awarded as direct cash grants to students.
For more information on the Ho‘olono Scholarship and to access the application, visit naleo.tv/scholarship.
Through the Ho‘olono Scholarship, the Youth Media Challenge, and high school work-based learning programs, Nā Leo TV serves as Hawai‘i Island’s leading incubator for nurturing future creatives and media professionals.
Past Award Winners
Nā Leo TV awarded its inaugural Ho‘olono Scholarships in Fall 2024 to Daysen Higa and Erin Wagner, both selected for their academic excellence and commitment to making a positive difference through media. Higa, a Waiākea High School valedictorian, is pursuing engineering at UH Mānoa with a focus on creating accessible media tools for underserved communities. Wagner, a Hilo High School graduate studying journalism at Lewis & Clark College, is dedicated to using media to advocate for social justice and community engagement.
Both recipients shared their stories on a special edition podcast, highlighting the scholarship’s impact on their journeys. To view their inspiring conversation, visit naleo.tv/news/fall2024scholarship.
