RAM accepting applications for 2021 scholarship

For many students, an academic scholarship provides more than a financial reprieve—it’s also the promise of a brighter future. Just ask the graduates from private and public high schools on Maui, Lanai and Molokai who are now pursuing degrees at colleges and universities throughout the U.S. with the help of the scholarships they received from the Realtors Association of Maui Community Foundation (RAMCF) Presidential Scholarship Fund.

Since it was established in 1989, the RAMCF Presidential Scholarship Fund has awarded $812,000 in academic scholarships to college-bound high school seniors throughout Maui County, as well as past scholarship recipients. Over the years, funds for the scholarships have been raised through Mea Kako‘o, a group of sponsors who collectively donate money to the program, and events like the Maui Visitor Industry Charity Walk, RAM’s Got Talent event, RAMCF Presidential Scholarship Golf Event, and RAM’s annual installation and membership gala.

In 2020, when in-person fundraising events had to be canceled or postponed due to COVID-19, RAM members voluntarily donated a portion of their closed transactions to RAMCF.

It was a tough year for everyone, including Maui’s real estate community, said 2020-21 RAM President Joe Hogin. That’s why he couldn’t be prouder to lead an organization whose members stepped up to help make educational dreams come true for local students during the most difficult of times.

“A lot of these agents are consistently giving back to the community—if it’s not the RAM Community Foundation, it’s their own personal charity they love and support,” Hogin said. “I’m thankful that I work with a group of professionals that truly cares about the community.”

To be eligible for the 2021 RAMCF Presidential Scholarship, an applicant must be a high school senior or a former recipient of the scholarship (from the previous three years) and must be in the process of applying or reapplying to an accredited college or university or trade school. Applicants must also be full-time Maui County residents who are currently attending, or have previously attended, a public or private high school in Maui County. (However, students attending private high schools off island will be considered residents of Maui County if they are living off island for the specific purpose of attending that private high school.) Current GED participants are also encouraged to apply.

In addition to completing the scholarship application, students must submit two letters of recommendation, official (sealed) high school or college transcript, SAT scores, a summary of their career goals and a written personal statement. Once they receive the completed applications and accompanying documents, the volunteer members of the RAMCF Presidential Scholarship Fund Review Committee carefully evaluate each applicant based on a number of criteria, including financial need, scholastic achievement, career goals, school activities and community service activities. The committee also determines the total number of scholarship recipients.

Do you know a college-bound student who is eligible for the RAMCF Presidential Scholarship? Tell them to mark their calendars: The deadline to apply for the 2021 scholarship is Wednesday, March 31. To apply, visit www.ScholarsApp.com, create a free account, and search for “Realtors Association of Maui Presidential Scholarship.” Students must complete the application and submit all accompanying documents no later than 5 p.m. on March 31. Paper applications are also available for those who do not have internet access. To obtain a paper application, students can contact their respective school’s guidance counselor.

For more information about the RAMCF Presidential Scholarship Fund, visit www.ramaui.com/scholarship or contact RAM at info@ramaui.com or 873-8585.

The Maui News – January 4, 2021