Edward Payson and Bernice Piilani Irwin Scholarship
Hawaii Community Foundation · Varies · Closes Feb 1
How you apply
This award is part of Hawai'i Community Foundation Common Scholarship Application — you apply through one application, not a separate one for each fund.
Hawai‘i Community Foundation has over $8 million a year available for scholarships from more than 300 funds to make the road to college—and graduation—possible.
The 2027-2028 HCF Common Scholarship Application opens on December 1, 2026. Apply by February 1, 2027, 4 PM Hawai’i Standard Time.
Be a resident of the State of Hawaii; Demonstrate financial need; Undergraduate or graduate students; Attend an accredited college or university within the United States; Minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75; Intend to major in journalism or communications; Undergraduate junior, senior and graduate students.
How to win it
To win this scholarship, make sure your application clearly highlights your commitment to journalism or communications as your intended major, since that focus is central to what the Hawaii Community Foundation is looking for. As a junior, senior, or graduate student, you have the advantage of a track record to point to, so gather strong materials that demonstrate both your academic performance above the 2.75 GPA threshold and your financial need. Present yourself as a dedicated Hawaii resident with a clear purpose in your field, and let your passion for journalism or communications come through in every part of your application.