Education
CALL FOR APPLICANTS!
The American Advertising Federation Hawai‘i “Shining Star” Scholarship is open to current full-time enrollees of a Hawai‘i college or university and majoring in Advertising or an Advertising-related field such as Graphic or Web design, Marketing, Broadcast, Journalism, Communications, etc.
SCHOLARSHIP AMOUNT:
First Place: A one time amount of $2,000 to be used towards school-related expenses.
Second Place: A one time amount of $800 to be used towards school-related expenses.
ELIGIBILITY:
College undergraduates who are currently enrolled as full-time students at an accredited college or university in Hawai‘i.
2023 WINNERS
2023 WINNERS
UH Manoa: Graduating in spring 2026 in creative media and Hawaiian Studies
1st Place: $2,500
Hezekiah Kapuaʻala
"Like I have mentioned in my application, "If I do earn the AAF Hawaiʻi Shining Star Scholarship, it would help me and my desire for education and would help my family to not pay anything out of pocket." But now that I have been awarded this scholarship, I am still in shock. This is amazing news for me and my family and with this, I have fully covered my financial needs for the next school year. Mahalo nui loa AAF Hawaiʻi!"
UH Manoa: Graduating in spring 2026 in creative media and Hawaiian Studies
2nd Place: $1,000
Tre Zamora
"As an Indigenous designer, being awarded this scholarship means much more than just financial support. It’s a recognition of cultural legacy and an affirmation of our place in society, allowing us to pursue educational opportunities that may have been denied to our ancestors. It is a step towards reclaiming our stories, our traditions, and our voices.”
UH Manoa: Graduating in spring 2026 in creative media and Hawaiian Studies
3rd Place: $500
Nanea Ah You
"There are no words to express how grateful and honored I am to be a recipient of this year’s 2023 AAF Shining Star Scholarship. This recognition truly motivates me to keep pursuing my dreams of becoming an Indigenous filmmaker of my Hawaiian culture and my ancestors. Mahalo nui to the AAF Board for providing me with this opportunity toward the life I wish for.”
Some of our signature events and programs include:
• The ABCs of JOBs (or How to Land your First Job in Advertising & Design) is a popular, free event that takes place in April. A panel of renowned professionals who represent various sectors of the industry share how they got their starts. Open to current college seniors and recent graduates.
• The Shining Star Scholarship Program Eligible college students who are studying advertising, design, communication and related fields may apply to receive this scholarship which is awarded annually. Apply HERE.
• 2024 Pele Awards In addition to all of the professional and college categories, we are pleased to announce that the 2024 Pele Awards will once again include the High School Student Pele Categories. Information can be found HERE.
