The Christian Education Scholarship Program
The Christian Education Scholarship Program was created to provide financial aid to persons who are pursuing education beyond high school. The scholarship(s) are primarily funded by the earnings from three funds: The Onishi Christian Education Fund, the Tanabe Family, and the Kokame Benevolence Fund.
The scholarship program is open to persons who are accepted or enrolled at an approved/accredited institution. Recipient(s) will be selected based on the following eligibility requirements.
Applicant Eligibility Requirements:
- Is a member/constituent of Harris United Methodist Church as indicated by a letter of recommendation from the respective Senior Pastor or Associate Pastor appointed to the church, or
- Is a member/constituent of a Hawaii District United Methodist Church as indicated by a letter of recommendation from the respective Senior Pastor or Associate Pastor appointed to the Hawaii District UMC that applicant attends.
- Has not previously received this scholarship. Persons who applied but did not receive the scholarship are eligible to re-apply.
- Is currently enrolled or accepted at an accredited institution (as indicated by transcript submission).
Procedures: - Applications will be available on March 1, 2026 on the church website: https://harrisumc.org/spiritual-formation-ministries/.
- The following must accompany the application for full consideration:
- Current academic transcript. Be advised: Report cards are not transcripts.
- Two (2) letters of recommendation, one (1) of which is from the Senior Pastor or Associate Pastor appointed to the Hawaii District United Methodist Church of which applicant is a member/constituent.
- No longer than one (1) page personal statement indicating the following:
1) applicant’s career plans & objectives,
2) current activities, contributions, past or present participation/involvements that help applicant in pursuing the career objectives. - Email by April 30, 2026 to:
harrisumc.scholarship.808@gmail.com - Applicant will be notified by email from the Scholarship Coordinator by May 15, 2026.
Any additional questions about the application process or requirements may be sent to harrisumc.scholarship.808@gmail.com
About Spiritual Formation Ministries
SPIRITUAL FORMATION MINISTRIES focuses on growing spiritually & faithfully by learning/study, connecting, and serving each other, our neighborhood, and our broader community.
Christian Education continues to be a key component of the SPIRITUAL FORMATION MINISTRIES:
**Sunday School for all ages,
**Ukulele Fellowship,
**Youth Fellowship & Praise Band,
Collaboration with other Harris Ministries is crucial for one’s spiritual development and learning about God & Jesus Christ. We strive to nurture and grow in our daily faith as we walk with God.
Outreach is the other key component to SPIRITUAL FORMATION MINISTRIES that include outreach opportunities to serve our community children & families through the afterschool programs with Central Middle and Kauluwela Elementary School students. We are blessed to continue partnerships with the Nu’uanu YMCA, Pacific Voices, Diamond Head Theater, and Kokua Kalihi Valley.
Through the grace of God, we have grown in these relationships. We are grateful for the collaboration to serve & be in ministry with our community. We continue to “Move from Dreaming to Doing”.
