"Policy makers and educators have lauded the beneficial aspects of good
home–school connections. When parents are involved in their child’s
schooling, academic achievement, self-esteem, and confidence improve
(Rodrı´guez-Brown, 2001; Sanders & Herting, 2000). Schools’ efforts to
reach parents and form community partnerships are correlated with
students’ higher achievement scores (Sheldon, 2003). But many barriers exist
for both schools and parents in achieving a close home–school connection,
including low socioeconomic status, multiple jobs, or poor transportation
(Epstein, 1995; Lamb-Parker et al., 2001). In some instances, barriers
deriving from parents’ education or English language abilities are interpreted
as lack of interest in the children’s education (Edwards & Danridge,
2001; Greenfield, Quiroz, & Raeff, 2000). Other barriers are economically
based or are culturally based as schools and minority parents may have
different goals, methods, and interpretations of children’s education
(Goldenberg & Gallimore, 1995). While American schools emphasize
independence and achievement to the point of excluding those who cannot
perform (Dreeben, 1968), many parents find that what their children learn in
school is not aligned with the values expressed at home.
Research lauds the benefits of parent involvement in the schools, yet many schools and
communities have not achieved desired levels of involvement. Underlying expectations
and methods soliciting parent involvement may be rooted in cultural misperceptions. This
study, based on Epstein’s (1987) Overlapping Spheres of Influence model (p.74)"
The model was used to assess how different ethnic groups such as Samoan families interact thus relevant when inquiring or understanding culture whe examining Native Hawaiians.
Source:
Valdez, M.F., Dowrick, P.W. & Ashley E. Maynard. (2007). Cultural Misperceptions and Goals for
Samoan Children’s Education in Hawai’i: Voices from School, Home, and Community. The Urban Review, 39, 1, 74-92.
FOR YOUR INFORMATION:
If we know the barriers that conrtributes to low academic scores, we can help keep the keiki in school. The drop out rate for Native Hawaiians is higher than any other ethnic group in Hawaii. Cultural differences does exist, however there are many contributing factors that families of Hawaiian ancestry. For example, the overthrow of the Hawaiian monarchy in 1893 is a historical injustice that continues to be an issue that has a negative impact on academic achievement. Why is that so? Well, take a look what happened to our kupuna.
Look at what Westerners have done - banned the language which nearly decimated the culture. Politically dominated and economically exploited the po'e. For instance, sugarcane was a primary source of income for wealthy missionaries. As greed crept upom the 'aina, look what happended to the lands which lead to the creation of the GREAT MAHELE.
By far, landless in the islands of our ancestors. Do you know that this is similar to what happended to Native Indians. You will not read about this in school. But the more you learn about your own history, this will motivate you to do better in school. Don't give others that satisfaction that they label you "dumb or lazy." Stay in school and be cool. You need reading skills for most jobs when seeking employment. You may need to use basic math to compute. You may need job skills training.
What ever it may be as you set goals for the future, INVEST IN YOURSELF. BE AKAMAI, STAY IN SCHOOL. IF YOU STILL BORED, GO TO COLLEGE. if someone knocks you down, get up and walk forward. A'ole ihope, IMUA. This should give you a slap on the right leg but use the left leg to position yourself to PERSIST. Don't give up on yourself, if you need kokua, ask me and if I don't know I'll give you a referral.
Let me tell you about my 6 year old. Her teacher is sweet yet amazed as how well she has attained 1 grade standards. I'm proud of my youngest two, for what I didn't do for the older ones. I gave to the younger ones. As a I learned how to be a parent, I looked at the barriers - we all struggle, even me, but I focused on areas to empower and went to college to become a teacher. I learned more in college than in high school. Weird, but true. The kumu would look at me differently, kanaka maoli, thats right. I smile. Very neat handwriting, accurate in math and spells like crazy. Drives me crazy, but I know she will persist and she has motivated herself. I won't allow her to fall. I expect my daughters to excel in school. My dream is to see them go to college. As I foster the importance of higher education.perhaps they will share the same mana'o that has empowered me to go into teaching.
THE MARCH OF JANUARY 17, 2009 HAS CHANGED MY LIFE. FOR EVERY STEP I TOOK, I LEARNED MORE ABOUT MYSELF. FOR EVERY KANAKA MAOLI WHO ATTENDED, MAHALO. FOR THOSE WHO WERE NOT THERE, WE WERE THERE FOR YOU.
IT DOESN'T MATTER WHERE YOU LIVE, YOUR TIES WILL ALWAYS CONNECT YOU BACK TO HAWAII NEI!
You need to be a member of maoliworld to add comments!
There's also Hawaii Community Foundation deadline I believe is March 2nd this year www.hawaiicommunityfoundation.org/
OHA is one of 13 or more koko may be eligible to apply for. We tried last year, and nevah get 'em..lol. There are other ethnic groups to apply to also so check it out.
Kamehameha Schools has a list of their own scholarships to include the Ke Allii Foundation with many others.
Alu LIke www.alulike.org has scholarship(s) for community colleges for specific field not including liberal arts
These are just basic information...you can do a thorough search on your own especially through collegeboard.com...hundreds to like that will fit our melting pot of individuals whether koko or not.
NOTE: All scholarships you MUST do a FAFSA (federal funding) as part of the requirement. For the FAFSA you file a federal tax 1040/1040A etc. Here is where some kanaka maoli who do not want any federal ANYTHING in their life will not do these requirements. But here is where I tell you the FACTS:
Yes indeed the IRS is a private entity and not the federal government. FAFSA is the U.S. Department of Education and is the federal government. U.S. Dept of Education provides a set amount of grants in the budget and the funds are released to the school should you intend to be admitted to. If you have an excess amount of funding which exceeds your expenses, the college/university must follow guidelines of how much to give you. You might not get a USDOE grant if your private scholarship determines to be in excess to what is reasonable for payment to fund college expense and reasonable personal expense. This is where the financial aid department determines what is reasonable. I have had to pinpoint other expenses they did not include to get a larger refund for personal expense: ie: deposit paid, insurance and other fees paid, room changes which brought an increase in expense, etc...keep track of the information from the original award letter and the receipts of what was paid to REMIND them. Try to work with the same person in the financial aid office who is familiar with your account especially if there was unusual circumstances.
FAFSA determines with IRS filings how much your EFC (eligible financial contribution) is. Meaning how much your household can afford to contribute to your college expense. From this determination a simple formula is calculated and a set amount of MAXIMUM amount is determined as an eliglble benefit in grant amounts and what the feds say you should be able to qualify in student and parental loans. Grants you do not have to pay back. Loans if able to find it through a financial institution - congress is trying to fix this now with financial crisis but First Hawaiian Bank does participate in the program last I inquired a year ago. With loans there is a special procedure you have to do with the schools first to be initially eligible to apply. However, if your credit is not in good standing...you may or may not have a problem...just try.
Now for those who don't file taxes because law says it is voluntary...that's up to you but your kids suffer your decision for getting ahead in life. How bout you do what I do with everyone in my household and claim extra exemptions. Exemptions means only tax credits doesn't mean a body with a SSN. If you claim zero on your taxes that only means you are allowing the IRS to borrow money from you and you get a refund (without interest) back in your pocket. Hey if you're doing that then give me your money and I'll hold it and give it back to you later...THAT'S THE SAME THING..hello?!
My daughter(s) work one time a year and claim 3/2 (fed/state). When this happens only state income taxes are taken out not federal. It works if the gross income of your child is no more than $5000 while they are in school full-time. Imagine if she claimed zero, her net pay would be far less and no sense work. This way she gets more in her pocket. We can still file her in our household and get a bigger exemption even though she is 18 because she is in college full-time. This especially works for federal poverty level - those on welfare. Being poor means you have a better chance at getting scholarships and grants if your child is one akamai child. If your child takes AP courses and tests 3 or better they get extra funding and that course is counted as a 3 credit automatically at the time of enrollment to the college/university. There is soo much more funding for the poor/NEEDY that using economic status as an excuse is a lame one in my opinion. But if you have a lot of liquid assets now, best if you shelter it before you ever apply for FAFSA in the future. Get advice from your CFP/broker or tax attorney.
Having a CFP or even a tax attorney you trust doesn't mean anything more than...you are responsible for your family and want to invest $50 or more in something and shelter it from taxes....can't you afford to give that back somehow in yourself or someone you love? Tell them your goals and see what they can do...just ask for a consultation and consult more than one. Make sure they are licensed and don't do business with a MADOFF...lol. Or you can inquire with a CFP and understand investing and do it all on your own. The more you take off your gross income and invest, you are put in a tax bracket which will pay less taxes...see your tax advisor but here's the thinking:
If you get a 4000 tax refund you are saying that you gave permission to the IRS to hold a monthly payment of the following:
$4000 divided by 12 months = $333.33 per month divided by 2 it equals to what is taken out bi-monthly.
So if you change your exemptions (see your human resources or tax person) you can get more in your paycheck. There is no law that says you only have one time to make changes to your W4 form...you want to change it after 6 months to claim lower than do so...you are the master of your finances.
Now, as to investing off the top of your income to get less taxed:
Charles Scwab has a great book which provides a breakdown formula of how to determine how much of your income with your age and pay now can give you a retirement you want. This book has been revised and it's entitled: Guide to Financial Independence. I am not a tax attorney or tax advisor but I do recommend this book to help you understand the basics of the stock market and investing and the lingo behind what to do with sheltering what you earn. It's how the big money people do it...you can do it too by using your recyle bottle/plastic monthly money and start a mutual fund for $50.00 a month taken right out of your paycheck 25/25 if monthly payroll...gotta do something because only you are the driver of your future.
Anyway...I'm not a tax attorney or tax advisor but I work with tax laws with my nonprofit...remember, if you can read you can do ANYTHING. And get glasses if you have problems reading because it will only tap into your akamai brain and you might just stop having those headaches...LOL For those of you who sit in front of the computer a lot...go get your eyes checked...if you seen the Ben Carson True Story on TBS you can relate to what I am saying...we don't have to be the minoirity anymore. "... We are the chosen sons and daughters who are bound together by rich traditions.....that's us...we are not lazy, we are alert, and we strive to gain wisdom, and we do not fear work..we are strong in mind an body, we are strong in character...etc etc "...remember that song for those of you that went to Kamehameha Explorations? I have never ever ever forgotten that song...that has been my mantra throughout my life.
And with that I pass it on to all of you reading this and all of you na opio to stay in school and if you have someone in your life calling you dumb or stupid...don't you Fn' believe them...you just pray for them to desire to speak to you with more respect. Plain and simple prayer...you don't deserve that kind of abuse...people who abuse people have been abused themselves so that is why you pray for them and forgive them. You have not walked in their shoes but you sure's heaven you want them to take those shoes off when you're around them...SMILE. Be the better hawaiian, be the better son, be the better daughter, be the better everything you can imagine and much more...that is the legacy you leave in your footprint for your 'ohana.
Now for those who may be pissed off at me for providing information to everyone here on how to get funding because it now limits the possibilities for yourself to get something...you gotta look at it this way..."If it's meant to be it will happen...because if it doesn't, it never was from the beginning." I'm applying for the same funding for my kids but we are all open to apply and we shouldn't be selfish we should all bring it to the table and take care of each other even if its only by information or encouragement to pay it forward. THAT IS THE HAWAIIAN WAY...GIVE and no ask back in return....AMENE!
Namaka'eha > HALE O KEAWE-A-HEULU aka: NAIHEFebruary 10, 2009 at 12:39pm
Information is powerful, use it wisely and the MANA grows stronger. Mahalo!
In my opinion, building up self-esteem and enthusiasm is key first for them to want to have a better life and better education. There are numerous organizations that a kid can join that may or may not have a fee or they can provide a service if they have some kind of scholarship service. Boys & girls club, cub & brownie scouts, boy & girl scouts, canoe clubs, public or charter school clubs, etc or volunteering some time to a worthy organization. If you feel like part of a community for a common good it builds this in all children. For those older who had the old school beat up to a pulp kind up bringing...make a change and don't do this to your children...they have to face school each day with the same kind of bullies or discriminations so be better than that and treat your kids like you wished you had been treated at their age. Make a difference means make a change.
There is also educational organizations that provide support: University of Hawaii Native Hawaiian Gifted & Talented Program called Na Pua Noe'au...my girls did their programs when they were little up until 5th grade when they then got involved with both this program and Kamehameha Schools (KS) summer programs. From 5th grade on I had them involved with something and their 5-6 weeks out of the summer they were boarding somewhere whether in Hilo or Kona which is 1/12 hours one-way by car or on Oahu. There is also University of Hawaii Upward Bound Program for non private schooling kids. Call UH Upward bound because they recruit from ending of 8th grade - call during Springbreak for information because maybe your kid get get into their summer program and board for 5 weeks and come home on the weekend. For rural areas and funding available they may provide you transportation by bus if they have a lot of kids enrolled from the rural areas. The more you get your kids used to be away from home the more you build confidence and self-respect. This will help them if they board at other private schools age at 13 or later and then you get them used to being away from home to be okay with going to school on the mainland if they want to. BTW, gives the parents a break from the kiddies...Bawgchicawowwow...LOL oh I mean gives you time to spend with your other little kids or your spouse..SMILE.
UH Upward Bound gives educational stipends at the end of the year if program policies and goals are met by the child. If you include Alu Like in the additional funding by applying during Springbreak (pending your area policies for rural) for the educational award incentive program given to kids who attend summer school (UH Upward Bound provides summer school program to earn credits for high school) then between the two funding your child can earn from $500 - $800 depending grades they put out. Higher grade they receive the higher the stipend. They can choose to save this for college or save it for school stuff or buy school clothes on their own...give them choices but don't spend their money because THEY EARNED IT! For those on public welfare, as long as your kids are in school full-time, it is not counted against your financial or foodstamps budget so it is not reportable income but let your caseworker know of any income. Tell them of any stipends but usually not counted - see the supervisor if the worker is counting the income.
In my home, the rule for all the summers after or before our vacation if planned is: EDUCATION OR WORK. You decide what you want to do before Springbreak and I get all the paperwork started because the parent has to get involved.
In my home, the rule for each child after high school is: at least 1 year trade/technical school, or 2 years college, or 4 years...you choose (I hope for the 4 year..LOL). But this way as a teenager they are making decisions by choosing and I am there as a support for them to get what they want within reason. For rural areas it is difficult for you to sometimes give them this because of travel this is where you get involved and advocate with your county on transportation issues for the future. Work with them on their goals...they might be just one kid out of their own friends who go to college and don't let their friends talk them into not going to college and play...or work.
For all these programs I've mentioned especially the UH programs...get your kids involved because if these programs are not used, funding will be less and less each year.
NOW is the time for you parents to get off your ele'ele (sp?) and do the FAFSA www.fafsa.ed.gov and the CSS/PROFILE www.collegeboard.com If you have a child entering 11th grade next year, sign up for collegeboard, set up their accounts/passwords and keep a folder of it in your mail service on line. You need it later because you forget it's there. This collegeboard.com set up will let you know of PSAT, SAT college tests to take and you can pay for it online. For students receiving reduced or free lunch you can get a waiver card from the public school counselor to pay for the tests online. CSS/PROFILE is used by colleges and Kamehameha Schools scholarship programs for their application process. For first time college kids in the home, I believe it is free but see public school counselor or your private school counselor too to get a fee waiver card. When your child takes the PSAT as a junior and SAT as a senior it gets sent directly to the colleges or organization that you are applying to. Deadline for hawaii community colleges is April 1st but if you check, the inhouse scholarship deadlines with the schools are March 1 so get your taxes done because you need to input this into the online applications. Go online and have your kids take the ACT test at www.actstudent.org Some colleges take the ACT scores and will give you extra funding if you score well. The ACT is not provided at the public school level but do this on your own. My oldest daughter received $5000 extra funding because her ACT score whas higher than her SAT score at one college. Another college offered and qualifed her for free room and board for 4 years because she met the ACT scoring higher than the SAT...parents gotta get involved and not have your kids to the paperwork for funding for their education. Keep records of what you file and do each year in one place. Should something happen to you, your child will know how to do the paperwork or anyone else in charge in your house to do it.
KS has their own PFS they use or SSS services used along with other private schooling to help on getting financial assitance. Do it now...deadlines draw near.
Funding through Hawaii Community Foundation is one way for Hawaii residence to get funding also. All information especially FAFSA is required for all colleges. You and your children work hard you get what you worked for. Here's what I got for my daughter in private college in Oregon:
She doesn't have to work, all her funding is in grants or scholarships whether from the school or on her own and it costs $42k a year to attend there. You know it was cheaper for me to send her to Oregon than have her board in Hilo or Manoa? what? I told the director of Upward Bound that the Financial Aid department needed to get familiar at accepting a lot of the grants that the feds offer for students. There is a new grant (which my daughter could tap into but she won't) that is called a TEACH grant - new to this year to the system. Up to $4k a year for funding if choosing the field of education. If you take the grant you must pledge to work a few years if not more in a low income public school and you don't have to pay it back. If you don't then you pay it back with interest. Colleges need to accept and participate in the funding that the feds provide and work out a reasonable and actual budget a student can survive on. UH wanted $12k more from me because when I inquired of any scholarships I was told there was none to apply for within the school...if you don't feel comfortable, ask the next person for an answer you want to hear. Sometimes scholarshps are not awarded until 2-3 months after they are in college...this happened to my daughter so the expense is not so much. For those with less income just do the paperwork and see what can be offered for your child. Let them apply for their dream schools, apply to ones you can afford or ones that cater to seeing the needs of your child and then also for affordable schools even junior ones...exhaust the possibilities and much can be achieved.
I'm currently finishing up all my paperwork for funding for all my kids. I have another one graduating and entering college next fall while I have the younger ones in private school. Don't say it can't be done, just look for the funding and pray...SMLE. If it's meant to be you or your children will have a great education up through college.
BTW, I do my own taxes, I can set up organizations, I can turn a forprofit into a nonprofit so I am familiar with the how tos in doing this, but really all of you can do this if you can read and comprehend...that is why it was soo important for us in school to read. I asked our valedictorian in school on his insight to potential college bound kids...what advice can you give the kids in school. This was his answer: "Stephanie....READ!" I said, "Wha?" He said, "If a child can read and comprehend their reading they can do anything even build a nuclear bomb...think about it." We both laughed because it was true. My oldest can read a chapter book in a few hours yet still be kolohe in her own way...my 2nd daughter as well, she mo kolohe but she can read if she wants to this way...so get involved...
Read to your kids after reading this...read to them at least once during the day and at night. Go to the library and as long as they can sign their first name they can get a free library card. Make them feels special and they will become if they choose, our leaders of tomorrow.
I volunteer my time to help one potential college bound kid with hard working parents who won't do paperwork because of fear maybe no money...I give back. For those who are college educated, if you can give your time to someone like this for a few months in preparing them for college...DO IT. I have 4 kids, run a nonprofit and busy like crazy but I take the time to give back this way to our kids of koko...This for me is "Paying it forward"....
Namaka'eha > HALE O KEAWE-A-HEULU aka: NAIHEFebruary 7, 2009 at 8:29pm
Thank for taking the time to share these informations. The more tools or informations that are provided, the po'e are aware of it and uses it. Quiet often, we come across information we want to inquire about, but we stumble upon po'e that sends a message like "what you doing here foa," or "what do you want?"
Culturally insenstive and less empowering. This occurs before we enter the "door!" This happened to me....Oh wait..I can't count already...Just like being stopped at he airport..leaving or paying for a ticket. I missed my plane with three children on GO AIRLINES because the T.A. couldn't see the word traveling with baby! I had to go back in line and get it stamped. Oh, I was nuha alright. But of course, if I was anal, they weren't going to put me on the flight.
Yes, read to the children. It was easy for me to teach decoding skills. All children should have had it in my time and before. Somehow or someway, the focus was there, however priorities seem to lack when it pertained to Native Hawaiians. Just imagine if the public schools educated the way it should be, there will be more haumana graduating beyond basic math, reading, and writing skills. Uncle Charlie told me that he was kicked out of Roosevelt because he spoke Hawaiian language. He was ridiculed and beaten by the kumu for not listening. I wrote his response in the masters thesis.
Yes, be agressive when looking for monies for college. Fill out the forms and get help if needed. I use to work at Remington College. I do not prefer one college over the other, however I came to recognize that the tuition there was outrageous, perhaps 32k for two years. Make your choice wisely even if it take you another 1 to 2 years to do a degree at a college that is affordable and reasonable.
Upward Bound was a program on Moloka'i is where my aunty Lei worked. I'm thinking it should be available on every island.
Na Pua No'eau - I loved that program.. I first learned about it on Kaua'i. I had my daughter particapte one summer. I loved it since the kamalii learned about the Hawaiian culture.
Set simple goals. Although my goals are there, I help guide them too. If you don't go to college, you going to work. I had worked and attended college simultaneously. Work and play was not on the "menu." Today, a little lax but it will be stepping up a beat soon.
There are endless opportunities to empower and reward our children. Give them an opportunity to be great leaders!
Everything we touch or look at cost money. I remember different schools offering scholarship or tution waivers. I recieved scholarships from the Geist Foundation for many years. When I was accepted to a school outside U.H. or beyond, it didn't fit into the category no monies were funded. However, I will owe monies in loans, but at least I'll be able to finish what I started many a decade or more ago.
Yes, I do agree, mentors are a plus. To guide and nurture as well as inspire. One day soon, I will have a fund created for college. It is my way of giving back to our community.
In the meantime, by educating and providing information that has impact on our future, we make choices based on what we know. The more we know what impacts our keiki in school, we can help mentor too.
Yes, I'll turn a year younger this month and proud to be a kanaka maoli. For the past six weeks, the "door" has been opened and genealogy at its best. I just got a call from a cousin who is related to me by my grandmother. She is a Kalilimoku and her grandmother is Georgiana Kanei. I share th information and often say to them if you find something needs to be updated or revised, let all of us know. Some may share others don't. I don't know why, but it does happen.
I'm looking for cousin Moon Kauakahi. He was on my mind last night. If you know him personally, let him know his cousin is looking for him related on by koko by great grandfather Kanei Kaioe.
Yes, 99.99% of what I share is inpirational. The other is percent is who I am. Like you and I and the many po'e, we are here to educate, inspire and share our mo'olelo. Words can describe and event or message, it is what the po'e does with it makes a difference.
I was sitting with my girlfirend who made the comment about when it happens. AsI crunched on the french fries, I mentioned...Imagine the income generated on the 'aina that every business sits on. This will fund the kingsom and all taxes collected as duty fee taxes exist but will be upgraded. She smiled and seemded more relax contributing to a conversation. "We would be richer than the U,S," she reponded. I smiled and knodded my po'o..
The conversation carried forth that led to the AKAKA BILL. I told her bluntly why I opposed the bill, "We didn't write it, someone did for us and it is not in the best interest of our po'e. The U.S.has been slow funding and don't expect them to be nice to us. Look at the Native Inidans, they nearly decimated that culture too and they will do the same to our po'e. What a joke," I responded.
As weparted, we understood each other and what was needed to be done. Again I encoruage you to send in your petition against the AKAKA BILL. Do it online or via representatives. Every voice can be heard only if you do something about it.
I'm not getting any younger and urge all to do it.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY NAMAKA'EHA!!! You are younger than me...GOD BLESS YOU! I'm still having kids and you have grandchildren GOD BLESS YOU!
I enjoy your contributions here to Maoliworld especially your personal thoughts. Keep the fight!
Namaka'eha > HALE O KEAWE-A-HEULU aka: NAIHEFebruary 7, 2009 at 8:02pm
Yes, I'm young and vibrant with great energy! No grandchildren yet. That's a good sign, but until then...I'll write another chapter on that.
I'm making plans for Bishop Museum tomarrow. I'm very excited to spend the day with three of my daughters and a nephew. A great way to learn and share our culture with others!
It is extremely difficult or can be for those oiwi like myself who grew up poor as in economically disadvantaged as in not much money to survive. Not only do we have to overcome and overlook financial hardship but we also face racism and nasty (pilau) attitudes towards us. I have also found that there are very few oiwi who can mentor me these days. Well... then and now. I think we NEED more mentors. I certainly wish I had one now.
I'm the first in my immediate family to graduate from college and that's not saying much but it also epitomizes that having access to money to pay for college helps. A strong, positive attitude too. Ignoring the negativity can also help. Staying away from pot and batu can help too. (It still amazes me how some parents allow that crap near their keiki.) I realize that not all keiki are fortunate. So difficult to overcome pilau for some. So difficult to dig deep where they have practically nothing to start with but the love and/or faith instilled in them from their kupuna. Starting with only that can be extremely difficult but I know that it's possible.
Worse... nowadays college costs are outpacing inflation:
which is another hurdle barring some poor people from being "productive" members of society. At this rate only those who have access to money will be able to complete college. Most other oiwi whom I know are far from wealthy so this worries me.
IMHO now more than ever those who have led the way and have walked THE path may wanna help others down that path to a solid education too because I know from experience that it is extremely difficult. IMHO money certainly helps. So do mentoring and/or guidance.
Replies
OHA is one of 13 or more koko may be eligible to apply for. We tried last year, and nevah get 'em..lol. There are other ethnic groups to apply to also so check it out.
Kamehameha Schools has a list of their own scholarships to include the Ke Allii Foundation with many others.
Alu LIke www.alulike.org has scholarship(s) for community colleges for specific field not including liberal arts
These are just basic information...you can do a thorough search on your own especially through collegeboard.com...hundreds to like that will fit our melting pot of individuals whether koko or not.
NOTE: All scholarships you MUST do a FAFSA (federal funding) as part of the requirement. For the FAFSA you file a federal tax 1040/1040A etc. Here is where some kanaka maoli who do not want any federal ANYTHING in their life will not do these requirements. But here is where I tell you the FACTS:
Yes indeed the IRS is a private entity and not the federal government. FAFSA is the U.S. Department of Education and is the federal government. U.S. Dept of Education provides a set amount of grants in the budget and the funds are released to the school should you intend to be admitted to. If you have an excess amount of funding which exceeds your expenses, the college/university must follow guidelines of how much to give you. You might not get a USDOE grant if your private scholarship determines to be in excess to what is reasonable for payment to fund college expense and reasonable personal expense. This is where the financial aid department determines what is reasonable. I have had to pinpoint other expenses they did not include to get a larger refund for personal expense: ie: deposit paid, insurance and other fees paid, room changes which brought an increase in expense, etc...keep track of the information from the original award letter and the receipts of what was paid to REMIND them. Try to work with the same person in the financial aid office who is familiar with your account especially if there was unusual circumstances.
FAFSA determines with IRS filings how much your EFC (eligible financial contribution) is. Meaning how much your household can afford to contribute to your college expense. From this determination a simple formula is calculated and a set amount of MAXIMUM amount is determined as an eliglble benefit in grant amounts and what the feds say you should be able to qualify in student and parental loans. Grants you do not have to pay back. Loans if able to find it through a financial institution - congress is trying to fix this now with financial crisis but First Hawaiian Bank does participate in the program last I inquired a year ago. With loans there is a special procedure you have to do with the schools first to be initially eligible to apply. However, if your credit is not in good standing...you may or may not have a problem...just try.
Now for those who don't file taxes because law says it is voluntary...that's up to you but your kids suffer your decision for getting ahead in life. How bout you do what I do with everyone in my household and claim extra exemptions. Exemptions means only tax credits doesn't mean a body with a SSN. If you claim zero on your taxes that only means you are allowing the IRS to borrow money from you and you get a refund (without interest) back in your pocket. Hey if you're doing that then give me your money and I'll hold it and give it back to you later...THAT'S THE SAME THING..hello?!
My daughter(s) work one time a year and claim 3/2 (fed/state). When this happens only state income taxes are taken out not federal. It works if the gross income of your child is no more than $5000 while they are in school full-time. Imagine if she claimed zero, her net pay would be far less and no sense work. This way she gets more in her pocket. We can still file her in our household and get a bigger exemption even though she is 18 because she is in college full-time. This especially works for federal poverty level - those on welfare. Being poor means you have a better chance at getting scholarships and grants if your child is one akamai child. If your child takes AP courses and tests 3 or better they get extra funding and that course is counted as a 3 credit automatically at the time of enrollment to the college/university. There is soo much more funding for the poor/NEEDY that using economic status as an excuse is a lame one in my opinion. But if you have a lot of liquid assets now, best if you shelter it before you ever apply for FAFSA in the future. Get advice from your CFP/broker or tax attorney.
Having a CFP or even a tax attorney you trust doesn't mean anything more than...you are responsible for your family and want to invest $50 or more in something and shelter it from taxes....can't you afford to give that back somehow in yourself or someone you love? Tell them your goals and see what they can do...just ask for a consultation and consult more than one. Make sure they are licensed and don't do business with a MADOFF...lol. Or you can inquire with a CFP and understand investing and do it all on your own. The more you take off your gross income and invest, you are put in a tax bracket which will pay less taxes...see your tax advisor but here's the thinking:
If you get a 4000 tax refund you are saying that you gave permission to the IRS to hold a monthly payment of the following:
$4000 divided by 12 months = $333.33 per month divided by 2 it equals to what is taken out bi-monthly.
So if you change your exemptions (see your human resources or tax person) you can get more in your paycheck. There is no law that says you only have one time to make changes to your W4 form...you want to change it after 6 months to claim lower than do so...you are the master of your finances.
Now, as to investing off the top of your income to get less taxed:
Charles Scwab has a great book which provides a breakdown formula of how to determine how much of your income with your age and pay now can give you a retirement you want. This book has been revised and it's entitled: Guide to Financial Independence. I am not a tax attorney or tax advisor but I do recommend this book to help you understand the basics of the stock market and investing and the lingo behind what to do with sheltering what you earn. It's how the big money people do it...you can do it too by using your recyle bottle/plastic monthly money and start a mutual fund for $50.00 a month taken right out of your paycheck 25/25 if monthly payroll...gotta do something because only you are the driver of your future.
Anyway...I'm not a tax attorney or tax advisor but I work with tax laws with my nonprofit...remember, if you can read you can do ANYTHING. And get glasses if you have problems reading because it will only tap into your akamai brain and you might just stop having those headaches...LOL For those of you who sit in front of the computer a lot...go get your eyes checked...if you seen the Ben Carson True Story on TBS you can relate to what I am saying...we don't have to be the minoirity anymore. "... We are the chosen sons and daughters who are bound together by rich traditions.....that's us...we are not lazy, we are alert, and we strive to gain wisdom, and we do not fear work..we are strong in mind an body, we are strong in character...etc etc "...remember that song for those of you that went to Kamehameha Explorations? I have never ever ever forgotten that song...that has been my mantra throughout my life.
And with that I pass it on to all of you reading this and all of you na opio to stay in school and if you have someone in your life calling you dumb or stupid...don't you Fn' believe them...you just pray for them to desire to speak to you with more respect. Plain and simple prayer...you don't deserve that kind of abuse...people who abuse people have been abused themselves so that is why you pray for them and forgive them. You have not walked in their shoes but you sure's heaven you want them to take those shoes off when you're around them...SMILE. Be the better hawaiian, be the better son, be the better daughter, be the better everything you can imagine and much more...that is the legacy you leave in your footprint for your 'ohana.
Now for those who may be pissed off at me for providing information to everyone here on how to get funding because it now limits the possibilities for yourself to get something...you gotta look at it this way..."If it's meant to be it will happen...because if it doesn't, it never was from the beginning." I'm applying for the same funding for my kids but we are all open to apply and we shouldn't be selfish we should all bring it to the table and take care of each other even if its only by information or encouragement to pay it forward. THAT IS THE HAWAIIAN WAY...GIVE and no ask back in return....AMENE!
There is also educational organizations that provide support: University of Hawaii Native Hawaiian Gifted & Talented Program called Na Pua Noe'au...my girls did their programs when they were little up until 5th grade when they then got involved with both this program and Kamehameha Schools (KS) summer programs. From 5th grade on I had them involved with something and their 5-6 weeks out of the summer they were boarding somewhere whether in Hilo or Kona which is 1/12 hours one-way by car or on Oahu. There is also University of Hawaii Upward Bound Program for non private schooling kids. Call UH Upward bound because they recruit from ending of 8th grade - call during Springbreak for information because maybe your kid get get into their summer program and board for 5 weeks and come home on the weekend. For rural areas and funding available they may provide you transportation by bus if they have a lot of kids enrolled from the rural areas. The more you get your kids used to be away from home the more you build confidence and self-respect. This will help them if they board at other private schools age at 13 or later and then you get them used to being away from home to be okay with going to school on the mainland if they want to. BTW, gives the parents a break from the kiddies...Bawgchicawowwow...LOL oh I mean gives you time to spend with your other little kids or your spouse..SMILE.
UH Upward Bound gives educational stipends at the end of the year if program policies and goals are met by the child. If you include Alu Like in the additional funding by applying during Springbreak (pending your area policies for rural) for the educational award incentive program given to kids who attend summer school (UH Upward Bound provides summer school program to earn credits for high school) then between the two funding your child can earn from $500 - $800 depending grades they put out. Higher grade they receive the higher the stipend. They can choose to save this for college or save it for school stuff or buy school clothes on their own...give them choices but don't spend their money because THEY EARNED IT! For those on public welfare, as long as your kids are in school full-time, it is not counted against your financial or foodstamps budget so it is not reportable income but let your caseworker know of any income. Tell them of any stipends but usually not counted - see the supervisor if the worker is counting the income.
In my home, the rule for all the summers after or before our vacation if planned is: EDUCATION OR WORK. You decide what you want to do before Springbreak and I get all the paperwork started because the parent has to get involved.
In my home, the rule for each child after high school is: at least 1 year trade/technical school, or 2 years college, or 4 years...you choose (I hope for the 4 year..LOL). But this way as a teenager they are making decisions by choosing and I am there as a support for them to get what they want within reason. For rural areas it is difficult for you to sometimes give them this because of travel this is where you get involved and advocate with your county on transportation issues for the future. Work with them on their goals...they might be just one kid out of their own friends who go to college and don't let their friends talk them into not going to college and play...or work.
For all these programs I've mentioned especially the UH programs...get your kids involved because if these programs are not used, funding will be less and less each year.
NOW is the time for you parents to get off your ele'ele (sp?) and do the FAFSA www.fafsa.ed.gov and the CSS/PROFILE www.collegeboard.com If you have a child entering 11th grade next year, sign up for collegeboard, set up their accounts/passwords and keep a folder of it in your mail service on line. You need it later because you forget it's there. This collegeboard.com set up will let you know of PSAT, SAT college tests to take and you can pay for it online. For students receiving reduced or free lunch you can get a waiver card from the public school counselor to pay for the tests online. CSS/PROFILE is used by colleges and Kamehameha Schools scholarship programs for their application process. For first time college kids in the home, I believe it is free but see public school counselor or your private school counselor too to get a fee waiver card. When your child takes the PSAT as a junior and SAT as a senior it gets sent directly to the colleges or organization that you are applying to. Deadline for hawaii community colleges is April 1st but if you check, the inhouse scholarship deadlines with the schools are March 1 so get your taxes done because you need to input this into the online applications. Go online and have your kids take the ACT test at www.actstudent.org Some colleges take the ACT scores and will give you extra funding if you score well. The ACT is not provided at the public school level but do this on your own. My oldest daughter received $5000 extra funding because her ACT score whas higher than her SAT score at one college. Another college offered and qualifed her for free room and board for 4 years because she met the ACT scoring higher than the SAT...parents gotta get involved and not have your kids to the paperwork for funding for their education. Keep records of what you file and do each year in one place. Should something happen to you, your child will know how to do the paperwork or anyone else in charge in your house to do it.
KS has their own PFS they use or SSS services used along with other private schooling to help on getting financial assitance. Do it now...deadlines draw near.
Funding through Hawaii Community Foundation is one way for Hawaii residence to get funding also. All information especially FAFSA is required for all colleges. You and your children work hard you get what you worked for. Here's what I got for my daughter in private college in Oregon:
She doesn't have to work, all her funding is in grants or scholarships whether from the school or on her own and it costs $42k a year to attend there. You know it was cheaper for me to send her to Oregon than have her board in Hilo or Manoa? what? I told the director of Upward Bound that the Financial Aid department needed to get familiar at accepting a lot of the grants that the feds offer for students. There is a new grant (which my daughter could tap into but she won't) that is called a TEACH grant - new to this year to the system. Up to $4k a year for funding if choosing the field of education. If you take the grant you must pledge to work a few years if not more in a low income public school and you don't have to pay it back. If you don't then you pay it back with interest. Colleges need to accept and participate in the funding that the feds provide and work out a reasonable and actual budget a student can survive on. UH wanted $12k more from me because when I inquired of any scholarships I was told there was none to apply for within the school...if you don't feel comfortable, ask the next person for an answer you want to hear. Sometimes scholarshps are not awarded until 2-3 months after they are in college...this happened to my daughter so the expense is not so much. For those with less income just do the paperwork and see what can be offered for your child. Let them apply for their dream schools, apply to ones you can afford or ones that cater to seeing the needs of your child and then also for affordable schools even junior ones...exhaust the possibilities and much can be achieved.
I'm currently finishing up all my paperwork for funding for all my kids. I have another one graduating and entering college next fall while I have the younger ones in private school. Don't say it can't be done, just look for the funding and pray...SMLE. If it's meant to be you or your children will have a great education up through college.
BTW, I do my own taxes, I can set up organizations, I can turn a forprofit into a nonprofit so I am familiar with the how tos in doing this, but really all of you can do this if you can read and comprehend...that is why it was soo important for us in school to read. I asked our valedictorian in school on his insight to potential college bound kids...what advice can you give the kids in school. This was his answer: "Stephanie....READ!" I said, "Wha?" He said, "If a child can read and comprehend their reading they can do anything even build a nuclear bomb...think about it." We both laughed because it was true. My oldest can read a chapter book in a few hours yet still be kolohe in her own way...my 2nd daughter as well, she mo kolohe but she can read if she wants to this way...so get involved...
Read to your kids after reading this...read to them at least once during the day and at night. Go to the library and as long as they can sign their first name they can get a free library card. Make them feels special and they will become if they choose, our leaders of tomorrow.
I volunteer my time to help one potential college bound kid with hard working parents who won't do paperwork because of fear maybe no money...I give back. For those who are college educated, if you can give your time to someone like this for a few months in preparing them for college...DO IT. I have 4 kids, run a nonprofit and busy like crazy but I take the time to give back this way to our kids of koko...This for me is "Paying it forward"....
Culturally insenstive and less empowering. This occurs before we enter the "door!" This happened to me....Oh wait..I can't count already...Just like being stopped at he airport..leaving or paying for a ticket. I missed my plane with three children on GO AIRLINES because the T.A. couldn't see the word traveling with baby! I had to go back in line and get it stamped. Oh, I was nuha alright. But of course, if I was anal, they weren't going to put me on the flight.
Yes, read to the children. It was easy for me to teach decoding skills. All children should have had it in my time and before. Somehow or someway, the focus was there, however priorities seem to lack when it pertained to Native Hawaiians. Just imagine if the public schools educated the way it should be, there will be more haumana graduating beyond basic math, reading, and writing skills. Uncle Charlie told me that he was kicked out of Roosevelt because he spoke Hawaiian language. He was ridiculed and beaten by the kumu for not listening. I wrote his response in the masters thesis.
Yes, be agressive when looking for monies for college. Fill out the forms and get help if needed. I use to work at Remington College. I do not prefer one college over the other, however I came to recognize that the tuition there was outrageous, perhaps 32k for two years. Make your choice wisely even if it take you another 1 to 2 years to do a degree at a college that is affordable and reasonable.
Upward Bound was a program on Moloka'i is where my aunty Lei worked. I'm thinking it should be available on every island.
Na Pua No'eau - I loved that program.. I first learned about it on Kaua'i. I had my daughter particapte one summer. I loved it since the kamalii learned about the Hawaiian culture.
Set simple goals. Although my goals are there, I help guide them too. If you don't go to college, you going to work. I had worked and attended college simultaneously. Work and play was not on the "menu." Today, a little lax but it will be stepping up a beat soon.
There are endless opportunities to empower and reward our children. Give them an opportunity to be great leaders!
Everything we touch or look at cost money. I remember different schools offering scholarship or tution waivers. I recieved scholarships from the Geist Foundation for many years. When I was accepted to a school outside U.H. or beyond, it didn't fit into the category no monies were funded. However, I will owe monies in loans, but at least I'll be able to finish what I started many a decade or more ago.
Yes, I do agree, mentors are a plus. To guide and nurture as well as inspire. One day soon, I will have a fund created for college. It is my way of giving back to our community.
In the meantime, by educating and providing information that has impact on our future, we make choices based on what we know. The more we know what impacts our keiki in school, we can help mentor too.
Mahalo for sharing.
Like I told Kalani earlier today... you are inspirational.
P.S. I checked my 2001 Kamehameha Schools Alumni Directory. I saw your name in there and noticed that you graduated in 1986.
Yes, I'll turn a year younger this month and proud to be a kanaka maoli. For the past six weeks, the "door" has been opened and genealogy at its best. I just got a call from a cousin who is related to me by my grandmother. She is a Kalilimoku and her grandmother is Georgiana Kanei. I share th information and often say to them if you find something needs to be updated or revised, let all of us know. Some may share others don't. I don't know why, but it does happen.
I'm looking for cousin Moon Kauakahi. He was on my mind last night. If you know him personally, let him know his cousin is looking for him related on by koko by great grandfather Kanei Kaioe.
Yes, 99.99% of what I share is inpirational. The other is percent is who I am. Like you and I and the many po'e, we are here to educate, inspire and share our mo'olelo. Words can describe and event or message, it is what the po'e does with it makes a difference.
I was sitting with my girlfirend who made the comment about when it happens. AsI crunched on the french fries, I mentioned...Imagine the income generated on the 'aina that every business sits on. This will fund the kingsom and all taxes collected as duty fee taxes exist but will be upgraded. She smiled and seemded more relax contributing to a conversation. "We would be richer than the U,S," she reponded. I smiled and knodded my po'o..
The conversation carried forth that led to the AKAKA BILL. I told her bluntly why I opposed the bill, "We didn't write it, someone did for us and it is not in the best interest of our po'e. The U.S.has been slow funding and don't expect them to be nice to us. Look at the Native Inidans, they nearly decimated that culture too and they will do the same to our po'e. What a joke," I responded.
As weparted, we understood each other and what was needed to be done. Again I encoruage you to send in your petition against the AKAKA BILL. Do it online or via representatives. Every voice can be heard only if you do something about it.
I'm not getting any younger and urge all to do it.
LOL
I enjoy your contributions here to Maoliworld especially your personal thoughts. Keep the fight!
I'm making plans for Bishop Museum tomarrow. I'm very excited to spend the day with three of my daughters and a nephew. A great way to learn and share our culture with others!
It is extremely difficult or can be for those oiwi like myself who grew up poor as in economically disadvantaged as in not much money to survive. Not only do we have to overcome and overlook financial hardship but we also face racism and nasty (pilau) attitudes towards us. I have also found that there are very few oiwi who can mentor me these days. Well... then and now. I think we NEED more mentors. I certainly wish I had one now.
I'm the first in my immediate family to graduate from college and that's not saying much but it also epitomizes that having access to money to pay for college helps. A strong, positive attitude too. Ignoring the negativity can also help. Staying away from pot and batu can help too. (It still amazes me how some parents allow that crap near their keiki.) I realize that not all keiki are fortunate. So difficult to overcome pilau for some. So difficult to dig deep where they have practically nothing to start with but the love and/or faith instilled in them from their kupuna. Starting with only that can be extremely difficult but I know that it's possible.
Worse... nowadays college costs are outpacing inflation:
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/10/23/education/23tuition.html
which is another hurdle barring some poor people from being "productive" members of society. At this rate only those who have access to money will be able to complete college. Most other oiwi whom I know are far from wealthy so this worries me.
IMHO now more than ever those who have led the way and have walked THE path may wanna help others down that path to a solid education too because I know from experience that it is extremely difficult. IMHO money certainly helps. So do mentoring and/or guidance.
~~ Lana