The Honolulu Chapter annually supports a dozen or more ARCS Scholars through proceeds from endowed funds, donations and chapter fundraising. In early spring, the board determines the number of awards and an allocation committee designates the disciplines to be supported that year. Major donors may designate a preferred field within approved disciplines at the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa.
The chapter notifies officials in the university's Graduate Division, who coordinate with the designated units to select recipients from qualified candidates. The selection process may vary by unit, with some requiring applications or presentations.
To be eliglble to receive an ARCS Scholar Award, nominees must:
As unrestricted awards, funds may be used in any way that advances scholars' research, including equipment, travel, and educational or living expenses. They do not qualify as scholarships for tax purposes.
For more information, contact ARCS Foundation, Honolulu Chapter.
Christie Wilcox, PhD, on her Honolulu ARCS Scholar Award: "The life of a graduate student is not enviable… For me, it was essential. It was what I needed, the kind of funding to pursue these curiosities that I had. And I was grateful for it.” Read more about the the award winning science communicator.
When I began research in planetary science as an undergraduate, I saw it as a tangible way to explore space and make meaningful contributions to that endeavor. As time passed, I have enjoyed helping many students do the same, and watch them become successful scientists.
– Dr. Paul Lucey, 1987 Honolulu ARCS Scholar and NASA Eugene Shoemaker Distinguished Scientist Medal recipient for lifetime achievement in the study of the Moon and other rocky planets. A professor in the University of Hawai‘i at Manoa's Hawai‘i Institute of Geophysics and Planetology, he has been instrumental in developing imaging spectrometers for NASA. His use of hyperspectral imagery to efficiently map lunar materials and quantitative modeling of near-infrared spectra have generated key insights regarding the composition of the lunar crust and interior. Read more