Proposal Competition
Proposal Competition
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The 5th Annual Honua Scholars Proposal Competition invites students to develop ideas that could positively impact Hawaiʻi communities through STEMM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math, and Medicine). This year’s theme is: Mālama honua, mālama kaiāulu, mālama kānaka: Caring for earth, community, people in the 21st century. Download the information packet for more details!
Students may propose scientific research, technologies, or community-level solutions addressing challenges related to the theme. Proposals may fall into one of three categories:
Science & Research - Explore a question through research, experiments, or data collection. Past projects have investigated water quality, student mental health, diabetes, native plants, and more.
Technology & Invention - Design a tool, device, app, or other technology to address a real-world challenge. Past projects have included agricultural robots, medical devices, language-learning apps, and tools for elder care.
Programming & Policy - Propose a program, initiative, or policy that creates positive change in communities. Past ideas have included community work days, Hawaiian history education, safer crosswalks, peer-support programs, and community gardens.
Who Can Apply? Students in 4th grade through college are eligible, regardless of nationality or origin. Prizes will be awarded to outstanding submissions.
Who Can Apply? Students in 4th grade through college are eligible, regardless of nationality or origin. Prizes will be awarded to outstanding submissions.
Questions? Contact info@honuascholars.org
DEADLINE EXTENDED!!!
Proposal Competition Deadline:
October 19, 2026, 11:59pm HST
STEP 1 - Review the information packet for details and instructions regarding the proposal competition.
STEP 2 - After writing your proposal, submit it here!
Be sure to upload the appropriate consent form along with your submission!
How to - The Proposal Competition Application.mp4Do you work at a non-profit or are in education, industry, or graduate school? We are looking for proposal reviewers!
Do you work at a non-profit or are in education, industry, or graduate school? We are looking for proposal reviewers!
Art Competition
Art Competition
In 2026, Honua Scholars is introducing an Art Competition that complements our written Proposal Competition. We invite young artists to submit visual art pieces that fit the theme of our 2026 Proposal Competition: “Mālama honua, mālama kaiāulu, mālama kānaka: Caring for earth, community, people in the 21st century”.
Eligibility
This competition is open to students 5-25 years old from all races and ethnicities. We enthusiastically invite entries from students in Hawaiʻi as well as the broader global community, with a special emphasis on participation from Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders across Moananuiākea and diaspora. Please contact us at info@honuascholars.org with any questions.
Submission Instructions
Applicants should complete this form to submit their art. If you have difficulty uploading your materials, please indicate so on the submission form and email info@honuascholars.org.
Each submission will require all three of the following:
1. Visual Art Submission (JPEG or PNG)
Submissions need to be two dimensional and created with any handheld media (pencil, pen, paint, etc.). We will not accept images that are generated on a computer and printed. Artwork should not contain copyrighted materials. The dimensions of the art submission need to be a minimum of 8.5 inches by 11 inches and no larger than 36 inches by 24 inches. Take a digital image or scan your art (minimum 300 DPI resolution) and upload it with the submission form.
2. A brief description of the project and how it relates to the theme
Descriptions can be up to 150 words written in English, ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi, or other Pacific Islander Languages. If writing in a language other than ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi or English, please email us at info@honuascholars.org at least one month before the deadline so we can coordinate with a qualified reviewer.
3. Consent Form (1 page PDF)
Awards and Prizes
Top submissions in elementary, intermediate, high school, and post-high school categories will be recognized and displayed at our annual Laulima Symposium in November. Submissions will have opportunities to receive awards up to a $100 grand prize. Submissions may be featured on various Honua Scholars media and press releases.
DEADLINE EXTENDED!!!
Art Competition Deadline: October 19, 2026, 11:59pm HST
STEP 1 - Review the art competition flyer and information packet
STEP 2 - After creating your art, submit it here!
Be sure to upload the appropriate consent form along with your submission! Note that the submission form and consent forms are different for the art competition compared to the proposal competition.
Mahalo to our sponsors!
Mahalo to our sponsors!
Disclaimer: The essay competition and prize money offered are subject to the terms and conditions set forth by the organizers. The organizers reserve the right to modify or cancel the competition at any time without prior notice. Participation in the competition is voluntary and open to all, subject to eligibility criteria mentioned in the competition guidelines. The organizers shall not be held responsible for any technical glitches, network issues, or any other problems that may affect the submission or evaluation of essays. The decision of the judges will be final and binding. By participating in the competition, the participants agree to comply with the rules and regulations set forth by the organizers. The organizers shall not be held liable for any loss, damage, or injury incurred by the participants or any other person as a result of participation in the competition.
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