Hawai’i guarantees UH college admission for senior students: Here’s how it could boost enrolment
Hawai’i is rolling out a new initiative aimed at increasing college enrolment among high school seniors. The program, called Direct2UH, guarantees admission to the University of Hawai’i (UH) community colleges for all Department of Education (DOE) seniors and offers guaranteed entry to UH West O’ahu and UH Hilo for students with a 2.7 GPA or higher.The initiative is designed to simplify the admissions process and encourage more students to pursue higher education within the state. Acceptance letters instruct seniors to complete a free, streamlined application and secure their spots by submitting required documents. Admission is contingent on students graduating from high school.Automatic admission and simplified applicationsDirect2UH allows seniors to select the college of their choice through a single application. “I had to figure out how to do the KCC application by myself,” said Shanelle Bartlett, a Castle High School graduate now enrolled in Kapi’olani Community College’s medical laboratory technician program with a scholarship covering her first year of tuition, as quoted by the News From The States. Bartlett said she was confused by the previous system and struggled to find financial aid options.The program currently does not include UH Manoa, but UH President Wendy Hensel has said the flagship campus will join next year, according to the News From The States. The initiative also encourages seniors to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and explore Hawai’i PROMISE, a state scholarship covering tuition and books at UH community colleges.Addressing barriers to collegeHawai’i’s college attendance lags behind the national average, with just over half of high school graduates attending college, compared to 63% nationally. Only around one-third of students pursue a UH campus. David Sun-Miyashiro, executive director of Hawai’iKidsCAN, said in conversation with the News From The States, “One piece without the other, I don’t think is really going to have the impact that folks hope.” He highlighted the need for additional support around financial aid and career counselling.Supporting students through the transitionThe initiative also aims to improve the transfer process from community colleges to four-year campuses. About 40% of UH community college students want to transfer, but only a quarter successfully do so. Debora Halbert, vice president for academic strategy at UH, said to the News From The States that reviewing general education curriculum across campuses could help align courses and reduce students retaking classes.High schools are introducing workshops to guide seniors through Direct2UH. Sheldon Tawata, coordinator at Kapi’olani Community College, said in conversation with the News From The States that students still need to consider which campus and programme suit their goals, even with a simplified application.Kathreen De La Cruz, a first-year KCC student, noted, “I’m there pretty much every single time I need help,” as quoted by the News From The States, emphasising the importance of ongoing academic advising.The Direct2UH initiative combines guaranteed admissions, simplified applications, and scholarship opportunities, aiming to increase Hawai’i college enrolment while supporting students throughout their higher education journey.
