PACE SCHOLARSHIPS

Thanks to our generous donors and partners, the following scholarship opportunities are available.

Walter Dods, Jr. RISE Center Housing Scholarship

Application Now Open for Fall 2026-2027
Priority Deadline: 11:59 PM on Monday, April 27, 2026

University of Hawai‘i (UH) students who participate in, or have an interest in joining the Pacific Asian Center for Entrepreneurship (PACE), may apply for up to a $6,000 housing scholarship, or up to $500 per month, towards their residency at the Walter Dods, Jr. RISE Center (RISE), a live-learn-work community and student housing facility at the corner of University Ave. and Metcalf St. RISE is an affiliated student housing facility for UH.

Requirements and Guidelines:

• This opportunity is for any new leaseholder at the Walter Dods, Jr. RISE Center.
• This opportunity is open to both undergraduate and graduate students attending the University of Hawai‘i who participate in, or have an interest in joining PACE.
• This opportunity is eligible to students of any University of Hawai‘i system campuses (e.g. UH Mānoa, Kapiolani Community College, Honolulu Community College).
• A signed lease to live at RISE or an active lease application (students are encouraged to apply for RISE concurrently with this scholarship application).
• The minimum cumulative GPA is 3.0 for returning University of Hawai‘i students or a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 in high school (copy of transcript required).
• Scholarship recipients must enroll in a degree-seeking academic program at the University of Hawai‘i.
• Scholarship recipients must reside in RISE and may not relet their unit.
• Scholarship recipients must enroll in a minimum of 12 credit hours per semester for undergraduate students. Graduate students to be determined on a case-by-case basis.
• Scholarship recipients must attend PACE events during the lease term.
• The RISE Housing Scholarship is not transferrable or applicable to any University of Hawai’i Student Housing facility (aka on-campus housing) or any other housing facility.
• The quantity of scholarships and award amounts are subject to available budgeted funds.
• The RISE Housing Scholarship award is limited to the term of the lease at RISE.
• In the event a scholarship recipient fails to maintain 12 credit hours during a semester, or if they no longer reside at RISE, then the scholarship award shall be terminated upon confirmation of the above.
• Late scholarship applications will be accepted but reviewed only after all on-time submissions have been evaluated.

Selection Criteria:

The selection committee evaluates applicants based on their potential to contribute to and benefit from the RISE innovation ecosystem. Priority is given to those who demonstrate:

• PACE Engagement: Active participation in PACE programs or a clear, actionable plan to utilize the Center’s resources.
• Entrepreneurial Mindset: A proven interest in developing a problem-solving mindset and a compelling vision for how the RISE live-learn-work community will accelerate their academic and career success.
• Evidence of Innovation: Tangible examples of drive and creativity, ideally supported by uploaded media such as a project portfolio or venture pitch.

Scholarship recipients will receive a discount on rent and will be processed with the RISE management team. Scholarship recipients will be notified via email if they have been awarded the scholarship. This scholarship opportunity may be combined with other scholarship opportunities offered by the Shidler College of Business or PACE. Applications received after the submission deadline will only be considered if there is scholarship budget available. Applicants are encouraged to submit their application concurrently with a lease application.

Priority Deadline: 11:59 PM on Monday, April 27, 2026

RISE Innovation Scholars Program

The RISE Innovation Scholars Program is specifically designed to support UH students who are deeply engaged in entrepreneurship and innovation while they live at the Walter Dods, Jr. RISE Center. By easing the cost of attendance with a scholarship, the program enables students to focus more fully on advancing their innovative ideas and ventures while still benefiting from the vibrant, innovation-driven community at RISE.

Program Benefits

In addition to a $5,000 scholarship, Scholars receive:

• Mentorship & Guidance – Individualized feedback from PACE Entrepreneur- and Professionals-in-Residence.
• Workspace – Access to the Kīpuka coworking space with workstations, meeting rooms, printing, and storage.
• Networking – Connections with investors, founders, and industry leaders.
• Skill Development – Hands-on workshops, maker spaces, and events to sharpen entrepreneurial and leadership skills.
• Community – Join a vibrant peer network passionate about innovation and impact.

Requirements:

• Enrollment in a degree-seeking undergraduate or graduate academic program at any University of Hawaiʻi campus
• A signed lease to live at RISE—Scholars must reside in RISE and may not relet their unit
• Good academic standing
• Be a current founder or actively working toward launching a new venture
• Attendance at a minimum of three PACE activities each semester
• Meet with the PACE Entrepreneur-in-Residence at least once per semester
• Meet with a PACE Professional-in-Residence or Virtual Professional-in-Residence at least once per semester
• Participate in at least one major PACE program, such as the UH Venture Competition, Summer Startup Launchpad, and PACE Entrepreneurs
• End-of-Year Presentation: Scholars will prepare and deliver a final presentation reflecting on their entrepreneurial journey
• Students may not simultaneously participate in the PACE Leaders program.

Priority Deadline: Monday, May 4, 2026

James P.D. Thropp Scholarship for the Shidler-RISE Program

The James P.D. Thropp Scholarship for the Shidler-RISE program is provided by the Shidler College of Business. Shidler students may apply for a $5,000 scholarship to live at the Walter Dods, Jr. RISE Center.

Requirements:

• Enrollment in a degree-seeking academic program at the Shidler College of Business. This opportunity is open to both undergraduate and graduate Shidler students.
• A signed lease to live at RISE. (Students are encouraged to apply for RISE concurrently with the scholarship application.)
• Good academic standing
• Participation in at least one pre-approved Service to Community and Service to School activity each semester while receiving the scholarship.
• Attendance at a minimum of three PACE activities each semester, exclusive of above activities, while receiving the scholarship.
• Recipients must reside in RISE and may not relet their unit.
• Students may not participate in both the PACE Leaders program and the James P.D. Thropp Scholarship for the Shidler-RISE program.

The scholarship will be processed through the recipient’s MyUH account. Half of the scholarship amount will be disbursed in the Fall semester and the second half will be disbursed in the Spring semester.

Priority Deadline: Monday, May 4, 2026

PACE Leaders

The PACE Leaders​ program is a leadership and scholarship opportunity designed for UH students who want hands-on experience supporting real programs, events, and initiatives at the Pacific Asian Center for Entrepreneurship. Leaders play an active role in building campus community, supporting student founders, and bringing ideas to life at the Walter Dods, Jr. RISE Center. No experience in entrepreneurship or business is required. To learn more, go to the PACE Leaders webpage.

Program Benefits:

• Hands-on Experience – Lead programs, manage events, and support initiatives across the University of Hawai‘i System.
• Access to Resources – Work directly with tools, maker spaces, and cutting-edge resources in our new 10,000-square-foot innovation center.
• Network Building – Connect with industry leaders, entrepreneurs, and peers who share your passion.
• Professional Development – Build valuable skills, strengthen your resume, and expand your knowledge through special opportunities, including invitations to community events and conferences.
• Qualify for Scholarships – Unlock exclusive scholarship funds. Planning to live at the Walter Dods, Jr. RISE Center? You’ll qualify for our largest scholarship pool.

Priority Deadline: Saturday, January 31, 2026
After this date, applications are reviewed on a first come, first served basis. Students are encouraged to apply at any time as applications are also reviewed for opportunities that may arise during the school year.