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Investing in your Next Milestone: Annual Scholarship Program
MauiFed is committed to improving the financial lives of our members. Our annual Scholarship Program and financial resources for young adults were created to help members with early financial milestones, like going to college.
Scholarship Applications for Fall 2026
Learn More: 2025 MauiFed Scholarship Program Flyer
We are currently accepting higher education scholarship applications for the 2026-2027 academic year. If you are interested in applying, please review eligibility and entry requirements.
MauiFed will award five (5) $1,000 associate, baccalaureate, or graduate degree scholarships for the Fall 2026 term, totaling $5,000.
Eligibility Requirements
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A MauiFed primary member in good standing1 for at least 6 months before the deadline (which means being a member of October 31, 2025). You must remain a primary member when the scholarship is awarded. Parental membership does not qualify applicant.
- Enrolled in an associate, baccalaureate or graduate degree program at an accredited college or university.
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Attendance must be on a full-time2 basis during the award year. Proof of enrollment is required.
1 Member is current with all obligations outstanding with MauiFed and has not caused the credit union a loss. Parental membership does not qualify applicant. All applicants must be a primary member of MauiFed.
2 Full-time is defined by the specific college or university. For example, the University of Hawaii requires a minimum of 12 credits per semester for full-time status in undergraduate programs.
Note: To provide opportunities for all members, the MauiFed member scholarship is restricted to one award per member per lifetime.
Submission Requirements
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2026 Official Scholarship Application
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Resume
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Proof of College/University Enrollment
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Media Submission
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Option 1: Essay - Write 600 words or fewer
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Option 2: Video - Create a 60-second video
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Option 3: Photograph - Capture an original photo
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Applicant Headshot
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Certification & Release Authorization
2026 Media Submission Question
MauiFed is all about 'Making It Happen' for our members. Show or tell us: What is a major educational or financial milestone you are working toward, and how has MauiFed helped prepare you to achieve it?
Fill out and submit the official 2026 application via our secure online form.
Application Form
Apply online via SurveyMonkey: 2026 MauiFed Scholarship
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Having trouble with the link? Copy and paste this URL into your web browser: www.surveymonkey.com/r/2026MauiFedScholarship
Eligible members may request additional information about the Higher Education Scholarship:
Email: media@mauifcu.com
Call: 808.873.5050
By submitting an application you grant permission for your name, photo, essay, and/or video to be used in publications or media, either electronic or printed. All submissions become the property of MauiFed.
Important Dates
- Completed applications and media submissions must be received by Thursday, April 30, 2026, by 11:59 PM. Incomplete applications or those received after this deadline will not be considered.
- Finalists will be notified by phone no later than May 15, 2026.
Deadline: April 30, 2026 at 11:59 PM
Disclosure
Selection: Selection will be made by random drawing based on all eligible and qualified scholarship applications.
Originality: Submission must be the original work of the entrant. Submission must address the topic and must not have been submitted to any other competition or contest.
Previous Scholarship Recipients
Congratulations to all our Higher Education Scholarship recipients and to the graduating Class of 2025! We wish you the absolute best in all your future endeavors. As part of our ongoing commitment to investing in the Maui community, MauiFed’s CEO and President, Clayton Fuchigami, is proud to announce that five $1,000 higher education scholarships have been awarded to our deserving credit union members.
Cara Egami
University of Hawaii at Manoa
Fashion Design & Merchandising
First Big Purchase
These are pictures that my parents took during the building process of their first house, their dream house and our family home, all made possible because of MauiFed.
As I grew up, and my family went on more group trips to the store, my sisters and I would always be asking to get something, toys like legos or Pokemon cards. However, no matter how much we begged in the moment, she would always say things like, “No, you already [x] have at home,” and “We need to focus on getting the necessities first.” After so many repetitions, my mom’s frugality and refusal to “waste money” rubbed off on me. I became more self-conscious on how I spent my parent’s money because I hadn’t even worked for it! I started looking at how much things actually cost, and how the little things added up quickly, like how 5 twenty dollar purchases totaled to $100, a large sum of money as a kid. After a while, I realized how selfish it was of me to cry my way into getting my mom to buy a game for me. At this point, I stopped asking my parents for games and unnecessary things. Of course, I still received those things on special occasions, like on my birthday or Christmas, and I still wanted things from time to time, but I overall became more content with the things I had. This encouraged me to spend less and save more, and by the end of freshman year, I had approximately $1000 in savings. With these savings I was able to make my first big purchase, that being a gaming laptop bought nearly with all my money. The feeling of being able to purchase something for myself instead of taking funds away from the money that my parents used to provide for our household is something that I’ll always hold dear. It has boosted my financial literacy as I start looking towards college, and thinking about all of the financial management in my near future.
Logan Ortogero
University of Portland
Computer Science
Naomi Rae Pigao
George Fox University
Civil Engineering
My mom’s influence on my understanding of money goes beyond teaching me how to budget or save. Even though I do not have a credit card yet, she has already been laying the groundwork for me to handle one responsibly when the time comes. She taught me about the importance of paying off credit card bills on time, the dangers of high-interest debt, and the importance of building a good credit score. These lessons have helped me develop a mindset that values financial security and discipline. Growing up in this practical environment has taught me that money is not something to be taken lightly, but rather something that should be managed wisely and with clear purpose. I have learned to prioritize needs over wants, to save for the future, and to make decisions that will set me up for long-term financial success. I began saving early for college, even if it was only small amounts at first. I have also become more aware of how my spending habits can impact my ability to achieve these goals. Being mindful of my expenses and making conscious decisions about what I buy has helped me realize that every dollar I spend is a choice that either brings me closer to or farther from my financial aspirations.
I greatly appreciate my parents for buying the things my siblings, and I wanted; however, once I turned sixteen, I decided to get a job so my parents did not have to worry about paying for some of my demands. I got a job at a food truck my auntie. I was ecstatic to get my first paycheck because it was my first time working for my own money. When my paycheck came in, I never saw that many numbers before in my possession. My mom decided to get me my first card from Maui Federal Credit Union, and I wanted to make a purchase with the money I had earned. I quickly went out and bought food from the Foodland down the street. I loved the feeling of buying something with my own money, knowing that I had attained new responsibilities from getting a job.
One of my newer responsibilities that came with it was filling up the gas tank. With that thought in mind, I needed to save at least two hundred dollars. With my first few paychecks, I tended to overspend and would have to ask my mom to pay for gas. I have begun to notice that I frequently asked my parents for money; however, as that habit became more repetitive, I realized that it was time for me to learn how to manage my money and save.
Lindsey Ramos
Washington State University
Construction Management
Congratulations to all our Higher Education Scholarship Recipients and to all 2024 graduates. We wish you the best in all your future endeavors!
As part of its commitment to investing in the Maui community, Maui Federal Credit Union’s CEO and President Clayton Fuchigami announced that $1,000 higher education scholarships were awarded to five credit union members.
Angelo Mattew Balasan
Air Transport Management, Arizona State University
"When I think about Maui Federal Credit Union, it is more than a place to keep my money. It is like having a friendly neighbor who genuinely cares about me and my family. Being part of Maui FCU feels different from dealing with those big, for-profit banks that seem more interested in squeezing every cent out of you. I like knowing that my money is staying local, helping to support other families and businesses in our community. There is something really satisfying about that. It is like banking with Maui FCU, and I am contributing to the well-being of my own island."
Deanne Suehisa
Hospitality Management, University of Nevada Las Vegas (UNLV)
“As a member of Maui Federal Credit Union (Maui FCU), I can confidently affirm the significant positive change Maui FCU has brought to my family and me. Maui FCU stands as an image of community-driven financial empowerment, by providing a wide range of services customized to address the varied needs of its members. Despite the many benefits offered by Maui FCU, some may question why we continue to choose it as our primary financial institution over alternative service providers, such as for-profit banks. The answer lies in the intangible value of belonging to a community-oriented institution that prioritizes people over profits."
Jovan Gumtang Butac
General Engineering, Grand Canyon University
“Being a long-time member at Maui FCU has helped me a lot when dealing with my finances, especially as a college student. At this point in my life, I have come to terms with the fact that living life as an adult is not easy. There are simply too many tasks and priorities to keep track of, and sometimes I catch myself forgetting some things, or overworking myself to make up for the times I fall behind. But, having Maui FCU as my main bank removes the need to worry about the security of my finances, which is very important to me. With a significant amount of financial worry being lifted off my shoulders, I feel that my money is secure. Though I will be away from home for most of the year, I can confidently say that I trust Maui FCU with my banking needs.
Marceliza Luwalhati
Master of Science in Nursing (focus on Public Health Nursing), Grand Canyon University
“Maui FCU has had a significant impact on me and my family. From the time I started working during my high school years, I have been with Maui FCU when it was still Maui Land and Pineapple Federal Credit Union. I have had other banks I had businesses with, but my paycheck has always been directly deposited to Maui FCU. It is the only bank where I have felt taken cared of. Maui FCU has helped me with several personal loans that assisted in taking care of my family. They make sure that the loan and the payments are reasonable to my current financial situation. I was able to pay off all my loans with their help.
We are very satisfied with our experience over the course of 20 years. The gratitude I have for having a bank we can rely on is beyond what words can express; it is by my continued loyalty to the bank where I can show how grateful I am of being a Maui FCU member.”
Mariz Alyanna Tumacder
Nursing, University of Hawaii Maui College
“Being a member of Maui Federal Credit Union has had a significant impact on me and my family, both financially and personally. Ever since my dad came to Maui, he’s been a member of Maui FCU for 30 years. His family then expanded and he brought me and my mother to Maui and we also became a member of Maui FCU since then. I grew up with Maui FCU, I’ve always seen how they prioritize their member’s needs above all and how easy they are to work with. Maui FCU has helped us tremendously especially financially, they provided numerous benefits that have positively impacted my families financial well being. They’re so easy to approach whenever we needed help such as getting a car loan or a personal loan anytime we needed them. Maui FCU also creates this welcoming and supportive atmosphere as their staff members ”
Maui FCU’s Higher Education Scholarship Program is open to primary members of Maui FCU in good standing for at least one year and attendance must be on a full-time basis during the award year. Applicants submitted an application form, a resume, and a media submission, along with their acceptance letter to the college of their choice.
Congratulations to all our Higher Education Scholarship Recipients and to all 2023 graduates. We wish you the best in all your future endeavors!
As part of its commitment to investing in the Maui community, Maui Federal Credit Union’s CEO and President Clayton Fuchigami announced that $1,000 higher education scholarships were awarded to five credit union members.
Riann Europa Delos Santos
Dental, UH Manoa
Photo Submission ----"Easy Peasy! Maui FCU is the key to buying your textbooks with ease!"
Taelor Ferrer
Elementary Education, UH Manoa
“After getting my first job in high school, I needed to find a safe place to store my money. During this time, I also needed to start up my first debit card. Thanks to the help of Maui FCU, my money accounts and first debit card were able to start up fast and easily. The employees were very helpful and willing to answer any and all of my questions. Maui FCU constantly makes sure my money is safe and provides me with the best customer service whenever I need assistance with things such as money deposits and withdrawals. I can always count on Maui FCU to make sure my money is safe, secure, and in the watch of a trustworthy bank.
Kaleo Itel Gallen
Hospitality Management, UNLV
“My father immigrated to Maui in 1991 for work and a better life. He found a job withMaui Gold Pineapple Company within a year. Maui FCU was established back in 1938 as a credit union for the employees of Maui Pineapple. Working with the company he started banking with Maui FCU. The experiences my father would share were all positive. The transition of lifemy father went through to adapt to the life he lives now wasn’t an easy one. Language barriers, social norms, and culture shocks. Maui FCU’s team provided the help my father needed to adjust to his new environment. Maui FCU Being a financial service to the employees of the Maui Pineapple Company, has had a historically rich tie with my family."
Rheannon Sardinha
Exploratory Business, UH Manoa
“The most important lesson I’m learning as a member of Maui FCU is the value of saving money. I opened an account in 2020 at the start of the Covid pandemic. I was 14 years old then, and all the money I had was mostly coins or money received as gifts over the years that I kept in a jar or here and there around the house. Over time, I earned money by doing small jobs or helping others, and I would deposit all or most of it, sometimes keeping a little bit to treat myself. It feels good to know I’m developing a habit that benefits me now and in the future.”
Jason Tagala
Civil Engineering, University of Portland
“I have been a Maui FCU member since I was a child. Some of my earliest memories with the credit union was attending the annual luncheons. I looked forward to seeing familiar faces and seeing the community come together. I want to continue using Maui FCU because I find value in connecting with the community. I would prefer my financial institution to know me personally and accompany me on my journey through college and well into the future as a civil engineer.”
Maui FCU’s Higher Education Scholarship Program is open to primary members of Maui FCU in good standing for at least one year and attendance must be on a full-time basis during the award year. Applicants submitted an application form, a resume, and a media submission, along with their acceptance letter to the college of their choice.
Congratulations to all our Higher Education Scholarship Recipients and to all 2022 graduates. We wish you the best in all your future endeavors!
As part of its commitment to investing in the Maui community, Maui Federal Credit Union’s CEO and President Clayton Fuchigami announced that $1,000 higher education scholarships were awarded to five credit union members.
Altene Jacob Tumacder
Nursing, UH Manoa
“Maui Federal Credit Union is there to serve the community. They are there to promote a financially literate community who is ready to accomplish their goals. In my case, Maui FCU was and is the most responsible and beneficial financial institution, as they have given my parents a second chance. In fact, they are the family that my parents found, providing us with a second chance to pursue the greater things in life.”
Celiessa Pangan
Nursing, University of Hawaii Maui College
“I vividly remember the day I opened an account with Maui Federal Credit Union back in 2018. I felt a welcoming family-like atmosphere when I opened the door as the employees greeted me. From personal experience, MFCU provided the most effortless process of becoming a credit union member. It was indeed a worthy decision to become a member, which allowed me to explore the services provided by MFCU.”
D’Marco Rabang
Hospitality Management, UNLV
“I’m glad that I was able to open up an account with Maui Federal Credit Union. It was easy to do and the staff was friendly and helpful, as this was my first time opening an account. I was surprised by the other services that were offered other than just a savings account. I’m sure I’ll be able to take advantage of more of these services once I complete school, but I can certainly rest easier knowing my accounts are secure at Maui Federal Credit Union.”
Dustin David Metzler Jr.
Exploratory Business, UH Manoa
“As a proud member of Maui Federal Credit Union since the age of 14, I can say that this financial institution has some of the most important values we look for in Hawaii. As a freshman in high school, I needed to find a bank that would not only keep my money safe, but also one that could be trusted. I saw first hand MFCU’s involvement with our community. I noticed their culture. Always warm and friendly to all members, including our kupuna, is a special aspect of our culture in Hawaii.”
Korey Hanaike
Travel Industry Management, UH Manoa
“[T]he quality of service at Maui FCU is what sets this institution apart from the others. Maui FCU has proven to be reliable, while continuing to be warm and welcoming each time I walk through the door. The employees at Maui FCU have made it a point to create personalized experiences with members by creating and maintaining relationships. Such small gestures can make all the difference for members and Maui Federal Credit Union makes sure that they do it.”
Maui FCU’s Higher Education Scholarship Program is open to primary members of Maui FCU in good standing for at least one year and attendance must be on a full-time basis during the award year. Applicants submitted an application form, a resume, and a media submission, along with their acceptance letter to the college of their choice.
Maui Federal Credit Union CEO and president Clayton Fuchigami announced $1,000 higher-education scholarships were awarded to three credit union members who were chosen during a random drawing.
“It’s been a tough year and we wanted to continue helping our members reach their higher education goals,” Fuchigami said.
The recipients and their respective university programs are:
- Jerome Butac, Pacific University, Applied Sciences
- Mary Jicel Butac, UH Maui College, Nursing
- Kainalu Yoshida, Seattle University, Biology
Maui FCU’s Higher Education Scholarship Program is open to primary members of Maui FCU in good standing for at least one year and attendance must be on a full-time basis during the award year. Applicants submitted an application form, a resume, and a media submission, along with their acceptance letter to the college of their choice.
Five members of Maui Federal Credit Union were awarded $1,000 scholarships to help them pursue higher education, Maui FCU President and CEO Clayton Fuchigami announced.
“It was important to make sure we continue this program during the pandemic. The awardees, who were selected by random drawing were diligent about submitting their completed applications by the deadline so we felt it was equally important for us to notify them in a timely manner,” said Fuchigami. “We’re proud to be able to award scholarships to these deserving students.”
“We are happy to continue this program and provide financial support to our members pursuing higher education,” Fuchigami said.
The recipients and their respective university programs are:
- Jeannyne Palecpec, UH Maui College, Accounting
- Breanna Alviedo, UH Maui College, Education
- Bryant Nakagawa, Saint Martin’s University, Civil Engineering
- Ashley Anne Andres, UH Manoa, Business Management
- Lennel Joy Alvarez, UH Maui College, Nursing
Maui FCU’s scholarship program is open to primary members of Maui FCU in good standing for at least one year and applicants must be a full-time student during the award year. They submitted an application form, an essay or video, along with their acceptance letter to the college of their choice.
“We are happy to continue this program and provide financial support to our members pursuing higher education,” Fuchigami said.
The recipients and their respective university programs are:
- Mary Joy Butac – University of Hawai’i at Mānoa, Accounting
- Katrina Mae Tolentino – University of Hawai’i at Mānoa, Molecular Biology
- Lindsay Lau – Linfield College, Nursing
- Chealeen Obrero – University of Hawai’i Maui College, Nursing
- Jacqueline Agorilla – University of Hawai’i Maui College, Nursing
Five members of Maui Federal Credit Union, selected at random drawing, were awarded $1000 scholarships to help them pursue higher education.
Qualified applicants for the scholarship program, which includes this year’s recipients, are primary members of Maui FCU in good standing for at least one year. They submitted an application form, an essay or video, along with their acceptance letter to the college of their choice.
“As a credit union, the scholarship program is another way that we give back to our membership,” said Maui FCU CEO and president Clayton Fuchigami. “We are proud to be part of our scholars’ educational journey and we will continue to serve them at every milestone of their careers.”
The awardees are:
- Micah Jio - Oregon Institute of Technology, Pre-medical Imagining
- Lisa Morton Whitten – Liberty University, Education Specialist in Curriculum & Teaching
- Jaymar Quedding – Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Science, Doctor of Pharmacy
- Taylor Pazcoguin – Pacific University, Exercise Science
- Kiley Pazcoguin – Saint Martin University, Environmental Science
“We are happy to continue this program and provide financial support to our members pursuing higher education,” Fuchigami said.
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