The University of Hawai‘i (UH) has announced a $1.8 million grant from the San Francisco-based Stupski Foundation in support of a program aimed at assisting low-income and first-generation students.

Focused on students attending one of the seven UH community colleges, the grant will cover costs over five academic years through spring 2027 as part of the university’s Student Basic Needs initiative and bolster efforts to help students navigate the financial aid process and connect to basic services and resources such as housing and food. A university study conducted during the 2020–21 academic year found that 40 percent of students had experienced hunger within 30 days of the survey.

“Our students should not have to choose between food and learning,” said UH president David Lassner. “Satisfying students’ basic needs is essential for them to be able to complete their education and thrive.”

(Photo credit: Getty Images/Historyrus82)