The MKF George A. Wilkins Scholarship
🌊 Empowering Hawaii’s Youth
for a Future in Marine Conservation 🌊
The MKF George A. Wilkins Scholarship Program provides financial support to high school graduates from Hawaii pursuing degrees in marine conservation and ocean-related STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields. This scholarship, established by the Malama Kai Foundation (MKF), honors the legacy of George A. Wilkins, a visionary Navy scientist and leading marine conservation advocate whose groundbreaking work shaped the future of ocean stewardship.
Scholarship Details:
📢 Anticipated Award Amount: $2,000-$3,000 per recipient
📅 Application Opens: May 15, 2026
⏳ Deadline: June 30, 2026
🏆 Awards Announced: July 31, 2026
💰 Funds Distributed: August 15, 2026
Support the Scholarship Fund
Invest in the Next Generation of
Ocean Stewards
Your donation to the MKF George A. Wilkins Scholarship Fund ensures that passionate students in Hawaii receive the financial support they need to pursue careers in marine conservation and STEM fields. By investing in education, we continue George A. Wilkins’ vision of a future where science and stewardship go hand in hand to protect our oceans.
How You Can Give
💙 $500 – Reef Supporter
💙 $1,000 – Coral Guardian
💙 $5,000 – Ocean Advocate
💙 $10,000+ – Marine Conservation Leader
Congratulations to our 2026
GEORGE A. WILKINS SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS
About our 2026 Scholars
Alyssa Veneri
U.H. Manoa - Marine Biology
“I am originally from Kuliʻouʻou, now living in Waimānalo. In 2021, I earned my bachelor’s degree in Environmental and Ocean Sciences with a focus in Marine Ecology from the University of San Diego. Currently, I am a PhD candidate in the Marine Biology Graduate Program in the Limu Lab under Dr. Celia Smith. Through my research I am interested in unveiling how Traditional Ecological Knowledge can be used as a tool to conserve declining native Hawaiian marine macroalgae populations.”
Ciaralan Tolentino
U.H. Manoa - Marine Biology
“I was born on the Garden Island of Kauaʻi and raised in Kapaʻa, where my love for the ocean shaped my path. I am currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Marine Biology at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa. My goal is to research sustainable ways to help Hawaiʻi’s marine wildlife flourish and support community-based conservation. I hope to inspire local youth to value and protect our ecosystems, serving my Kauaʻi community as both a dedicated marine biologist and an educator for the next generation.”
Kaili Moore
H.C.C. Palamanui - Biology
“I was born in Thailand, but being raised in Hawaiʻi taught me to respect the land and sea like it’s an uncle or an auntie. I plan to finish my Biology major this coming school year and work toward a career in animal conservation. After doing fieldwork tagging sea turtles at Punaluʻu Beach, I confirmed my love of helping animals and knew I wanted to stay right here at home to do research, hands-on or in a lab, to protect our vulnerable species and help safeguard our island's ecosystems.”
2025 Wilkins Scholars
Uhiwai Wall
Kiran Letawsky
Charlotte Mei Kassis
Trevell Pruitt
Reel Yoshida
Haley Poppinga
About George A. Wilkins
A Legacy of Innovation and Ocean Conservation
The Malama Kai Foundation (MKF) George A. Wilkins Scholarship is offered in honor of George A. Wilkins, a distinguished scientist, civil servant, and military service member whose pioneering work spanned quantum radiometry, optical fiber communications, deep ocean technology, and drilling systems.
As a senior scientist at the University of Hawaii’s Institute of Geophysics, Wilkins chaired the U.H. Sea Grant Research Advisory Council and served on the "Floating City" Executive Board, contributing to cutting-edge marine and coastal research.
Wilkins was instrumental in developing Hawaii's day-use mooring buoy system, collaborating with local dive operators and the Malama Kai Foundation—a nonprofit he co-founded to promote ocean stewardship. His innovative approach to installing permanent moorings has played a pivotal role in protecting coral reefs from anchor damage, ensuring the sustainability of Hawaii’s marine ecosystems.
To honor his lifelong dedication to the ocean, MKF established the George A. Wilkins Memorial Scholarship, supporting Hawaii residents pursuing degrees in marine-related fields. Wilkins passed away in 2019 at the age of 87, leaving behind a lasting legacy in ocean conservation, research, and technology.
Contact us now @ scholarships@malamakaifoundation.org or (669) 500-0603