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 2025

GEORGE A. WILKINS SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS

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