New free UH program “Direct to UH” streamlines college applications for Hawaii seniors

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – A new initiative from the University of Hawaii is streamlining the path to higher education for local high school students.

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The “Direct to UH” program is free and connects students and families with resources across the 10-campus system, offering straightforward pathways into vocational trades, two-year community colleges, and four-year universities such as UH Manoa, UH Hilo, and UH West Oahu.

“We’re kind of known as a big career and technical education campus,” said Karen Lee, chancellor of Honolulu Community College. “We have everything from fashion and cosmetology to carpentry, sheet metal and plastics, automotive tech, diesel tech, and aviation tech. We have a broad range of different programs for students.”

Under the program, campus selection options are determined by cumulative high school GPA tiers:

Eligibility and participating schools

The program is open to Class of 2027 Hawaii public high school students at non-charter campuses.

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Participating charter schools include:

High school counselors and partner organizations are available across the state to guide students through the application process and assist with financial aid.

“High school counselors are willing to sit down with students, help them apply easily through Direct to UH, and connect them to financial aid resources, scholarships, and navigators who can help students who might not have that support in their home,” Lee said.

The application deadline is May 1 for the fall term only.

Students and families can check eligibility and find application resources at HawaiiP20.org or by visiting the Direct2uh website.

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