Malama Kai Foundation Announces the George A. Wilkins Scholarship Program
May 06, 2025
Malama Kai Foundation Announces the George A. Wilkins Scholarship Program to Support Hawaiʻi Students in Marine and Ocean STEM Fields
The Malama Kai Foundation (MKF) is proud to announce the launch of the George A. Wilkins Scholarship Program, providing critical financial support to high school graduates from Hawaiʻi who are pursuing degrees in marine conservation and ocean-related STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields.
The scholarship honors the legacy of George A. Wilkins, a pioneering Navy scientist and marine conservationist whose lifelong dedication to ocean stewardship helped shape Hawaiʻi’s marine research, technology, and policy.
Five scholarships of $4,000 each will be awarded in 2025 to students demonstrating passion, purpose, and potential in fields that protect and restore our ocean ecosystems.
George Wilkins’ work continues to influence marine conservation efforts throughout the islands. This scholarship is a way to empower the next generation of ocean leaders while honoring his visionary legacy.
Scholarship Timeline
About George A. Wilkins
eorge A. Wilkins was a renowned Navy scientist whose groundbreaking work spanned quantum radiometry, optical fiber communications, deep ocean technology, and drilling systems. He served as a senior scientist at the University of Hawaiʻi’s (UH) Institute of Geophysics, chaired the UH Sea Grant Research Advisory Council, and served on the "Floating City" Executive Board, contributing to cutting-edge marine and coastal research.
Wilkins co-founded the Malama Kai Foundation and was instrumental in developing Hawaiʻi's day-use mooring buoy system, preventing coral reef damage from anchors and supporting sustainable marine recreation practices. He passed away in 2019 at age 87, leaving a powerful legacy of conservation and innovation.
About Malama Kai Foundation
Malama Kai Foundation is a Hawaiʻi-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to ocean stewardship through community service and education. Since 1991, MKF has worked alongside Hawaiʻi’s boating and coastal communities to protect and preserve marine resources for future generations.
Support the Scholarship Fund
To continue Wilkins’ legacy, MKF welcomes donations from individuals, families, and organizations who share his passion for the ocean.
Giving Levels:
$500 – Reef Supporter
$1,000 – Coral Guardian
$5,000 – Ocean Advocate
$10,000+ – Marine Conservation Leader
Learn More & Apply
Visit www.malamakaifoundation.org/scholarships for full scholarship details and applications.
For More Information
If you would like more information about this topic, email scholarships@malamakaifoundation.org. Please visit our website, sign up for our email list, and follow our social media for updates. Website: www.malamakaifoundation.org Instagram: @malamakaifoundation
The Malama Kai Foundation (MKF) is proud to announce the launch of the George A. Wilkins Scholarship Program, providing critical financial support to high school graduates from Hawaiʻi who are pursuing degrees in marine conservation and ocean-related STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields.
The scholarship honors the legacy of George A. Wilkins, a pioneering Navy scientist and marine conservationist whose lifelong dedication to ocean stewardship helped shape Hawaiʻi’s marine research, technology, and policy.Five scholarships of $4,000 each will be awarded in 2025 to students demonstrating passion, purpose, and potential in fields that protect and restore our ocean ecosystems.
George Wilkins’ work continues to influence marine conservation efforts throughout the islands. This scholarship is a way to empower the next generation of ocean leaders while honoring his visionary legacy.
Scholarship Timeline
- Applications Open: April 21, 2025
- Deadline to Apply: May 30, 2025
- Recipients Announced: July 15, 2025
- Funds Distributed: August 15, 2025
About George A. Wilkins
eorge A. Wilkins was a renowned Navy scientist whose groundbreaking work spanned quantum radiometry, optical fiber communications, deep ocean technology, and drilling systems. He served as a senior scientist at the University of Hawaiʻi’s (UH) Institute of Geophysics, chaired the UH Sea Grant Research Advisory Council, and served on the "Floating City" Executive Board, contributing to cutting-edge marine and coastal research.
Wilkins co-founded the Malama Kai Foundation and was instrumental in developing Hawaiʻi's day-use mooring buoy system, preventing coral reef damage from anchors and supporting sustainable marine recreation practices. He passed away in 2019 at age 87, leaving a powerful legacy of conservation and innovation.
About Malama Kai Foundation
Malama Kai Foundation is a Hawaiʻi-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to ocean stewardship through community service and education. Since 1991, MKF has worked alongside Hawaiʻi’s boating and coastal communities to protect and preserve marine resources for future generations.
Support the Scholarship Fund
To continue Wilkins’ legacy, MKF welcomes donations from individuals, families, and organizations who share his passion for the ocean.
Giving Levels:
$500 – Reef Supporter
$1,000 – Coral Guardian
$5,000 – Ocean Advocate
$10,000+ – Marine Conservation Leader
Learn More & Apply
Visit www.malamakaifoundation.org/scholarships for full scholarship details and applications.
For More Information
If you would like more information about this topic, email scholarships@malamakaifoundation.org. Please visit our website, sign up for our email list, and follow our social media for updates. Website: www.malamakaifoundation.org Instagram: @malamakaifoundation