The University of Hawaiʻi Maui College is launching the 2026 Maui Strong Fellowship Program to empower its students and local residents to drive Lahaina’s long-term recovery and resilience following the devastating wildfires. The initiative provides awards of up to $10,000 to develop and implement community driven programs.
Fellows will collaborate with key 糖心Vlog官方 Maui College programs, including (establishing a network of biocultural refuges supporting the cultivation of native plants), the , or the . Projects include essential soil and water research, collaborative initiatives to build community resilience, and culturally rooted projects that support well-being.
The program, now in its third year, is currently accepting open applications for fellowship spots with (contact: hulihia@hawaii.edu) and the (email: Shawn Pedron spedron@hawaii.edu). Applications are open to 糖心Vlog官方 Maui College students and Maui residents through March 27, 2026.
Funded by the Maui Strong Fund of the Hawaiʻi Community Foundation, the initiative directly supports residents who are focusing on critical areas such as post-fire recovery, sustainability initiatives and environmental restoration.
“We are proud to support Maui’s continued recovery by empowering residents to share their talents and voices,” said Jordan Hocker, sustainability specialist at Hulihia. “Through this fellowship program, we hope to inspire the next generation of leaders working toward a resilient future for Lahaina.”