Educational Foundation

The SHRM Hawaii Educational Foundation is the charitable, nonprofit 501(c)(3) arm of SHRM Hawaii. Our mission is to support professional growth, advance the HR profession, and strengthen our island communities.

Working across our four districts—Hawai‘i Island, Maui, O‘ahu, and Kaua‘i—the Foundation provides:

  • Educational programs and workshops to keep HR professionals current and compliant

  • Scholarship opportunities to support continuing education and professional development

  • Networking and collaboration opportunities to connect HR peers across industries

  • Community and workforce initiatives that build the next generation of HR leaders

Each district has a District Representative and standing committees dedicated to planning events, supporting workforce initiatives, and helping members learn, connect, and give back through programs, volunteer opportunities, and community outreach.

Get Involved!

The SHRM Hawaii Educational Foundation invites all members to learn, network, and serve their local HR communities. Whether through attending district programs, volunteering for committees, or supporting workforce initiatives, your involvement strengthens the HR profession across our islands.

For questions or to learn more, email [email protected].

SHRM Hawaii Educational Foundation Bylaws

Scholarship Program 

The SHRM Hawaii Educational Foundation plays a vital role in expanding access to professional development across our HR community. Through its generous scholarship support, the Foundation helps remove financial barriers and encourages participation in key SHRM Hawaii programs and events. Scholarship support includes opportunities such as the SHRM Certification Prep Course and the annual SHRM Hawaii Conference & Expo, ensuring that emerging and experienced HR professionals alike can learn, connect, and grow. By investing in education and leadership development, the Foundation strengthens Hawai‘i’s HR workforce and supports the long-term vitality of our profession and community.

SHRM Hawaii Certification Prep Course Scholarship FAQs

How many scholarships are available?
Typically, one scholarship per island is awarded.

Who is eligible to apply?
Applicants must be current SHRM Hawaii members.

Who is not eligible?
Applicants who receive ETF funding or employer financial support for the course are not eligible. Applicants must be personally responsible for the full cost of the course.

Do I need to register for the course before applying for the scholarship?
Yes. Applicants must register for the course to be considered. Scholarship notifications will be sent after the application review process, and registration is required even if scholarship results are pending.

When are scholarship funds distributed?
Scholarship funds are issued within one week after the course ends in April, following confirmation of successful course completion.

SHRM Hawaii Annual Conference & Expo Scholarship FAQs

Who is providing the scholarship?
The scholarship is provided by the SHRM Hawaii Educational Foundation, whose mission is to support professional development and growth in the HR community across the islands.

Who is eligible to apply?
Applicants must be SHRM Hawaii members who are interested in attending the SHRM Hawaii Conference & Expo and eager to learn, grow professionally, and engage with the SHRM Hawaii community.

Who selects the scholarship recipients?
Each neighbor island district (Maui, Kaua‘i, Hawai‘i Island, and O‘ahu) has its own judging panel made up of local SHRM members from that district.

How many scholarships are available?
The number of scholarships varies by year, but typically one to two recipients per island are selected.

What does the scholarship cover?
The scholarship covers the conference registration fee. Neighbor island recipients will also receive a travel subsidy to help offset airfare expenses. Reimbursement requires submission of receipts.

Will scholarship recipients have networking opportunities?
Yes. Recipients will have opportunities to network with fellow attendees and connect with SHRM Hawaii Committee Co-Chairs and the SHRM Hawaii Educational Foundation.

Can past scholarship recipients apply again?
No. This scholarship is awarded once per individual.

Hawai'i Island District

Aloha and welcome to the Hawai‘i Island District, which hosts quarterly educational workshops each February, April, August, and November. Our interactive sessions cover topics like Diversity & Inclusion, Talent Acquisition, and Organizational Risk Management, equipping HR professionals, local employers, and business owners with practical strategies and best practices.

We also encourage members to organize informal networking events and mixers throughout the year in Hilo, Kailua-Kona, Waikoloa, and Waimea. These gatherings provide an opportunity for HR professionals to share ideas, talk story, and connect with peers across the island.

Maui District

Welcome to the Maui District, serving HR professionals across the Valley Isle’s diverse industries. Our district focuses on providing the tools, insights, and connections HR professionals need to navigate an ever-changing workplace, while staying compliant with federal, state, and county requirements.

Historically, the Maui District has hosted 6–8 high-quality, interactive programs annually, and we’ve expanded virtual offerings to collaborate with neighbor island districts. We remain committed to delivering timely, relevant content and fostering professional growth for our Maui HR community.

Maui District Core Values:

  • Pono - We will do things, for the right reason even when no one is looking
  • Malama – we will take care, help, kokua, with deep anticipation of knowing what to or how to help without being asked.
  • Kuleana – with responsibility and accountability.
  • Po`okela - striving to perform with excellence – we will do our best and to constantly seek improvement.


 

O'ahu District

Known as “The Gathering Place,” the O‘ahu District serves the largest SHRM Hawaii membership base. Since the 2004 unification of all island chapters, O‘ahu has partnered with neighbor island districts to share resources and coordinate statewide HR programming.

Our district offers monthly programs covering current HR topics, legal updates, and leadership strategies, designed to equip members with actionable insights to strengthen their organizations. These programs also create meaningful opportunities to network and exchange ideas with fellow HR professionals.

Volunteering in the O‘ahu District is a great way to expand your network, develop leadership skills, and contribute to Hawai‘i’s HR community through event planning and program support.

Kaua'i District

Aloha from the Kaua‘i District, located on the Garden Island. Our membership represents a diverse mix of industries including healthcare, tourism, agriculture, education, utilities, real estate, military, and nonprofit organizations. This diversity fosters dynamic discussions and resource sharing among our HR professionals.

The Kaua‘i District hosts six educational programs annually, focused on HR compliance, best practices, and workforce readiness. We are also committed to workforce development and community outreach, offering School-to-Work and College Relations initiatives to prepare the next generation of HR professionals.

Kaua'I Goals:

  • Increase awareness of our organization and its contribution within the community.
  • Promote educational activities in and for the profession.
  • Support our School-to-Work and College Relations efforts and initiatives.
  • Provide information access and resources - for issues, strategies, and best practices in the employment arena.
  • Assist our members in their professional development.
  • Though simplified, these initiatives define the purpose of our organization and provide the incentives we need to expand our influence and strengthen our professional careers.