Founded in 1958, Distinguished Young Women is a scholarship program that encourages participants to reach their full individual potential and provides cash and college tuition-based scholarships to young women in their senior year of high school.  Our mission is to empower young women by providing over $1 billion in scholarship opportunities, developing their self-confidence in a positive peer environment and participating in our Life Skills Workshops that prepare them for success after high school.

 

There is no fee to enter or participate.   

 

The Distinguished Young Women of Hawai’i Program (formerly Hawaii’s Junior Miss) has recognized excellence, provided life skills training and awarded cash scholarships to nearly 2,000 of Hawaii’s exceptional high school seniors since 1959.  This program focuses on inner character, intellect and creativity. Scholastic achievement accounts for 25% of the participant’s score. Participants in the 2023 Hawai’i program came from many high schools around the state and were awarded over $21,000 in cash scholarships as well as access to over $215,000 in tuition grants from Hawai’i Pacific University and millions in college-granted scholarships from colleges and universities across the nation. 

 

Without the support of the entire community this program would not be possible.  Each facet of our organization is funded by generous sponsors and run by a group of dedicated volunteers.

 

For more information about the Distinguished Young Women of Hawai'i program, please contact us or visit us online at hi.distinguishedyw.org.

 

Sarah Morihara

State Chair - Distinguished Young Women of Hawaii Program

Hawaii@distinguishedyw.org

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