Hawaiʻi State Department of Education

Ka ʻOihana Hoʻonaʻauao o ke Aupuni Hawaiʻi

Student Voice: Redefining AI in education with Kūlia Scholarships Connect app

​By Jeremiah Jacinto, H.P. Baldwin High School

H.P. Baldwin students Aileen Kim, left, and Jeremiah Jacinto, center, accept a check for $5,000 from Public Schools of Hawai‘i Foundation trustee Saedene Ota for developing an AI-powered scholarship recommender to help students find scholarships. Photo credit: Jeremiah Jacinto

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has become one of the most debated tools in education today. For many teachers and students, it’s often viewed with suspicion as a shortcut for cheating or a threat to genuine effort. However, through my recent project, I’ve discovered how AI can uplift students, broaden opportunities, and redefine its role in education.

In November, my teammate Aileen Kim and I participated in the Iris Okawa Design for Civic Leadership Pitch Competition. Together, we developed “Kūlia Scholarships Connect,” an AI-powered scholarship recommender designed for Hawai‘i’s students. The idea stemmed from a simple observation: too many scholarships go unclaimed each year because students either don’t know about them or feel overwhelmed navigating the process. Our solution? Use AI to match students with scholarships tailored to their unique needs.

This project is more than just an app; it’s about changing perceptions. In our presentation to Superintendent Keith Hayashi and other HIDOE leaders, we emphasized that AI in education doesn’t have to be a threat. Instead, it can be a powerful, ethical and transformative tool.

A recent study cited in Neuroscience News revealed that over 60% of students view AI as a tool for cheating, reflecting widespread skepticism. Kūlia Scholarships Connect flips this narrative. By bridging students with financial opportunities, we show how AI can be a force for good—empowering rather than intimidating. AI has the potential to solve real-world challenges like improving equity in education, rather than being feared or misused.

Aileen and I recently met with staff from the HIDOE, including Student Services Branch Educational Director Dr. Yvonne Humble and Educational Specialist Fern Yoshida, to discuss the next steps for Kūlia Scholarships Connect. Our focus is on expanding and improving the chatbot based on feedback and further testing. After implementing these improvements, our plan is to roll it out to students at Baldwin High School first. From there, we aim to share it at the Maui District Student Council Meeting (MDSCO) to reach all Maui District schools and eventually present it at the Hawai‘i State Student Council Meeting (HSSC) to introduce it to public schools statewide. Of course, this process will take some time, but we’re excited about the possibilities ahead.

Imagine a future where AI isn’t just a buzzword but a trusted companion in a student’s journey. Whether it’s finding scholarships, personalizing learning, or creating inclusive tools, AI can revolutionize education for the better. This transformation requires a mindset shift to one that embraces innovation and ethics together.

For me, this project isn’t just a competition entry. It’s a call to action. By fostering a better understanding of AI, we can create an education system that’s not just advanced but also deeply human. Kūlia Scholarships Connect is just the start, and I’m hopeful that students and educators can work together to unlock AI’s potential for the greater good.

Jeremiah Jacinto is a junior at H.P. Baldwin High School. He is passionate about leadership and youth empowerment and is involved in student government, Key Club, and Model United Nations. He also serves on the Hawai‘i State Youth Commission, advising state leaders on issues affecting young people. In his free time, he enjoys cooking, going to the gym and playing drums.