The Karst - Merdes Scholarship Fund will be awarded to students who are permanently or temporarily separated from birth parent(s) due to being placed under the State of Hawaii foster care, including those who aged out of the State of Hawaii foster care system. Preference will be given to students who are a resident on the island of Kaua'i; students who major in healthcare, education or social work; and students who intend to have a career in Hawai'i. Preference is also for recipients who were awarded in the immediate prior year if such recipient continues to meet the eligibility requirements and is in good academic standing. Please visit the scholarship's website or contact the Hawai'i Community Foundation for more information.