The donor of the Karst - Merdes Scholarship requires applicants to have been 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. Preferences will be given to a resident on the island of Kaua'i; students who major in healthcare, education, or social work; and students who have an intent 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.