IWORK is a comprehensive work-study scholarship program that allows students to pay what they can afford, work part-time, and receive financial assistance to make up the difference. IWORK gives students from the humblest circumstances a chance to receive an education while learning self-reliance and preparing for their future.
A student participating in IWORK is required to work for 19 hours a week at BYU–Hawaii or the Polynesian Cultural Center. A portion of this income goes toward their tuition. An additional annual contribution, determined by individual financial assessment, is provided by the student and their family. The remaining cost of tuition, health insurance, housing, and meal plans is covered by funds from donors and BYU–Hawaii.
With an emphasis on students from Oceania and the Asian Rim, IWORK enables students to graduate without debt and to serve and lead in their families, communities, chosen fields, and stakes of Zion throughout Asia and the Pacific.
IWORK is Primarily Funded by Donors
BYU–Hawaii’s generous supporters have fueled the continuous growth of the IWORK program.
*IWORK Payback: As students pay the university back, these funds are deposited back into donor funds. All numbers included in this chart are based on the 2024 IWORK budget.
Ariunaa and her husband were working for a mining company in Mongolia when they learned about BYU-Hawaii and the IWORK program. They knew it was for them, so they made the sacrifices necessary to be accepted. After arriving in Laie with their family, their joy of attending BYU-Hawaii collided with the solemn reality of balancing home, school, and work. Theirs is a story of faith. Now graduated and looking back, they see that they learned not only school lessons in the classroom but also lessons of love that will bless their family, community, and Church branch.
Hear from more students who have been blessed by IWORK
