Eighteen schools throughout the state will receive a total of $647,600 in grants from the Hawai'i 3R's project that provides money for repairs and remodeling if the schools provide the sweat equity to put the money to work.

The projects pinpointed for help include the repainting of a library and a girls' dorm, replacing playground equipment, replacing walkways, improving drainage, installing security screens, improving ventilation in classrooms and replacing chain-link fences.

Schools receiving money include 'Ahuimanu Elementary, Hanalei Elementary, Holomua Elementary, Kahala Elementary, Kane'ohe Elementary, Kipapa Elementary, Lahainaluna High, Leihoku Elementary, Makakilo Elementary, McKinley High, Mililani High, Mokapu Elementary, Nahi'ena'ena Elementary, Noelani Elementary, Wailuku Elementary, Waimea Elementary, Halau Ku Mana Public Charter School and Ke Kula 'O Nawahio-kalani'opu'u Iki Lab Public Charter School.

CURRENT EVENTS COMPETITION SET

The Pacific and Asian Affairs Council is accepting entries from Hawai'i community college students for the first Community College World-Quest Competition, to be held April 13.

The competition challenges students' knowledge of international current events, geography, religion and other global topics. Students enrolled at one of the University of Hawai'i's community colleges may enter. Teams of one to four players from the same school may participate.

For more information, visit www.paachawaii.org/cc.

STUDENT-ATHLETE AID AVAILABLE

Scholarship applications are still available to high school student athletes and coaches for the Hawai'i Medical Service Association's Kaimana Awards and Scholarship program that provides $2,000 college scholarships to 21 students, plus an extra $1,000 for the top three.

Winners are selected based on both athletic and academic achievement; applicants must have a GPA of at least 2.75 in their senior year.

Applications are available on the HMSA Web site (www.HMSA.com) and the Hawai'i High School Athletic Association Web site (www.sportshigh.com).

The deadline is Feb. 28.

MARCH 1 DEADLINE FOR SCHOLARSHIPS

March 1 is the deadline for students to apply for postsecondary school scholarships that are available at Hawai'i Community Foundation.

In 2006, HCF awarded $3 million to 1,800 students to attend college in Hawai'i and on the Mainland.

Each scholarship fund has specific criteria defined by the donor who created it. Scholarships are in several categories, from awards targeted to specific areas of study, to those given to members of specific organizations. Apply online at www.hawaiicommunityfoundation.org or call 566-5570.