Mission
Established under Saipan Local Law 13-21, this program aims to empower students by alleviating some financial burdens associated with higher education. By supporting educational endeavors, SHEFA plays a crucial role in fostering a skilled workforce that can propel innovation and economic development in the region.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for funding, applicants must fulfill specific residency and academic requirements, ensuring that assistance is directed towards those who show a strong commitment to their educational and career goals.
Through its initiatives, SHEFA not only invests in individuals' futures but also enhances the broader community, encouraging a culture of learning and opportunity.
Goals
- Continued commitment to increase transparency and accountability.
- To implement a Workforce Development Scholarship that will focus on long-term buildup of expertise in the post-graduate level or specialized fields to fill highly needed job categories.
- Online student tracking management program to streamline the application process, check disbursements, compliance and collections.
- To improve compliance, collections, and enforcement efforts.
- To improve collection of academic, graduate and employment data.
- Its role in workforce development centers on expanding educational opportunities and helping build a skilled, productive labor force that meets local economic needs.
SHEFA Highlights
1. Supporting Access to Higher Education
SHEFA provides financial assistance to qualified residents pursuing post-secondary education — including academic degrees and vocational/trade certifications — at accredited institutions on Saipan, other U.S. locations, or approved trade schools. By reducing financial barriers to education, SHEFA helps more students attain the credentials needed for meaningful employment.
2. Aligning Aid with Workforce Needs
Part of SHEFA’s mission is to encourage study in “priority fields” — areas identified as having high demand in the local job market (e.g., healthcare, technology, business, education, engineering, trades). This alignment ensures that funding contributes directly to preparing workers with skills needed in the community.
3. Incorporating Obligations to Serve Locally
Recipients of SHEFA financial assistance must sign a Memorandum of Agreement committing to return to Saipan to work in public or private sectors after completing their studies. This requirement helps the program achieve its workforce development goals by encouraging graduates to reinforce the local labor force rather than seeking employment elsewhere.
4. Supporting Current Workers by Providing Assistance for Part-Time Students
Recent program updates include awards for full-time employees enrolled part-time, helping working adults improve their credentials while continuing employment — and supporting life-long learning and upskilling within the existing workforce.
5. Data and Strategic Focus
SHEFA also works on tracking student outcomes, collecting employment data, and planning scholarships aimed at long-term expertise buildup (including postgraduate and specialized training) to fill critical workforce gaps over time.