Overview:
Four Palau Community College students have received PNCC Scholarships, earning financial support and paid internships designed to build real-world skills in Palau’s communications industry. Meet the 2025 recipients and learn how the scholarship is helping them pursue their education and career goals.
By: Summer Kennard
“This scholarship helps relieve a lot of financial burden,” said PNCC scholarship recipient Selaine Moiwai Andreas — a sentiment shared by four Palau Community College students awarded this year’s Palau National Communications Corporation (PNCC) Scholarships, marking another step toward strengthening Palau’s growing communication and technology workforce.
PNCC awarded scholarships to four full-time, second-year Palauan students at PCC, selecting the recipients from a pool of qualified applicants. Each awardee will receive $1,000 — disbursed at $500 per semester — and a paid summer internship with PNCC from June 2 to August 30.
The scholarship program is designed not only to ease financial pressures for students, but also to give them hands-on training in fields linked to their academic programs. Internship placements will align with each student’s major, offering exposure across PNCC’s divisions from network operations to customer service and information systems.
This year’s recipients are:
- Auryn Benhart – Information Technology
- Selaine Moiwai Andreas – Business Accounting
- Dara Berenges Sikyang – Construction Technology
- Jaydee Umiich Sumang – Small Engine & Outboard Marine Technology
Andreas said the opportunity arrived at a critical time in her education.
“I’m always trying to balance school and work, and it can sometimes get overwhelming,” she said. “The $500 per semester really helps… it’s a big help in keeping me focused on finishing strong.”
For Information Technology major Auryn Benhart, the opportunity to gain real-world experience sparked her motivation to apply.
“I applied because I saw the chance to be able to intern at PNCC as a great opportunity to gain experience, especially when it comes to my major,” Benhart said, noting that she has been fascinated with computers since childhood.
“I would actually have the chance to work in the Information Technology field and gain the experience of working with others who have the same career plan as me.”
Through scholarships and internships, PNCC continues investing in Palau’s future workforce — and this year’s scholars are stepping into that future with both confidence and the support needed to get there.