The application deadline for the University of Hawaii community colleges is being extended by two weeks to Dec. 29 to encourage more prospective students to resume their education in January.

“It is not too late to consider starting 2021 in college, headed toward a degree or professional certificate,” said Erika Lacro, UH vice president for community colleges in a news release. “It does not matter whether you never attended or are coming back after years away.”

“All of the data shows that people who earn a college degree or certificate earn more money over their lifetimes, are less likely to become unemployed, live longer and healthier, and their children are more likely to pursue a higher education and experience these same benefits,” she said in a statement.

Spring semester classes begin on Jan. 11. Most courses will be online, except for labs and workshops that need to be in person and will be conducted with COVID-19 safety protocols.

Financial aid is available including the Hawaii Promise Scholarship, which covers the unmet tuition costs for students with need, as well as help for people displaced by COVID-19 and the “Round Two, Stronger You” program for returning students.

The campuses are Hawaii, Honolulu, Kapiolani, Kauai, Leeward and Windward community colleges, along with UH Maui College. The previous application deadline was Dec. 15.

To apply or find more information, go online to hawaii.edu.