Community Bright Spot: Aloha MAP
HELPING FAMILIES AND STUDENTS SEE COLLEGE AS A VIABLE OPTION
While financial cost is a known barrier to going to college, many also face barriers to even exploring the possibility. These families need support systems to help them see college as a viable option. We spoke with Aloha MAP (Meritorious Achievement Program) director Lilinoi Grace to learn about how her program successfully supports local families so that their students can succeed in school, college, and beyond.
A Konawaena High alumni raised in Kealakekua, Lilinoi Grace gives back to her community by serving families and students from Pre-K through 12th grade in Kaʻu, Konawaena, and Kealakehe with the Aloha MAP program.
Image from http://alohamap.org/
Aloha MAP’s summer dual credit program
In 2017, Aloha MAP teamed up with fiscal sponsor Friends of the Future for a U. S. Department of Education Native Hawaiian Education grant. They support students to map out their pathway through and beyond school. Aloha MAP provides year-round opportunities including tutoring, academic intervention, huakaʻi, and family engagement.
This past summer, Aloha MAP launched a new early college/dual enrollment program in partnership with Hawaiʻi Community College - Pālamanui. 29 high school and 8th grade students took 1-2 college Hawaiian classes while earning both college and high school credits. Pālamanui provided the courses, and Aloha MAP provided coaches and wraparound support to help students rise to the challenge and stick to their maps for success.
Aloha MAP provided a homey, but spacious, open-air, in-person site for students to take their online classes. Staff and students formed a supportive community that enjoyed coming together to learn.
This summer pilot program served students who would not normally be on “track” to take early college courses, and also extended the option to 8th and 9th graders who would not normally have the chance to prove themselves.
Many matriculated into the standard college/career Aloha MAP program in the school year, and help to plan next summer’s program where they will serve as advisors. If they keep up with the program, they can graduate high school with all the credits needed for a Hawaii Lifestyles academic subject certificate from Pālamanui.
Why it works
Lilinoi was impressed by the efforts of students, coaches, kumu, and families. Everyone worked together, students included, to keep people motivated. And it all paid off: each student passed! Hard work and personal determination are important, but so are peer, family, and community support. Bi
The program itself is a great asset to the community, but building relationships is key. An organization is only helpful if people trust it and go there for help. Thus, it is important to engage families and prepare students beyond academics. When you connect with families early, there is more opportunity to change their concept of what is possible. More time also allows more opportunity to help students prepare at home or in programs like Aloha MAP.
Mahalo to…
Of course, this program would not be such a success without strong community partnerships with partners who understand their communities. Aloha MAP is grateful to Pālamanui and Friends of the Future for working together to make things happen.
Lilinoi would also like to give a shout-out to the community as a whole, as well as her mom, who generously provided a space and aloha for students.
What’s Next?
Aloha MAP will continue in its current endeavours with an eye toward growing programs as they see needs. One promising new direction will help students to do their own “passion projects.” Allowing students to dig in deeper with their interests helps them explore potential career pathways at a deeper level.
Inspired?
We’ve talked about the value of families, mentors, teachers, and peers supporting students. So what can you do for young people you know?
Being a positive influence is as simple as listening and talking to young people. Take the time to show them options and open doors for them. Maybe a young person does not know what they might be good at. Help them explore a variety of opportunities and see what they like. They may not seem interested, but if you keep putting things in front of them, something might spark their curiosity. You may be surprised.
Remember, too, that students are people with their own lives, responsibilities, and challenges. While preparing for college and career is important, don’t forget the value of bringing any kind of joy and support to students and their families. It all helps.
Stay in Touch with Aloha MAP
Follow:
@alohamap on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/alohamap)
@aloha_map on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/aloha_map)
www.AlohaMAP.org. Their programs accept sign-ups throughout the year.* The site also hosts job and volunteer postings.
*The Aloha MAP dual credit program is funded by a Department of Education Native Hawaiian Education grant. While anyone can apply, priority is given to Native Hawaiian applicants.
