Hōkūpaʻa Updates
Resources, community news, and bright spots.
Stories from the Field: Elementary Career Exposure Fair, October 2024
It’s never too early or too late to explore career options! There are so many possibilities right here on Hawaii Island for kids to consider when they think about what their lives could be like after they finish school.
Bright Spot: CU Hawai‘i Youth Programming — Reality Fairs & More
Financial literacy is important, but can be daunting. Fortunately, there are plenty of resources. CU Hawai‘i does in-person and virtual financial literacy presentations for groups of all ages, and also pops up at events like community fairs, career fairs, and school family nights.
Return of the Hui for Youth Opportunities
After taking a hiatus for several months, hui collaborators reconvened in May of 2023. The hui members are passionate about address youth’s needs and aspirations so that they can be successful, well-connected, and just have fun.
Stories from the Field: Kealakehe Intermediate School’s career fair
It is so important to expose kids to potential career pathways early. Especially with the multitude of new career and technical education pathways students have to choose from, it’s especially beneficial for them to learn their options before high school.
Community Bright Spot: Aloha MAP
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.
Career Conversation: Lisa DeSantis of Hawai'i Public Health Institute & Kokua Harvest
Hōkūpaʻa invited Lisa to chat because of growing public interest around the importance of sustainable food systems and public health. Lisa is passionate about the importance of these intertwined systems, and also shares Hōkūpaʻa’s mission for engaging and empowering youth to sustain their communities.
NAVIGATING PRE-EMPLOYMENT OPTIONS: INTERNSHIPS, APPRENTICESHIPS, AND MENTORSHIP
You’ve probably heard of internships, apprenticeships, and mentorship. Perhaps you’ve heard of “pre-apprenticeship” or something like “employability training." What do they all have in common? They will help you gain skills and experience employers look for — and often demand, even for so-called entry level positions.
SURVEY: HELPING FAMILIES PREPARE STUDENTS FOR POST-HIGH SUCCESS
We’ve been busy with post-high pathway events for students, but families are important, too! We want to help families guide students into success after high school, whatever their path may be.
STORIES FROM THE FIELD: PARTNERING TO HOST VIRTUAL CAREER FAIRS FOR WEST HAWAII PUBLIC SCHOOLS
Last fall, nobody knew how long distance learning would be the norm. We decided not to wait around, and talked to our partners. West Hawaii Complex Area’s awesome district office was willing to rapidly produce a pilot virtual event together.
Staying in Hawaiʻi with Remote Work
Flexible work locations and hours was already becoming a trend, but it became the norm for many professionals in Hawai’i when everyone was urged to stay home. With the vaccine rollout, many are hopeful of a return to “normalcy.” Still, at least one change is likely to persist: the way we work. The next generation may work for organizations (or themselves) across different parts of the state, the mainland United States, or even across the globe — and do it right from home (or local coffee, park, library, etc.)
Vocational Resource: Hawaiʻi Career Pathways Website
Career advice is plentiful, but how much of it is relevant for us here in Hawai‘i? There are so many exciting emerging fields, and Hawai‘i Career Pathways can help find what’s in-demand now and in the future.
FAMILY GUIDE TO TALKING TO STUDENTS IN YOUR FAMILY ABOUT THEIR FUTURE PLANS
Talking about what to do after high school can be awkward, scary, embarrassing, stressful, confusing…but it doesn’t have to be that bad.
Here are some simple tips from Hōkūpa‘a. Good luck!
Talking to ʻŌpio About What to Do After High School
But with the approach of the holiday season, another season approaches, too: application deadlines. Colleges, trade schools, spring internships, Affordable Care Act Open Enrollment, and the dreaded FAFSA are all lined up, leaving people feeling overwhelmed at a time when they would like to relax after a chaotic year.
Weekly Coffee and Office Hours with Hōkūpaʻa
EVER WANTED TO HAVE COFFEE WITH SOMEONE FROM HŌKŪPA’A? YOU’RE IN LUCK!
Join the Hokupa’a Program Coordinator at the dining room table/home office for informal drop-in coffee hours
College-Career Transition Resources
Sharing some resources from organizations and schools offering accessible help for students and 2020 graduates. Some deadlines are very soon (the career exploration class deadline is THIS FRIDAY), so check things out today!
Vocational Training Feature: Hawaii School of Dental Arts - Kona Classes Start June 20th
Hawai`i School of Dental Arts (HSDA) is offering programs in Clinical Chairside Dental Assisting beginning this week! Anyone 17+ can apply, so this is a great option for 2020 graduates looking for affordable job training in Kona.
Post-High School Transformations
Choosing what to do after graduation is difficult enough, but this year the graduating class must also make guesses about what the world will look like as they finalize their post-high school path.
Post High School Options
Although these are uncertain times, and we don’t know when education facilities will reopen, for many students college has been an ongoing question. Is college for every student? Do all students benefit from a four-year degree?