Hōkūpaʻa Updates
Resources, community news, and bright spots.
STORIES FROM THE FIELD: CINCO DE MAYO CUP-OF-CHEER AT HONOKA'A
As the unprecedented 2020-2021 School Year comes to a close, we wanted to share some photos from a fun school event with Honoka‘a High & Intermediate School and Honoka‘a Elementary School. While we weren’t there for the whole event, we were able to kick things off with a spin on our usual morning coffee “Cup-of-Cheer.”
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.
Navigation Council Member Feature: Susan Maddox, Friends of the Future
We’re starting a newsletter segment to help introduce our Navigation Council members and the values driving our work.
First up is Susan Maddox, Executive Director of Friends of the Future. Mahalo Susan for taking time out of your busy schedule to answer some questions!
Community Bright Spot # 4: Tamaroa Atkinson-Adona and Lili'uokalani Trust Youth Leadership Council
We’re excited to announce a new partnership with Big Island Now and Vibrant Hawai‘i to publish Teacher Feature and Bright Spot articles.
The project highlights innovative educators and honors those serving young people, schools, families, and community. We hope that others will be inspired to take on similar projects or contribute to existing work.
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 OPPORTUNITY: JANUARY CAREER FAIRS
You may be thinking that people still in school wouldn’t be interested in a “job fair”. But it can be very helpful to see who’s hiring and learn what fields are in-demand.
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.
Community Bright Spot #3: "Cup-o-Cheer" Teacher Appreciation
Distance learning hasn’t just been a challenge for students and families. When teachers told us that they were feeling overwhelmed and in need of support, we worked together to show them that the community appreciates their hard work.
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.
TEACHER FEATURE #6: THE HAWK NEST AT KEALAKEHE INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL
What does it look like to turn student voice into student action? At Kealakehe Intermediate School, teacher Mathieu Williams works to create student experiences that allow them to design, test, and redesign solutions that connect their learning to self, place, and others.
CAS SNELLING ON "TALK STORY WITH DR. K"
Check out this brief chat with our amazing Complex Area Superintendent Janette Snelling hosted by the state superintendent Christina Kishimoto.
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
TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES FOR THE END OF 2020
Today we’re featuring three great programs to aid in workforce and economic recovery. All are intended to promote a more diverse, resilient, and sustainable workforce by helping Hawai‘i’s displaced workers and recent graduates learn new skills and enter new fields.
BRIGHT SPOT #2: KEALAKEHE HIGH'S KOKUA CLOSET
While you can’t walk in for now, the Kōkua Closet is open for giving and taking. It was launched earlier this year to provide clothing, school supplies, food, toiletries, and more for Kealakehe High School students and families – no questions asked.
Call to action for nonprofits: Fill out the Sector Pulse survey!
Important survey for social enterprises and nonprofits to get a “pulse” on what’s happening in the social service sector.
Community Bright Spot #1: Partners in Development Foundation, Kohala
A basic need important to Hawaii’s culture is feeding one another. In March, April, and May, Partners in Development Foundation helped to distribute a portion of ~9,000 “Keiki Care Packs” of snacks, masks, and activities for students in all grade levels with the intention to feed and uplift.
Vocational Resource: Hawaiʻi is Hiring
Find information on many aspects of planning for a first or new career, including information on different fields, job outlook, necessary education, where to get training, and where to get hired. The site also compiles economic relief resources as well as upcoming opportunities like virtual job fairs.