Inquire. Connect. Move toward the common goal.
Let’s set our young people up to succeed.
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Hōkūpaʻa focuses on three main areas of impact that make a real and lasting impact in the lives of young people.
1. Education &
Postsecondary Success
2. Social-Emotional & Behavioral Health
3. Systems & Community Connection
Education & Postsecondary Success
DESIRED OUTCOME
Public school student and teacher success - improved student engagement, graduation, post-secondary education, and career attainment. Students leave high school with the life skills needed to act effectively in school, work, and social settings. Students are able to enter training or employment in a field they are passionate about, and that offers good potential to support them in the long-term.
5th-graders learn about health career pathways from high school students at the inaugural Elementary Career Exposure Fair in 2024.
WHY IT’S IMPORTANT
Many high school students feel unprepared for higher education, and tend to feel even less prepared for future careers. They may also be unaware of resources and options in alternate postsecondary training, such as vocational schools, apprenticeships, and credential programs. Students are, by and large, not taking advantage of support services to prepare them for future goals. We believe youth need to be informed and empowered to succeed on any path.
2. Social-Emotional & Behavioral Health
DESIRED OUTCOME
Cup-of-Cheer was launched in response to the needs of staff during the COVID-19 pandemic. All school staff play a vital role in students’ well-being, but cannot “pour from an empty cup.”
Young people are confident, courageous, motivated, determined, and contribute to the world. Students have a sense of safety and belonging, with leadership and interpersonal skills to maintain positive environments and relationships on and off campus.
WHY IT’S IMPORTANT
As children grow up, their bodies and brains change rapidly while they navigate challenges and influences at school, in their communities, and online. At the same time, their families may face significant social and economic challenges. Research shows anxiety and depression are major problems for our youth as they feel pressure to get good grades, look good, and be socially accepted. Social-emotional learning is important for whole-person development, creating a positive basis throughout the individual’s educational, career, and social journeys.
3. Systems & Community Connection
DESIRED OUTCOME
Community connection increases long-term quality of life, earning potential, and the health of Hawaiʻi. Students actively participate and make a difference, including in leadership roles. Young people have the ability to create new solutions for the community and our natural environment.
WHY IT’S IMPORTANT
For the past few years, we’ve offered mini grants that allow schools to create projects that engage students and their communities. This photo is from a winter crafting event for all the families at Konawaena Elementary, led by the Parent Community Networking Coordinator.
Studies show consistent community involvement and engagement at all school levels have significant short and long-term benefits. We believe students and the community need two-way interaction for mutual benefit. Collaboration allows partners to remain rooted in youth and community voice, valuing the unique expertise of those living in the communities we seek to serve in ways that lead to empowerment and resilience on their terms.
The Bright Spots
Individuals, organizations, and businesses are engaging our youth across our focus areas. We invite you to learn more about our engaged community or share how you’re supporting West Hawaiʻi young people through education, life skills, or community connection.