Kāko‘o Connections

Ten students, with many wearing lei, smiling and posing for a group photo.

wo students enjoying the scent of blooming puakenikeni flowers.

"Before this, I didn't have any idea what colleges were like and which colleges to go to. Now that I did this program, I have a better understanding of my future. I also realized how different fields... can be connected with the environment." — Skye, Hawaiʻi Technology Academy

Three student participants in white shirts, getting ready for a presentation.

Two female students use large pliers to open coconuts.

Kākoʻo Connections links Hawaiʻi youth to people and professional development resources that can help them achieve their college and career goals in the islands’ unique natural resources field. Students in 11th/12th grade and recent high school graduates visit Hawaiʻi’s college and university campuses, connect with environmental organizations, learn and practice job readiness skills, and mālama ʻāina.

Applications are now closed.

Please contact education@kupuhawaii.org for more information.

1 program session during Hawaiʻi DOE summer break (1-week)
Benefits
- Participants enhance their network and community through engagement with professionals in the natural resources (NR) field during college/university and NR organization visits (e.g., mālama ʻāina and career journey talks).
- Participants engage in college and career readiness activities and have opportunities to practice what they learn throughout the program (e.g., informational interview skills and how to fill out college applications).
- Participants learn about support available to participants and their families that can make pursuing a career in NR more manageable (e.g., FAFSA and scholarship information).
Qualifications
- 11th-12th grade DOE students/recent high school graduates on Oʻahu
- Has a passion for Hawai’i’s ʻĀina, which can take various forms. Some examples include: anyone looking to find their place in environmental science or sustainability, a dedicated hula student, a graphic designer who wants to use their art for environmental conservation, etc.
Since launching in Summer 2022:
- 45 participants
- 13 schools
- 5 cohorts