PARTICIPATE
Ma ka hana ka ʻike.
In doing, one learns.
Learn. Serve. Work.
Kupu’s programs inspire participants to discover the greatness and importance of natural resource fields in Hawaiʻi and the Pacific region. Programs vary from education for youth, to professional development for young adults and rising industry leaders. Financial stipends, education certificates, and college credit are also awarded for various programs to make learning accessible to all.
Overview of Our Programs
While every Kupu program offers a well-rounded experience, we separate them into three main categories based on focus: Learn, Serve, and Work.
Learn: Focus on education and introduction of natural resource fields.
Serve: Focus on hands-on field experience, often at host sites around the Pacific.
Work: Focus on work experience with professional career opportunities.
For more program information, email info@kupuhawaii.org.
Work
State of Hawaiʻi
Ages 17-38
Paid, Part-Time or Full-Time for 1 Year
Kupu ʻĀina Corps is a workforce development initiative during which participants gain up to a year of paid work experience in the green jobs field. There are a variety of positions available in sustainability, renewable energy, agriculture, and natural resource management.
State of Hawaiʻi
Minimum Age 17
Paid, Part-Time or Full-Time
The Nā Manu ʻElele Program is an environmental initiative that empowers participants to become community leaders. Local “stewards” (Kupu participants) assist in interpreting the area's historic nature, mitigate unwanted behaviors, and ensure safety. The program aims to equip the local community to play a crucial role in managing Hawaiʻi’s heritage sites.
Learn
State of Hawaiʻi
Educators and Natural Resource Professionals
Ongoing Initiatives
The NRSP is a collaborative effort between educators and industry to better prepare and inspire Hawaiʻi’s students to meet the current and future demands of natural resource professions in Hawaiʻi. Leaders and educators in the natural resources field convene to take action on priority areas: Building Career Awareness; Connecting Students to ʻĀina and Community; and Investing in College and Career Preparation, Access, and Transitions.
Oʻahu, HI, USA
Participants: Ages 16-24
Year-Long Program, Accepting Year-Round
The Kupu Community Program is designed for under-resourced young adults who are interested in exploring environmental work and education. This is a hands-on program where individuals receive real-world job experience, personal development workshops, and the opportunity to participate in cultural activities.
Serve
State of Hawaiʻi, Guam, CNMI, American Samoa
Ages 17+ | Full-Time
Seasonal (6-Month) and Year-Long (11-Month) Terms
Applications are currently closed
Individuals interested in entry-level conservation opportunities serve as AmeriCorps members at a single location to gain in-the-field experience and build their professional networks. Unique exposures to the fields of ornithology, botany, natural resource management, aquatic resource management, marine biology, Hawaiian cultural studies, agricultural science and more.
State of Hawaiʻi
Ages 17+ | Full-Time
8-Week Program During Summer
Applications are currently closed
For individuals with an interest in conservation and natural resource management careers who want to serve in a supportive environment. The program is an outdoor summer experience with hands-on fieldwork at an organization that aligns with your interests.
State of Hawaiʻi
Ages 21+
Paid, Part-Time or Full-Time for 1 Year
Applications are currently closed
Environmental Education Leaders offer direct support to teachers and students based on school-identified needs. EELs engage students grades K-12 in hands-on, work-based learning activities in and out of the classroom; develop curriculum that broadens student knowledge while fostering long-term school and industry connections; and support and lead intersession and out-of-school programs.