RiseHI Unveils "Make IT Happen" Curriculum for Middle Schools: A Bold Leap Toward Empowering Hawai‘i’s Keiki
RiseHI is thrilled to introduce its innovative "Make IT Happen" curriculum, a program tailored for middle school advisory classes that merges social-emotional learning with real-life inspiration from local leaders. Designed to cultivate resilience, creativity, and a strong sense of community, the curriculum equips students in grades 6-9 with essential life skills while celebrating Hawai‘i’s rich cultural heritage.
What Sets "Make IT Happen" Apart?
The program’s heart lies in its 24 video case studies featuring kama‘āina changemakers—visionaries like Olympic gold medalist and world champion surfer Carissa Moore and James Beard-nominated chef Sheldon Simeon. These five to seven minute videos case studies that spotlight their personal journeys, challenges, and triumphs, bringing lessons to life in a way that deeply resonates with students.
“A lot of times, especially in educational curriculum, the kids are not used to seeing people who look like them. So what’s really nice is the kids are seeing people that they are related to, they personally know, or they’re just thinking, ʻHey, that’s a version of me. I see myself in that person.ʻ”
A Comprehensive, Culturally Grounded Program
The "Make IT Happen" curriculum unfolds across eight dynamic modules, including:
Visualize Your Future: Cultivating a proactive mindset and goal-setting.
Overcome Your Fears: Building courage and confidence through self-awareness.
Take Action: Transforming dreams into actionable steps with accountability.
Level Up: Encouraging personal growth and expanding opportunities.
Each module aligns with Hawai‘i DOE’s General Learner Outcomes (GLOs), ensuring academic relevance while fostering self-directed learning, critical thinking, and effective communication.
The curriculum also includes interactive student workbooks for in-depth exploration, and optional classroom activities facilitated by teachers.
Why Hawai‘i’s Schools Need This Now
Middle school is a pivotal time for social, emotional, and academic growth. RiseHI’s program bridges these needs by helping students develop resilience, problem-solving abilities, and a sense of belonging within their communities.
“Our keiki deserve tools to navigate their futures with confidence. This curriculum transforms advisory classes into a launchpad for lifelong success.”
Schools implementing the program include:
Kapa’a Middle School
Niu Valley Middle School
Saint Louis School
Waimea High School (Kauai)
Kalama Intermediate (Maui)
Join Us in Making IT Happen!
RiseHI invites educators, funders, and community leaders to partner in this movement to inspire Hawai‘i’s youth. Together, we can empower the next generation to dream big, persevere, and thrive right here in the islands.
For more information or to bring "Make IT Happen" to your school, visit https://risehi.com/make-it-happen, or email gabe@risehi.com,.
To see kamaʻāina stories and more of RiseHI, visit our Instagram page @risehawaii or subscribe to our weekly email newsletter below.