How do we ensure all keiki, regardless of their home environment or economic challenges, have equal access to exploring diverse career opportunities?
THE OPPORTUNITY
The 'Oihana Career Exploration Courses initiative is a program designed to empower Hawaii's youth by giving them access to various career paths and local role models. Delivered as asynchronous online courses, this project allows students to explore various professions at their own pace.
They can access the material regardless of their geographic location. By bridging the gap between classroom learning and real-world applications, these courses enable students to discover different career opportunities within their community.
THE IMPACT
By offering online courses, the initiative ensures that all students, irrespective of their geographical or socioeconomic backgrounds, have the opportunity to explore diverse careers.
This approach not only broadens their perspectives on potential career paths but also strengthens their connection to local culture and the economy, equipping them with the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in their future careers.
Used in Hawai‘i schools & Organizations such as
Highlands
Intermediate School
Waimea High School
Kalama
Intermediate School
Olomana School
Waiakea Intermediate
Boys & Girls Club of Hawaii
Kapaʻa Middle School
ʻAiea High School
Namahana School
Example Career Exploration Courses
ʻOihana launched with nine pilot courses designed to test a simple idea: when students see real people from their communities, career exploration becomes real. That idea worked.
We are now actively expanding the platform toward 80+ career exploration courses by 2027, spanning multiple industries and pathways.
The courses shown below are examples of what students can access — with many more in development.
PHARMACY TECHNICIAN
NOELLE AIONO
KAISER PERMANENTE
Graphic Designer
Scott Na‘auao
WELCOME STANGER
Entrepreneur
Tiana Gamble
BIKINI BIRD & GOODMERCH SUPPLY
Fashion Designer
Alexis Akiona
LEXBREEZY HAWAII
certified nurse aide
VAILIMA MATEAKI
MANOA COTTAGES
GENERAL CONTRACTOR
NICK TANG
KO’OLAU BUILDERS
DOCUMENTARY FILMMAKER
Kolby Moser
ARIA STUDIOS & HOMETOWN LEGENDS
phlebotomist
Seth Manning
ADVENTIST HEALTH CASTLE
Hospital Aide
ADVENTIST HEALTH CASTLE
Shanadee Kekauoha
Commercial Driver
Alapa‘i Andrews
TAKE 2 HAULING
Culinary Chef
NAMI KAZE
Chef Jason Peel
Licensed Practical Nurse
Nathalie Badua
OHANA PACIFIC
Ocean Engineer
Jeffrey Kleyner
MAKAI OCEAN ENGINEERING
Radiologic Technologist
MARISSA TOMASU
QUEENS MEDICAL CENTER
Dental Hygienist
Karina Gurat
WAIANAE COAST COMPREHENSIVE HEALTH CENTER
Future Vision
Future Vision
A Comprehensive Library of Career COURSES
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Extends beyond the initial nine courses, setting our sights on a comprehensive library of career pathway courses that align with the Hawai'i Department of Education’s 13 CTE Pathways.
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Advanced Manufacturing
Agriculture, Food & Natural Resources
Architecture Design & Engineering Tech
Building & Construction
Business Management, Marketing & Finance
Culture, Arts, Media & Entertainment
Education
Energy
Health Services
Hospitality, Tourism & Recreation
Information Technology & Digital Information
Public, Law & Safety
Transportation Services
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By aligning with these priority pathways, ‘Oihana will offer students valuable insights into essential industries, preparing them for future careers that meet both personal and community needs.
TOP 4 BENEFITS FOR STUDENTS
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The courses ensure that all students, regardless of geographic or socioeconomic backgrounds, have equal opportunities to explore various careers.
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By offering a wide range of career paths, the courses broaden students' understanding and awareness of potential future professions.
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The courses help students connect with local culture and the economy, fostering a sense of belonging and relevance in their career exploration.
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Students gain essential skills and knowledge needed to thrive in their chosen careers, preparing them for successful futures.
Program roadmap
Students Annually
With 20,000 Hawai‘i students using the platform annually by 2030.
Career Courses
Our goal is to complete 80 career courses in the ‘Oihana library by 2027.
The ‘Oihana program provides a practical, engaging, and locally relevant way for students to learn about different career pathways. What stands out to me most is that these courses feature real people from Hawai‘i in real jobs that exist here at home. That local connection is powerful. Students can see themselves in these professionals, which helps them imagine a future rooted in our islands.
Leilani Abafo
CTE Coordinator - Maui High School
RiseHI's 'Oihana Career Explorations' curriculum is a valuable asset in helping us expose our students to local professionals and career opportunities, many of which they may not have known existed. Ultimately, the big-picture end goal of the HIDEO is that every student graduates as a globally competitive and locally committed individual. RiseHI's programs champion that message.
Shannon Sardinha
Vice Principal - Kapa‘a Middle School
ARE YOU A SCHOOL ORGANIZATION?
If you're interested in hosting our 'Oihana Career Explorations in your classrooms, click the button below to begin the process!
ARE YOU INTERESTED IN FUNDING A CAREER COURSE?
If you would like to support the creation of a particular course, you can help us with funding. Click the button below to begin the process!
MAHALO
to the following organizations that have funded and supported the current creation of ‘Oihana Career Exploration courses.
