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.
Initial Career Pathways
The project encompasses the creation of nine distinct courses, each centered around a specific profession, to provide a broad spectrum of career exploration opportunities for students.
PHARMACY TECHNICIAN
NOELLE AIONO
KAISER PERMANENTE
Graphic Designer
Scott Na‘auao
WELCOME STANGER
Entrepreneur
Tiana Gamble
BIKINI BIRD
Fashion Designer
Alexis Akiona
LEXBREEZY HAWAII
GENERAL CONTRACTOR
NICK TANG
KO’OLAU BUILDERS
DOCUMENTARY FILMMAKER
Kolby Moser
REDEFINED MEDIA
Hospital Aide
Shanadee Kekauoha
ADVENTIST HEALTH CASTLE
Commercial Driver
Alapa‘i Andrews
TAKE 2 HAULING
Culinary Chef
Chef Jason Peel
NAMI KAZE
Future Vision
Future Vision
A Comprehensive Library of Career Pathways
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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.
Project Timeline
PATHWAYS
By October 2024, we will have completed and launched the initial set of nine career pathway courses.
PATHWAYS
By September 2025, we will have completed 40 career pathway courses, expanding our reach.
PATHWAYS
Our goal is to complete 80 career pathway courses by July 2026.
See what people are saying
‘Oihana career exploration TESTIMONIES:
"This year, we are excited to implement the ‘Oihana Curriculum in our 8th-grade advisory classes while continuing to use the Make it Happen Curriculum in our 6th and 7th-grade advisory classes. The RiseHI community provides Hawaii students access to culturally relevant curricula that directly support the Hawaii Department of Education’s commitment to ensuring that all students graduate as globally competitive and locally committed individuals."
— Shannon Sardinha, VICE principal at Kapa’a Middle School
“At Saint Louis School, we chose the ‘Oihana Career Explorations supplemental course program because it provides access to meaningful and genuine high-interest career opportunities for our students. The program’s engaging content is relevant to our students’ experiences and lives, broadening their perspectives on various professions while fostering strong connections to our islands’ culture and economy, making it even more effective in preparing them for future success both locally.”
— Timothy Los Baños, principal at Saint Louis School
“As a high school on the west side of Kauai, our access to career resources and industry speakers can be limited. What RiseHI and their ʻOihana Career Exploration courses offer our students is an opportunity to see, hear, and be inspired by the moʻolelo of local success stories.”
— Denise Karratti, Vice Principal at waimea high schooL
“Maui High School was fortunate to be a part of RiseHI's pilot program that allowed us to supplement curriculum in our classes and allowed our students' to broaden their perspective on career opportunities within our community.
'Oihana Career Explorations will allow students across the State of Hawai'i to connect and learn from local professionals in one of the 13 Hawai'i CTE Pathways.”
— LEILANI ABAFO, CTE COORDINATOR / MAUI HIGH 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 PATHWAY?
If you would like to support the creation of a particular pathway, 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.
