The University of Hawai‘i–West O‘ahu’s Kauluhāweo Native Hawaiian Student Success Programs aim to increase indigenous scholars from the coast of Wai‘anae.
Kauluhāweo, which translates to “one’s growth to the highest in academics,” encompasses multiple programs at UH West O‘ahu that since 2016 has provided students with wrap-around support services while creating a sense of belonging and community.
“In addition, we aim to foster a holistic approach to college success that is inclusive of Native Hawaiian and indigenous cultural values, practices, and principals while supporting, retaining, and graduating students in various careers,” said Macie Remular, Student Services Specialist for He Paepae Aloha, one of the Kauluhāweo programs. “Our overall goal is to empower students to be ‘ōiwi leaders.”
The following are brief overviews of each of the current Kauluhāweo Native Hawaiian Student Success Programs (NHSSP):
- GEAR UP UHWO: Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs (GEAR UP) is a federally-funded grant program that supports efforts to increase the number of low-income students that obtain a secondary school diploma. GEAR UP UHWO is the second GEAR UP partnership grant that followed students from the graduating class of 2023 from Wai‘anae High School and Nānākuli High & Intermediate School from their 7th grade until the end of their first year of college. Email uhwogearup@gmail.com for more info.
- He Paepae Aloha: Summer program dedicated to the preparation of high school students and their ‘ohana for their college journey and success at UH West O‘ahu. He Paepae Aloha embraces cultural values as it is a building block of the program. Students who enter the program will earn college and high school credit, access to support services (financial aid, workshops, resume writing, tutoring, etc.), and be exposed to the college-going experience. Email hpaloha@hawaii.edu or click here for more info.
- Ho‘opūliko Kumu Hou: Summer program aims to empower and strengthen the number of teachers who are rooted in their communities and committed to their kuleana to Hawai‘i students. Ho‘opūliko Kumu Hou provides teacher candidates the opportunity to focus on increasing Hawaiian cultural knowledge, values, practices, and principles in their classroom as a way to reach all students. Email kumuhou@hawaii.edu or click here for more info.
- Ke Ala Kiakahi: Program for students interested in exploring the idea of postsecondary education while staying rooted in their community. The program empowers students to embrace their indigenous identities and provides participants with holistic support. The Ke Ala Kiakahi program aims to increase college and career readiness for high school seniors from the Wai‘anae Coast. The program’s dedication to its students will serve to expose them to various college degrees at UH West O‘ahu. Email uhwo.nhssp@hawaii.edu for more info.
- Nā Pua No‘eau: Summer program for PreK-12 academic learners to foster stronger readers, provide opportunities for families to exist at the core of their children’s learning, and facilitate programs grounded in Hawaiian culture and language for student achievement where they not only graduate from high school, but further their education to gain quality jobs in STEM, health pathways, or in trade professions. Email npnuhwo@hawaii.edu or click here for more info.
- Papahana Wailau Ola: Summer online support program for transfer students entering UH West O‘ahu. Students have the opportunity to attend culturally relevant workshops, mentoring, tutoring, and academic support services solely online in addition to their regular distance education degree or certificate program. The program is unique as it embraces ‘ōlelo, nohona, and ‘ike Hawai‘i to foster a holistic approach that is inclusive of Native Hawaiian values and principles. The Papahana Wailau Ola is committed to building upon cohort students’ understanding and connection to Hawaiian culture in navigating their educational journey at UH West O‘ahu. Email pwo@hawaii.edu or click here for more info.
Kauluhāweo also recently helped present, in collaboration with other campus organizations, two first-time events held in July on campus: the #WestBound Fair to foster the connection between students and community, and the Summer Bash Experience to celebrate students’ accomplishments over the past school year and summer.
Throughout the years, the Kauluhāweo programs have seen an enormous influence on how essential they have been for students from the Wai‘anae coast and their transition into college.
In a survey from 2022 cohort participants of one of the Kauluhāweo programs, one student commented: “I am eternally grateful for getting this opportunity and I hope every freshman will get an opportunity to take a summer bridge course like I was fortunate enough to. In the end, I know that the University of Hawai‘i–West O‘ahu will treat me very well and I am so excited for what the future (holds) for me.”
For more information about UH West O‘ahu’s Kauluhāweo Native Hawaiian Student Success Programs, email uhwo.nhssp@hawaii.edu.