University of Hawai‘i–West O‘ahu students will gain invaluable hands-on experience in the field of video production and content creation that tell the stories of our unique island community through an innovative partnership with ‘Ōlelo Community Media.

Through a signed Memorandum of Agreement, the two offer students internships designed to build a prepared workforce, where they will perform functions such as camera operations, editing, and field production on ‘Ōlelo projects.

‘Ōlelo Community Media is non-profit organization established in 1989 with a mission to create, collect, curate, and share stories by Hawai‘i, for Hawai‘i, to Hawai‘i. Through hyper-local, accessible media education, production resources, and distribution platforms, ‘Ōlelo empowers all communities to share their stories, foster civic engagement, and strengthen Hawai‘i’s communities.

“This partnership with ‘Ōlelo brings together our program’s strength in preparing students through a dynamic, industry-relevant curriculum with ‘Ōlelo’s deep commitment to community storytelling — creating a pathway where students gain hands-on experience while both organizations stay responsive to the evolving needs of Hawai‘i’s media landscape,” said UH West O‘ahu Academy for Creative Media Director Sharla Hanaoka.

Through the partnership, which includes training, mentorship, and collaborative content creation, participants will be equipped with valuable media and communication skills, contributing to a vibrant and skilled local workforce aligned with the community’s unique needs and aspirations.

The agreement was coordinated in part by UH West O‘ahu alum Gabriel Peters, the Community Engagement Coordinator at ‘Ōlelo.

“My journey with ‘Ōlelo Community Media actually began while I was still a student at UH West O‘ahu, volunteering and learning firsthand the power of community storytelling. As a proud graduate of UH West O‘ahu’s Creative Media program, I‘ve always believed in its potential to shape the next generation of storytellers and content creators,” Peters said. “Reconnecting with (Hanaoka) at the new building’s grand opening in 2022 sparked the idea for this partnership. We saw a chance to create real-world opportunities for students — ones that not only help build their portfolios but also connect them with industry professionals and networks that are vital in any career path. Workforce development is key, and this collaboration allows us to support students while expanding ‘Ōlelo’s mission to serve our communities in deeper, more impactful ways.”

UH West O‘ahu will vet the students and ensure they take required prerequisites. These internships could serve as either practicum or internship requirements in the Creative Media program. The partnership launched in time for UH West O‘ahu to begin recruiting students this fall, which can satisfy either practicum or internship requirements, for internships starting in spring 2026. There is potential for expansion across other ʻŌlelo’s Community Media enterprises as well.

Under the direction and tutelage of ‘Ōlelo’s professionals, students will collaborate on content that highlights local issues and community narratives. Projects could include public service announcements promoting health awareness, short-form video storytelling rooted in sustainable community practices, or media pieces that empower all communities to share their stories.

‘Ōlelo Community Media will grant access to media production equipment, facilities, training resources, and technical expertise and offer internship and volunteer opportunities for students. UH West O‘ahu student interns will have access to ACM facilities and equipment to complete project tasks.

Note: Join us for an Info Session on Wednesday, Sept. 3, from 1 to 2 p.m. in G131 to learn how you can land an internship with ‘Ōlelo Community Media.