Hawaiʻi Youth Empowerment Ecosystem

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OK Farms is a 1,000-acre family farm in Hilo dedicated to sustainable agriculture and community education. It offers hands-on youth programs that connect people to Hawaiʻi’s land, food systems, and natural resources.

Hoʻomau Fire Academy is a youth program that emphasizes community education by preparing ʻōpio for careers in fire, emergency response, and public service. Through hands-on training, discipline, and mentorship rooted in community values, this initiative also promotes sustainable agriculture practices, fostering a holistic approach to youth development.

The Alternative Learning Program and Support Services (ALPSS) offers individualized education pathways for students in the Hilo and Waiākea Complex Area, focusing on community education and sustainable agriculture. By providing flexible learning, mentorship, and wraparound support, ALPSS aims to enhance youth programs that help young individuals succeed in school and beyond.

The University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo (UH Hilo) is a regional university on Hawaiʻi Island that blends academic excellence with hands-on, place-based learning. Rooted in Hawaiian culture and environment, it offers diverse programs, including community education and youth programs, that connect students to local and global opportunities for research, leadership, and career pathways in sustainable agriculture.

Hawaiʻi Island DOE Public Schools serve diverse communities across the island, offering K–12 education that focuses on academic standards while incorporating community education, sustainable agriculture, and place-based learning. These schools foster cultural connections and community partnerships to support student success and wellbeing through various youth programs.

Join ʻĀwili in weaving culture, community education, and innovation for Hawaiʻi’s youth. Together, we can create robust ecosystems where ʻōpio thrive through youth programs and contribute to a sustainable agriculture future.