Youth Leadership Programs

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Youth-led programs that tackle real community challenges through alternative learning, blending cultural values, innovation, and hands-on projects to foster positive change.

A 5-week, ʻāina-based youth program that embraces alternative learning, where high schoolers build leadership skills through hands-on projects. Participants of all ages unite to explore native manu ecosystems, addressing community challenges while honoring cultural values. The journey culminates in a youth-led showcase and ʻalalā release at OK Farms.

This immersive, hands-on experience is designed to prepare youth for leadership roles in addressing community challenges through service. In partnership with Hoʻomau Fire Academy, participants will not only develop foundational fire service skills but also deepen their understanding of cultural values such as kuleana, mālama, and lōkahi. This program integrates hands-on projects with physical training, technical instruction, and cultural practices to inspire resilience, teamwork, and service-minded leadership in various youth programs.

A youth program that connects ʻōpio to native Hawaiian birds through culture, conservation, and hands-on projects. By integrating STEM into alternative learning experiences, youth tackle community challenges as they design and build high-tech bird feeders. This approach blends innovation with cultural values and traditional stewardship to inspire the next generation of guardians for Hawaiʻi’s natural heritage.

Aunty Puaʻs magic with healing youth through hands-on projects showcases their blossoming voices, intertwined with Hilo’s stories, rains, and cultural values, addressing community challenges while enriching youth programs.

Extended alternative learning programs within public high schools (DOE) provide youth with culturally grounded, hands-on projects that integrate academic learning with real-world skills, address community challenges, and explore career pathways through impactful social initiatives.