By 2020, 65 percent of all jobs in the economy will require postsecondary education and training beyond high school. To prepare Native Hawaiian students pursuing degrees specifically in the science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) disciplines, Chaminade University of Honolulu (CUH) and Kamehameha Schools (KS) will formalize a partnership of agreement supporting students’ aspirations to enter the industry upon graduation.
“Chaminade University as a Catholic Marianist university is committed to providing access to education for Native Hawaiians and others of Pacific Island descent,” said Chaminade University President, Brother Bernard Ploeger, SM, PhD. “Among the programs and curricula offered, supported by dedicated faculty and staff, are those designed to support a strong Hawaiian STEM nation.
“Marianist characteristics clearly align with Native Hawaiian cultural values around faith, family, education, justice, service and change. It is a privilege to work in partnership with Kamehameha Schools to achieve this vision.”
Kamehameha Schools CEO Jack Wong says “this landmark partnership will ensure Native Hawaiian students who are interested in pursuing STEM-related careers have a solid foundation.
“Collaborating with a Native Hawaiian-serving institution like Chaminade aligns with our strategic direction to improve post-high outcomes for Hawaiian students. Together, we see a workforce, prepared and poised to contribute to and lead their communities – locally and globally,” Wong added.
The partnership is rooted in five key areas: scholarship support, curriculum initiatives, research, outreach, and wraparound services and support.
KS Vice President of Strategy and Innovation, Lauren Nahme sees Chaminade University as a vital post-high incubator toward four-year completion and readiness for career or further studies. “Both academic and non-academic support such as tutoring, mentoring, financial support, internships, and research opportunities will be integral to ensure programmatic strength and student success.”
The agreement between the two educational institutions marks the beginning of a formal partnership to create unprecedented leadership in industry opportunities for Native Hawaiian students attending CUH.
“This exciting partnership between Chaminade University and Kamehameha Schools proposes to laser-focus its efforts in the development of a cohort of Hawaiian STEM leaders and professionals,” said Chaminade University's director for the Office of Native Hawaiian Partnerships, RaeDeen Keahiolalo-Karasuda, PhD.
“Together we envision a Hawaiian STEM renaissance with the production of a new leadership cadre composed of MDs, PhDs, DPH, PharmDs, RNs and other highly qualified STEM professionals from the Hawaiian community for the Hawaiian community. A Hawaiian sense of place steeped in Hawaiian cultural practices will be the foundation on which the cadre of 21st century STEM professionals will be built.”
Together we envision a Hawaiian STEM renaissance with the production of a new leadership cadre composed of MDs, PhDs, DPH, PharmDs, RNs and other highly qualified STEM professionals from the Hawaiian community for the Hawaiian community.
RaeDeen Keahiolalo-Karasuda, PhD., Chaminade
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