Kāpili ‘Oihana

Career Pathways Unit Purpose Statement

The Kamehameha Schools Career Pathways Unit (CPU) supports haumāna in their journey of personal and career development so that they prosper and thrive in their college, career, and leadership pursuits. As such, CPU aims to improve access to high-demand and emerging sectors by developing partnerships with businesses and organizations, to ensure haumāna have valuable workforce experiences and can succeed in an increasingly competitive world.

CPU targets its efforts by providing students with career experiences that build self-awareness for the continued and sustained development of employability and technical skills, engaging in networking opportunities to leverage professional relationships and applying ‘ike kupuna (knowledge of one’s traditional past) to shape identity empowering self to positively impact communities.

CPU reaches this purpose through both internship opportunities and employer support.

Career Pathways Unit history

The Kāpili ‘Oihana launched in 2009 with 27 students. Since then, we have worked with nearly 900 students, averaging 81 students a year! In 2018, we expanded from a summer program to a year-round program with sessions in the fall, spring, and summer. As of 2021 we are also offering an extended opportunity offering students flexible internship periods across the academic year.

To date, Kāpili ʻOihana is the only program in Hawaiʻi to offer internship opportunities across all industry sectors with both small businesses and large corporations.

Program outcomes

• Increase technical skills related to a career field
• Increased knowledge of desired career field
• Improved employability skills
• Build a network of contacts

Our team