Oct. 6, 2015

Contributed by Shaundor Chillingworth

Kamehameha Schools recently formalized two key statewide partnerships with the University of Hawai‘i (UH) and Chaminade University of Honolulu (CUH), marking significant progress on both action one and action four in support of KS' Strategic Plan 2020 goals.

Aligning directly with KS’ SP2020 goal two, to formalize key statewide partnerships, the agreements between KS and the UH System and Chaminade, mark the beginning of a formal relationship with the two Native Hawaiian-serving educational institutions.

“These partnerships are critical for us,” said KS CEO, Jack Wong. “Our relationship with the University of Hawaiʿi and Chaminade isn’t new, but formalizing our work together going forward allows us to take our relationships to the next level.”

The Hui Hoʻopili ʻĀina partnership represents the desire of both KS and UH to foster crucial community collaborations with like-minded institutions to achieve mutual educational goals, using data to inform progress. The partnership is aimed at increasing Hawaiian student success at the post-secondary level while advancing Hawaiian culture, language and knowledge.

KS’ partnership with Chaminade will help to prepare Native Hawaiian students pursuing degrees in the Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) disciplines. The partnership is rooted in five key areas: scholarship support, curriculum initiatives, research, outreach and wraparound services and support.

Watch the videos below to learn more about these two key partnerships.

An MOU-signing ceremony with the University of Hawai‘i was held on September 9, officially launching the Hui Ho‘opili ‘Āina partnership between both organizations.

A signing ceremony for an MOA between KS and Chaminade to increase support for Native Hawaiian students pursing STEM degrees was held on September 18.