About Us

The Native Hawaiian Science & Engineering Mentorship Program (NHSEMP) began in 2001 as a joint initiative between the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa, College of Engineering and Kamakakūokalani Center for Hawaiian Studies. NHSEMP began with a cohort of 14 freshman engineering students. Utilizing the successful longitudinal model that the Alaska Native Science & Engineering Program (ANSEP) created, NHSEMP has become a success in higher education, bridging educational institutions, government agencies, and private industry.

In 2005, NHSEMP expanded to include students majoring in applied science fields as well as engineering. In 2017, NHSEMP formally partnered with the UHM College of Education to provide undergraduate student opportunities & assistance for aspiring teachers. Each academic year NHSEMP serves around 100 science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) & education students, ranging from pre-college students to PhD candidates. Students major in various fields such as Animal Science, Biology, Botany, Computer Science, Engineering (Civil & Environmental, Computer, Construction, Electrical, Mechanical), Environmental Science, Natural Resources & Environmental Management, Mathematics, Phycis, and more!

We celebrated our first graduating class in May 2007. Our graduates have since moved into their respective fields, working for reputable companies across Hawaiʻi, the Continent, and abroad. We look forward to the continued success of all our students!

Our Mission

To provide assistance, opportunities, and community for students to excel in the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). Comprehensive support involving outreach, recruitment, retention, and placement strategies aim to increase the number of qualified individuals on a successful path to leadership in community, industry, and academia.

Our Goal

To create leaders in the Native Hawaiian and Pacific Island communities through academic excellence in the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics.