What We Do

NHSEMP offers a suite of opportunities for PreK through University-level students. We also encourage 'ohana, community members, and program partners to join us! Additional information for the programs listed below can be found under the What We Do tab.

PreK-12th ACTIVITIES:

STEM 'Ohana Days: These enrichment days are filled with hands-on STEM activities created and led by our STEM Scholars students (outreach kumu). PreK-12 grade children, their 'ohana, and community members are welcome!

STEM College Visits: STEM College Visits will be offered throughout the year for Oahu students and their teachers. These half-day events will highlight the fields of STEM and ʻIke Hawaiʻi through campus & lab tours and student resources & college prep workshops. NHSEMP Undergraduate STEM Scholars, program partners, and other guests will be invited to participate in these on-campus activities.

College Explorations: A weekend residential opportunity in conjunction with our STEM ʻOhana Days, College Explorations will provide an additional opportunity for students from Statewide rural areas to visit the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa campus, tour STEM labs, and meet students & guest speakers from various Native Hawaiian organizations and STEM departments. Neighbor island students will reside in on-campus dorms overnight in order to participate in STEM ʻOhana Days events the following day.

On Track: In partnership with Nā Pua Noʻeau, we offed a new collaborative initiative to inspire students of all ages to pursue STEM through hands-on learning opportunities. It is hoped that through these enrichment activities, students will further their education in STEM college and career pathways and also return home to make positive impacts within their communities. The four tracks include: 

• BC 101: Beginning Coding & Computer Engineering; 

• IC 202: Intermediate Coding & Computer Engineering; 

• AC 303: Advanced Coding & Computer Engineering; and 

• FP 404: Field Programming/Projects.

Summer Institute STEM & the Arts: In partnership with Nā Pua Noʻeau, Summer Institute are two-week immersive residential programs for middle school (grades 6-8) and high school (grades 9-12). Days are filled with cultural practices, STEM-focused lessons, huakaʻi & site visits, guest speakers, and fun! Each program culminates with a hōʻike, a time for participants to share what they have learned.

UNIVERSITY-LEVEL:

NHSEMP Scholars Program: This is our academic year program for current UH Mānoa undergraduate students. We strive to create leaders in the Native Hawaiian and Pacific Island communities through academic excellence in STEM.   We offer a variety of opportunities & events within our four focus areas: Academics, Financial, Social, and Service to the Community including bridge programs, supplemental advising, leadership/mentorship opportunities, financial assistance, a STEM Center, STEM outreach and recruitment, undergraduate research experiences and internships, and other student support services. Additionally, NHSEMP’s ʻOi Ka Naʻauao Spotlight Series provides opportunities to engage in professional development, mentorship, and cultural awareness, understanding, and identity.

Freshman Bridge:  An academic year cohort program for first-year UH Mānoa STEM students with strong foundations in cultural values, identity, and practices that addresses the following areas of interest for first-year college students: greater preparation for college success (identifying resources and opportunities), comfort within a large university system, and building an academic community of peers, faculty & staff, and professionals. Students will participate in monthly Meet-Ups during the fall and spring semesters and prepare for a Summer 2027 STEM research experience.

Sophomore Success: Our 8-week summer program focuses on providing STEM coursework and research for continuing 1st or 2nd year UH students. Interns are enrolled in a degree-required 3-credit STEM course of their choosing, participate in formal UHM faculty-driven research experiences, attend our weekly ʻOi Ka Naʻauao Spotlight Series (professional development, cultural engagement, site visits), and give a formal research participation at our annual summer symposium.