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Native Hawaiian
Nā Hokua empowers Native Hawaiian learners to create pathways for academic, career, and community success through opportunities in postsecondary education. We are a University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa (UHM) project funded by the Native Hawaiian Education Project to support UH Community College students. Our project contributes to the College of Education and the Center on Disability Studies at UHM.
We support Native Hawaiian adults to access opportunities and shape their own narratives through education and employment across the lifespan through promoting inclusivity, embracing indigenous practices, and fostering a strong sense of community. Our coaching, mentoring, training, and career development activities empower learners to develop lifelong knowledge and skills to overcome challenges and build capacity for resilience and innovation. We believe in a thriving lāhui where Native Hawaiians prosper in postsecondary education, career fulfillment, and financial security.
Maile, Photo by Hawaiʻi DLNR
One meaning in ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi for Nā Hokua is "the main stems of a vine," a play on words alluding to new growth and the opportunities related to STEM careers (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math). STEM careers are the hottest areas of job growth and highest paying careers according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Our inclusion of A for ʻĀina honors Native Hawaiian values around resource stewardship at the intersection of STEM. Our logo is inspired by the unfurling of two vines in a stylistic manner that alludes to wind and wave energies that drive our environment as well as the symbolism of the piko (navel) with its many cultural connotations.
Our team of coaches and peer mentors supports students to achieve their educational and employment goals, as well as the personal and community goals that help them along the way. We also host information sessions with experts about career opportunities, STEʻĀM, academic and vocational skills, and other resources to support your success in college and beyond. Focuses for Nā Hokua include exploring STEʻĀM opportunities and supporting individuals who have experienced housing insecurity, foster care, justice system impacts, or having a disability.
This project is made possible by the Native Hawaiian Education Program (NHEP) of the U.S. Department of Education as part of awards #S362A210120 and #S362A230011 totaling $5,259,060 over multiple years. The contents are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official view of, nor an endorsement by NHEP, the U.S. Department of Education, or the U.S. Government. For more information, please visit www.ed/gov.
University of Hawaiʻi, 1410 Lower Campus Road, Building 171-F, Honolulu, HI 96822
Phone: 808-956-2240
Email: nahokua@hawaii.edu
Follow us on Instagram: nahokua_nhstemgrant
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