College & Career Exploration Programs

There are many opportunities to explore your career interests, gain hands-on experience, and even earn college credits, college scholarships or stipends. These programs are for current high school students and graduating seniors. 

Academy for Hawai'i Intelligence Studies

Description:  A free 4-week, July 6-29 (3 weeks virtual, 1 week in-person/residential), program that offers a 3-credit course, POLS 120: Intro to World Politics. During the final week, students participate in simulations, games and field trips and network with national and Hawai'i based intelligence leaders. 

Eligibility requirements:  Hawaii residents, students in grades 10-12 with a minimum 2.8 cumulative GPA.

Apply: Academy for Hawai'i Intelligence Studies

Deadline: May 2024

Agdiscovery 2023.pdf

AgDiscovery 2024

Description:  A free 2-4 week program where students dorm while learning from university professors and USDA experts (animal- and plant-scientists, biotechnologists, veterinarians, wildlife biologists, administrative professionals and more).  Gain hands-on experience through labs, workshops and field trips. Have fun and meet other high school students who share your interests. Students are responsible for paying for their own transportation to and from the college. All other expenses (dorm, food, activities) are covered for participants.

Eligibility requirements:  Students in grades 7-11 (varies by campus).

Apply: www.aphis.usda.gov/agdiscovery

Deadline: April 5, 2024 at 12:00 am (Eastern Time)

Ahupua'a Systems Apprenticeship (ASA) at Ho'okua'aina

Description:  A unique program for students interested in 'aina based work, gaining hands-on experience, carrying on cultural practices and traditions, and creating sustainable ahupua'a systems. Participants will earn two (2) years of paid tuition and a stipend each semester and during the summer. 

Eligibility requirements:  Graduating seniors attending Windward Community College in Fall 2024.

Apply: https://www.hookuaaina.org/  (Click on "ASA" to complete the online application.)

Deadline: April 29, 2024

AIM High Flight Academy

Description:  A 3-week introductory flight program held at various universities. Students accepted into the program are awarded a scholarship that covers the full cost of participating in the program, including travel to the university campus and up to 15 flight hours.

Eligibility requirements:  Be enrolled in high school or a graduating senior who will be at least 16 years old by June 1, 2025 with a 3.0 or higher GPA AND have no more than five (5) powered flight hours. No flight or aviation experience is necessary. No obligation to the Air Force.

Apply: https://www.recruiting.af.mil/Aim-High-Flight-Academy/

DeadlineApplication opens in July 2024. 

ALA Hawai'i Girls State

Description: A one-week summer program that helps girls to find their voice and discover ways to empower their communities. Participating students have the opportunity to earn up to $10,000 in college scholarships while they build their resume and further develop their leadership skills.

Eligibility requirements: 11th grade female students

Apply: https://www.hawaiigirlsstate.org/

Deadline: March 1, 2024

2023 Auto Academy.mp4

Auto Academy at Honolulu Community College

Description: A six week summer program (June 10-July 19) offering 4 college credits where students will learn the basics about safety, tools, measurements, and vehicles.  Half of the day will be spent at HonCC Automotive facility and the other half of the day students will be placed at an internship with a Cutter Ford Dealership.

Eligibility requirements: Current 11th and 12th grade students.

Apply: Please see Mrs. Fraser in the CCC for the application OR scan the QR code on the flier.

Deadline: Applicants are accepted on a first come first serve basis until all seats are filled. 

Biology Mentorship Program

Description:  Six-week summer mentorship program in Biology (BMP) that is completely free and virtual. Interested high school students are paired with a volunteer college mentor who is experienced in neuroscience/biology and has research experience. Together with the mentor (in one-on-one meetings), the student will pursue project-based learning in neuroscience and engage in scientific inquiry, culminating in a presentation at the end of the summer break. 

Eligibility requirements:  High school students interested in science research opportunities. 

Apply: Biology Mentorship Program 

Deadline:  May 2024

College Camp

Description: Choose from one of three sessions the YMCA offers to participate in an all-expense week-long summer program to develop your leadership skills, participate in service learning projects and team building exercises, tour multiple college campuses around the island, learn about the admissions process, network with professionals AND make new friends!

Eligibility: Gr. 9-11 students

Apply: https://www.ymcahonolulu.org/locations/atherton/k-12-programs/college-camp

Deadline: May 2024

College Horizons

Description: a one week summer residential program  to learn about the college admissions process by working with admissions staff from 70+ colleges and universities. 

Eligibility: Gr. 10 and 11 students of American Indian, Native Alaskan and Native Hawaiian students with a 3.0 CORE (not including electives) GPA.

Apply: https://collegehorizons.org/apply/

Deadline: January 24, 2024 at 11:59 MST

College Opportunities Program (COP) at UH Manoa

Description: A free 6-week summer residential program that helps students who may not necessarily meet UH Manoa entrance requirements by providing a college course, college success workshops, a residential experience, and support.

Eligibility requirements: Hawaii resident, graduating high school seniors with a minimum 2.0 cumulative GPA at the time of application and who have earned 12 college credits or less (with a min. 2.0 college GPA).

Apply:  https://hawaii.edu/cop/

Deadline: EXTENDED to Feb. 14, 2024

College Prep Scholars Program

Description: Attend an all-expense summer program hosted by some of the top colleges and universities across the nation, tour college campuses nearby and receive specialized guidance and college application resources, 

Eligibility: High achieving 11th grade students whose annual family income falls below $65,000/year.

Apply: https://www.questbridge.org/high-school-students/college-prep-scholars

Deadline: March 20, 2024 @ 11:59 pm (Pacific Time)

C.A.N.O.E. Summer Pre-Health Academy

Description: A six week (June 12-July 30) asynchronous and residential experience at UH Manoa designed to provide skills and resources to help students excel in academia and later graduate from a health professions program. Upon successful completion of the program, students will receive a $3,000 stipend.

Eligibility: Current 10th-12th grade students with a minimum 2.5 GPA and a strong interest in pursuing a career in the health professions

Apply:  https://forms.gle/8QYVeCFFU6r8HxaZA

Priority Deadline: May 2024

CompuGirls Hawaii Summer Camp

Description: A one-week (June 4-10, 2023) summer residential program at Hawaii Pacific University offered through Arizona State University. Participate in hands-on activities and learn about careers in cybersecurity, app development, robotics, marine science and more!

Eligibility: Female, grade 11 students.

Apply: https://cgest.asu.edu/compugirlssummer2023

Deadline: March 2024

COPE Junior Health Scholars Program

Description: A medical job shadowing experience that provides opportunities to observe how the patient care and administrative teams work together to deliver excellent care and to explore whether a career in health care is right for you.

Eligibility: High school students ages 16-18 years old by the application deadline for the entering cohort they wish to join.

Apply: https://copehealthscholars.org/programs/junior-health-scholar/overview/

Deadline: April 11, 2024 for Summer 2024 (refer to website for next deadline)

CTE Academy Summer 2024

Description: A six- week (June 12-July 17) exploratory summer program that offers students the opportunity to experience various career and technical education programs offered at Honolulu Community College.

Eligibility requirements: Grade 11 and graduating seniors

Apply:  2024 CTE Summer Academy

Deadline: March 15 (early bird registration-$50.00); May 1 (registration deadline-$100) 

DLIR Youth Internships

Description:  A paid summer internship (June 1-July 31; hours vary by position) for Hawaii DOE public school students who are currently enrolled in a program of study related to the position to which they are applying or have experience. Complete the Google Form AND submit the two (2) required documents as listed on the website. 

Eligibility requirements: Students in grades 11-12.

Apply:  DLIR Youth Internship

Deadline: April 2023

FBI Teen Academy 2024

Description:  A one-day (June 11, 20024) behind the scenes opportunity to see into the daily lives of FBI Special Agents and Professional Staff employees that includes an introduction to careers within federal law enforcement (including forensics and cyber citizenship), leadership and team building skills, and tools to communicate effectively across cultures.

Eligibility requirements: Current students in grades 10 & 11.

Apply:  FBI Teen Academy 2024 Application 

Deadline: April 19, 2024

Hawaii AgDiscovery 2024

Description: Participating students will learn from UH and USDA professionals with hands-on activities in agribusiness and plant and animal science. Students will also interactively explore careers in agriculture while getting a taste of dorm life at UH Manoa.

Eligibility requirements: Students in grades 9, 10, and 11.

Apply:  www.aphis.usda.gov/agdiscovery

Deadline: April 5, 2024 at 12:00 am (Eastern Time)

Hawaii Agricultural Research Center (HARC) Summer Internship Program

Description: A six-week (June 5-July 28) paid internship program for students interested in biology, food systems, and natural resources. Students will be responsible for two (2) shifts of 4 hours per week for a total of 8 hours weekly.

Eligibility requirements: Gr. 9-12 students

Apply: https://forms.gle/oU82Pxp25cuM1X7Y8

Deadline: April 15, 2024

Description: A summer leadership program for graduating Hawaii high school students enrolling at UH Manoa in Fall 2023 that offers a free 3-credit college course and workshops that assist students with accessing university resources, exploring academics/careers and developing writing/math skills. 

Apply: https://forms.gle/Gq63TcjD6EH1qZ277

Deadline: April 2024

Hawaii Volcanoes & Hazards

Description:  Participate in five days of field trips and activities to learn more about volcanism and hazards on oceanic islands, geology and gain field experience. 

Eligibility requirements:  High school and college students.

Apply: See attached flier for more details and application information.

EXTENDED Deadline: May 2024

Hawaii Youth Conservation Corps (HYCC)

Description: An outdoor summer program (June 3-July 21, 2024) for those interested in exploring environmental and education based careers through hands-on field work at various sites around the island.  Participants gain restoration experience in a supportive team environment. Participants who successfully complete the program will earn an educational stipend and have the opportunity to earn college credit.

Eligibility requirements: Students 17 years old or older (by June 3, 2024), must have their own housing and transportation.

Apply: https://www.kupuhawaii.org/hycc-summer/ 

Deadline: February 16, 2024 (priority deadline)

Health Careers Summer Internship 2024

Description:  A six-week, paid internship program providing opportunities to gain first-hand experience in various aspects of the health industry (including business, information technology, hospital operations). 

Eligibility requirements:  Grade 11 & 12 and college students.

Apply: https://www.hawaiipacifichealth.org/SummerInternship

Deadline: February 23, 2024 @ 3:00 pm

Junior Engineers Summer STEM Experience (JESSE)

Description:  Held at the UH Manoa campus, this 6-week (June 3-July 12, 2024) program provides 11th grade students with hands-on experience through engineering labs and research and various field trips to engineering and industry sites. This is a great opportunity to see if engineering is for you, explore the various paths in engineering AND to build your resume and networking in the field. Waivers for the $400 program fee are available to students who demonstrate financial need.

Eligibility requirements:  Grade 11 students

Apply: JESSE 2024 Application

Deadline: March 25, 2024 @ 5:00 HST

Law & Justice Program at Richardson Law School

Description:  A week-long (June 3-7, 2024), intensive summer program for high school students interested in justice, law and professions involving leadership, advocacy and the law. See the brochure to the left for more information. Scan the QR code or click on the link below to apply.

Eligibility requirements: Grades 9-12

Apply: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeXA_WjFgydxqBpSZtlHcVXmhghB2cUXJxYoFuRHpaFlpMo1Q/viewform

Deadline: April 21, 2024 @ 5:00 pm

Law Enforcement Explorers Program (LEED)

Description:  A comprehensive program with focus on training, competition, community service, and practical experiences. The program provides opportunities to improve public speaking skills, working as a team to accomplish a goal,  and making friends that can last a lifetime.

Eligibility requirements: Ages 14-20 years old

Apply: honolulupd.org/leep

Deadline: Rolling

Leadership Enterprise for a Diverse America (LEDA)

Description: A free, five-week summer residential program at Princeton University that provides leadership training, writing instruction, standardized test preparation and a year of highly personalized guidance as they navigate the application and admissions process at the most competitive colleges. 

Eligibility requirements: 11th grade students who are US citizens, permanent residents or have DACA status and attending a U.S. public high school. Applicants must be graduating in 2024 and have a minimum unweighted GPA of 3.5 or higher with an annual household income under $90,000.

Apply: https://ledascholars.org/our-program/leda-scholars-program/

Deadline: December 12, 2023 @ 11:59 PM PST

Lunalilo Scholars Program

Description: Build connections with other incoming freshman starting at Kapiolani Community College in Fall 2024. 

Eligibility requirements: Graduating seniors attending Kapiolani Community College in Fall 2023.

Apply: https://go.hawaii.edu/7Ry

Deadline: April 1, 2024 (priority deadline)

Marine Science Investigations at HIMB

Description:  Week-long (June 3-7; 9:00 am to 3:00 pm) summer program with various hands-on opportunities (i.e. marine bioacoustics lab, ocean acidification lab, reef transects, science walking tour of the island) for students interested in marine science research. Course fee: $500.

Eligibility requirements:  Gr. 9-12

Apply: Marine Science Investigations at HIMB

Deadline: April 19, 2024

Medical Diagnosis & Treatment @ JABSOM

Description:  Week-long summer program (July 8-12l; 8:00 am-4:00 pm) with various hands-on opportunities (i.e. gross anatomy lab demos, clinical skills labs, computerized manikin simulations & standardized patient interactions) for students interested in health professions. Limited number of scholarships available to cover the $525 course fee. Scholarship applications due by April 12 at 4:30 pm

Eligibility requirements:  10th-12th grade students

Apply: Medical Diagnosis & Treatment @ JABSOM

Deadline: May 31, 2024

NALU Studies

Description:  A mentorship program providing students with the opportunity to study a traditional Hawaiian ahupuaʻa (watershed) and engage in hands-on STEM curriculum and activities.  Students can earn high school and/or college credit from Windward Community College for each course towards their academic goals.  

Eligibility requirements:  High school students, ages 13-17 years old, must be COVID-vaccinated.

Apply: https://www.thepaf.org/nalustudies/

Deadline: ongoing

Nalukai Academy      Startup Camp

Description:  A free intensive social, cultural, and commercial entrepreneurship boarding program (July 5-14, 2024) for Hawaiʻi high school students. Students receive guidance from industry leaders, innovative educators, and cultural practitioners to develop ventures addressing local and global issues, then pitch their ideas to community stakeholders at the end of the camp. Tuition, room and board are covered for all admitted students, who will also receive a laptop that they will be able to take home after camp to help them build out the ventures they conceptualize while at Nalukai.  

Eligibility requirements:  Gr. 9-12 students

Apply: https://nalukai.org/

Deadline: April 19, 2024

National Student Leadership Conference (NSLC)

Description:  A week long, residential program for high school students to explore careers and technologies through hands-on activities and symposiums leds by college instructors and professionals in the industry. High school programs include: Medicine & Biological Sciences, Business & Leadership, Government & Law, Engineering & Computer Science and Design, Art & Media. 

Eligibility requirements:  High school students, ages 14-18, who have completed at least one year of high school and demonstrated academic excellence and leadership ability. 

Apply: https://www.nslcleaders.org/

Deadline: Rolling until programs have reached capacity; Submitting applications by seasonal deadlines is strongly advised.

NHSEMP at UH Manoa

Description:  A 10-week (June 3-Aug 9) hands-on program for incoming freshman at UH Manoa interested in science, technology, engineering, or math (STEM) that also includes field trips and guest speakers. Earn 5 college credits and make a successful transition from high school to college. 

Eligibility requirements:  Open to all graduating seniors attending UH Manoa in Fall 2024 and interested in studying engineering, math, science (earth, environmental, ocean, biology, chemistry, physics, computer science, etc). 

Apply: NHSEMP at UH Manoa

Deadline: April 8, 2024

Neuroscience Mentorship Program

Description:  Five-week summer mentorship program in Neuroscience (NMP) that is completely free and virtual. Interested high school students are paired with a volunteer college mentor who is experienced in neuroscience/biology and has research experience. Together with the mentor (in one-on-one meetings), the student will pursue project-based learning in neuroscience and engage in scientific inquiry, culminating in a presentation at the end of the summer break. 

Eligibility requirements:  High school students interested in science research opportunities. 

Apply: Neuroscience Mentorship Program 

Deadline:  May 2024

Pasefika Bridge Program

Description:  A summer transition program offering a college math course for graduating seniors attending  Kapiolani Community College starting Fall 2023. 

Eligibility requirements:  Graduating seniors attending Kapiolani Community College in Fall 2024.

Apply: Click on the link to the application 

Deadline: not stated

REMS (Research Experiences in Marine Science)

Description:  An advanced, inquiry-driven and experiential marine biology early college course that builds science and environmental literacy. Held at Moku o Lo'e (Coconut Island) in Kaneohe Bay, participants will utilize the experience of HIMB researchers whose specialties demonstrate how human impacts and global change affect coral reef ecosystems.

Eligibility requirements:  High school juniors or seniors of a Hawaii public high school or public charter school.

Apply: Click HERE to complete the Interest Form.

Deadline: not stated

Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) Hawaii

Description:  An intensive three (3) day, Feb. 14-16, 2024, leadership training and development camp designed for high school students to participate in interactive games, activities and guided discussions to empower and challenge them to become proactive in their schools and communities.

Eligibility requirements:  students in grades 9-12

Apply: RYLA 2024 Application

Deadline: 

Summer Marine Mammal Intensive Learning Experience (SMMILE)

Description:  A 10-day, June 1-10, residential camp at Moku o Lo'e (Coconut Island) learning about marine mammal science at the Hawaii Institute of Marine Biology through hands-on activities, guest lectures and field trips on acoustics, unmanned aerial vehicles, tagging, population studies, photo identification, stranding response, and conservation/management. 

Eligibility requirements:  High school students in grades 10 and 11

Apply: https://www.mmrphawaii.org/smmile

Deadline: March 31, 2024 @11:59 pm

Summer Scholars Program at UH Manoa

Description:  Choose 1 of 3 terms (6 weeks) and enroll in a college course at UH Manoa to sample an academic area that interests you while you strengthen your basic writing, math and speech skills in preparation for college. Tuition/books/fees are the responsibility of the student. Scholarships are available for students who qualify for free/reduced lunch.

Eligibility requirements:  Students who have completed 10th and 11th grade by Summer 2023  with a 3.5 cumulative GPA or higher and possess the maturity and motivation to do university-level work.

Apply: Summer Scholars Program at UH Manoa

Deadline: April 15, 2024

Description:  A four week program (3 weeks virtual, one week residential) that offers a 3-credit university level course (POLS 120: Intro to World Politics) for those interested in purusing a fast-growing career in the intelligence field! To sign up for an information sessions held on May 3 or May 5 at 6:30 pm, click HERE

Eligibility requirements:  Current  Hawaii high school students in grades 10 and 11 and graduating seniors attending UH Manoa in Fall 2023. Min. 2.8 cumulative GPA.

Apply: Click HERE to complete the application form OR scan the QR code on the flier (to the left).

Deadline: May 2024

Zippy's 2024 Summer High School Internship

Description:  An 8-week (June 5-July 31) paid summer internship to expand students’ knowledge outside of the classroom by introducing them to real-world work experiences. Interns will experience what it feels like to work in an environment where skills in leadership, work ethic, teamwork, communication, and digital technology are expected and required to transition successfully into the workplace after high school and college. Students will be provided with position-specific training, as well as workshops in the areas of financial, social, and physical well-being.

Eligibility requirements:  Open to high school juniors and seniors (ages 16-18 at the time of application) with a min. 2.0 GPA. Please see website for additional requirements. 

Apply: https://www.zippys.com/careers/ (Click on the link and search for "High School Internship" and select the location you're interested in and then click on "Apply".

Deadline: April 2024