Kapolei HS-Health Careers Academy

At the Health Careers Academy, we believe student leadership is essential for personal growth, community engagement, and future success in healthcare. By taking on leadership roles, our students build vital skills in communication, teamwork, and problem-solving—preparing them to become compassionate and capable healthcare professionals.

Through a wide range of healthcare initiatives, Academy students actively engage with and uplift the Kapolei community. They not only participate in hands-on learning experiences but also give back through meaningful service. These opportunities empower our students to lead with purpose, make a positive impact, and develop into the leaders of tomorrow.

Below is just a glimpse of the incredible experiences and contributions our students have made over the years.

Student Board of Directors

The Academy has a cool group called the Student Board of Directors, made up of students like you. They plan fun activities to help everyone bond, organize volunteer opportunities, represent the Academy at off-campus events, and take photos and videos of Academy happenings. They also speak up for all the students in the Academy. These students are the future leaders in healthcare, and this gives them a great chance to build their skills while still in high school.

For future or current Health Careers Academy students who are interested in becoming a member of this leadership group, please see Ms. Hagi (CTE Teacher).

Health Occupations Students of America, now called Future Health Professionals

HOSA is a global student organization specifically tailored for high school students who are interested in pursuing careers in the healthcare industry. It is a student-led organization that provides high school students with the opportunity to explore and prepare for careers in health professions. It’s designed to develop leadership and technical skills while fostering a sense of community among students who share an interest in healthcare. Students compete in a state competition with other high schools to earn their chance to attend the national HOSA conference. For more information, visit the HOSA website. If you're interested in joining the Kapolei HOSA group, see Ms. Manabat or Ms. Hagi.

Student Leaders in the Community

The Academy encourages its students to take action in the community and pursue changes in causes that tug at their heartstrings. Senior Jonah partnered with MADD Hawaii to promote drunk-driving awareness in the Kapolei-Ewa community. Through his efforts, he helped organize awareness campaigns and educational workshops to inform residents about the dangers of impaired driving. Jonah's dedication to this cause not only made a difference locally but also inspired his peers to become more involved with this issue. Click here for the article

Community Service & Community School Outreach

Community service is essential for our students because it helps them develop empathy, leadership skills, and a sense of responsibility. It also allows students to connect with their communities, gain real-world experience, and understand the impact they can have on the lives of others. Community service opportunities include supporting local organizations and our feeder elementary schools.

Give a Little, Help a Lot—Donate Blood!

Each year, the Academy hosts a blood drive. In the 2023-2024 school year, students recruited a record number of first-time donors and collected 97 units of blood, potentially saving 291 lives. Each year, the Health Careers Academy is one of our Academies that host blood drives for students, faculty, and community members. For more information about how you can become a donor, visit the Blood Bank of Hawaii website.

Work Site Visitations

Health Careers Academy students visit various work sites around Oahu to gain firsthand experience of what it’s like to work in healthcare in Hawaii. These visits allow students to apply their classroom learning in real-world settings, enhancing their understanding and preparing them for future careers in the healthcare field. A huge Mahalo to our community supporters such as Waianae Comprehensive Coast Center, Islands Rehab, and I'lima at Leihano for these opportunities.

Mentorships

Students in the Health Careers Academy engage in a unique mentorship experience where they are both mentored by professionals and serve as mentors to middle school students. This dual role allows them to gain valuable insights and guidance from healthcare experts while also giving back by sharing their knowledge and experiences with younger students. It emphasizes that mentorship is a reciprocal process, fostering growth and learning for both mentors and mentees.

In the Media

Lights! Camera! Action! The Academy is thrilled to celebrate our brave students who proudly represent Kapolei High School on local news. Take a look at some of the exciting features they’ve been part of over the past few years! Grant S. and Lexcy R-O shared why being a blood donor is much needed in Hawaii. Shaleigh F shares her perspective on why she joined the Hawaii Pacific Health Medical Assistant Program for high school seniors. Full video