What is the Journey to Leeward?

We are sharing information about a new opportunity for the Class of 2024. This opportunity is for any student who is interested in attending Leeward Community College (or any UH system school) after they graduate from Mililani High School. As part of Mililani High School's Vision to provide meaningful experiences to foster critical and creative thought, collaboration, and college and career readiness for all students, we are creating a 4-year pathway that will help students get a head start towards a college degree.

Students who participate in this pathway will have the opportunity to develop essential college and career readiness skills during the first two years of high school, which will help prepare them for participation in early college course opportunities through Leeward Community College. Students would be enrolled in a study skills class during their Sophomore year to help prepare them for early college courses. These students will then have the opportunity to participate in dual credit courses on the Mililani High School campus. Dual credit courses means that students will earn both high school and college credits (they will be enrolled as college students at Leeward CC); all while remaining on Mililani High School's campus. Students will not have to travel to Leeward Community College to attend these classes. Many of these courses would be part of their regular school day, but some course offerings may be offered during the summer as well.

As early college program participants, students would have the opportunity to earn actual college credits. These college credits are transferrable to most colleges and universities nation wide. Mililani High School is in the process of discussing course offerings with Leeward Community College for the class of 2024 and will share that information as it becomes available.

Course Offerings

Students will enroll in a Study Skills course during their Sophomore year. This course will help prepare students for early college by focusing on study skills and strategies that can be applied to any class they take during their academic journey. Students will also focus on developing college and career readiness skills like communication, time management, and project planning. This will help students be successful when they begin to take early college courses.

At this point in time, we are unable to determine which early college course offerings might be available for the class of 2024. Discussions and updates will be provided as students continue on their journey to Leeward. Early College course offerings are meant to provide students with a head start towards a college degree. Whether it be a Certificate, Associates, or a Bachelors, we will do our best to offer early college courses that are relevant and applicable towards post secondary degrees.

Associate in Arts Degree Program at Leeward Community College is an example of a program that you might be able to complete after high school

The AA Degree is a general education and pre-professional degree designed to provide you with skills and competencies in a wide range of subjects and is a stepping stone on the way to further educational goals. Many opportunities in the job market seek a minimum education requirement of an Associate Degree and this can translate to $360,000 more in lifetime earnings compared to that of a high school diploma. AA degrees are offered in different areas of study (e.g., Liberal Arts, Hawaiian Studies, Teaching) and can assist you in entering a specific career or furthering your education in that field. Leeward's AA program fulfills a majority of freshman and sophomore requirements for a baccalaureate degree at any of the University of Hawaii campuses.

How to Enroll

1. An information site will be launched on November 25, 2020 at bit.ly/journeytoleeward

2. There will be a google form to fill out to indicate interest in enrollment

3. Our Journey to Leeward program has limited capacity and registration may be capped

4. An opportunity to ask questions will be provided after November 25, 2020