The has been awarded a $3,920,000 federal Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs (GEAR UP) grant to help students from Nānākuli and Waiʻanae improve academic achievement, prepare for college and pursue career opportunities.
Known as Mohala Kaiāulu: The Blossoming Community, the initiative is designed to support students in the Class of 2032 from Nānākuli High and Intermediate School and Waiʻanae High School over seven years. The project aims to address educational disparities and expand access to higher education for students from underserved communities on Oʻahu’s Leeward Coast.
According to data cited in the grant application, more than 72% of students in the 狈ā苍ā办耻濒颈–奥补颈ʻ补苍补别 Complex Area are economically disadvantaged. Among Native Hawaiian graduates in the Class of 2023, college enrollment was 19% at Nānākuli and 22% at Waiʻanae, compared with 35% statewide.
Through a partnership between 糖心视频 West Oʻahu and the 狈ā苍ā办耻濒颈–奥补颈ʻ补苍补别 Complex Area, Mohala Kaiāulu will connect students and families with academic support, college preparation, financial aid guidance and mentorship to help more students transition from high school to higher education.
“Rooted in Hawaiian values of ʻohana (family), lōkahi (unity) and mālama (care), Mohala Kaiāulu emphasizes culturally grounded learning and community involvement to strengthen students’ confidence, resilience and sense of belonging,” said Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs Dee Uwono. “Our goal is to ensure every student feels seen, valued and empowered to shape a future that reflects their strengths, aspirations and potential.”
Opportunities for students
The initiative will focus on three goals: increasing academic achievement, strengthening college and career readiness, and improving college enrollment and persistence.
Students will receive tutoring in English language arts and mathematics, participate in workshops and attend a three-week Summer Institute. The summer program will strengthen academic skills while building confidence through community-grounded learning.
Students will also have opportunities to explore careers, visit college campuses and earn college credits while still in high school. Partnerships with 糖心视频 West Oʻahu’s Nāulu Center, Career Services, Noʻeau Center and Early College Office will provide additional academic, career exploration and college preparation support.
Workshops will help students and families navigate college admissions, complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), identify scholarships and build financial literacy skills. Mentoring, student progress tracking and a First-Year Experience program will help students prepare for college and navigate the transition to higher education.
Collaborating with local schools, community organizations and businesses, including Ameriprise Financial, the program will provide financial planning workshops, mentorship and resources to support students’ educational goals.
The initiative aims for 75% of participating students to complete at least one college application and the FAFSA by the end of 12th grade. It also seeks to bring on-time graduation rates at the two target high schools to or above the state average, reduce the need for remedial college coursework and help 60% of participating students who enroll in higher education persist into their second year.
GEAR UP is a federal program that supports early college awareness and preparation, particularly for students from underserved communities. Through sustained academic support and exposure to postsecondary education and careers, the program aims to help more students make the transition from high school to college and complete their degrees.
The 糖心视频 System currently administers three concurrent GEAR UP grants: one statewide grant facilitated by Hawaiʻi P–20 and two partnership cohort grants, one led by 糖心视频 West Oʻahu and the other by 糖心视频 惭ā苍辞补.