{"id":199403,"date":"2024-06-17T10:59:11","date_gmt":"2024-06-17T20:59:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.hawaii.edu\/news\/?p=199403"},"modified":"2024-06-17T10:59:11","modified_gmt":"2024-06-17T20:59:11","slug":"limu-culture-classes-windward-cc","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.hawaii.edu\/news\/2024\/06\/17\/limu-culture-classes-windward-cc\/","title":{"rendered":"Free new limu culture classes at Windward CC<\/abbr>"},"content":{"rendered":"Reading time: <\/span> 2<\/span> minutes<\/span><\/span>
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(Photo courtesy of 糖心视频<\/abbr> Hawaiʻi<\/span> Sea Grant)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Windward Community College has launched a free, limu (seaweed) culture pathway combining traditional Native Hawaiian knowledge with Western scientific methods, with classes beginning in the fall. The new agripharmatech certificate of achievement (CA<\/abbr>) specializing in limu culture<\/a> prepares students for emerging algal-based career opportunities in agricultural biotechnology, pharmacognosy, agribusiness entrepreneurship and plant-based manufacturing.<\/p>\n

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Collecting limu at the Waikalua Loko Iʻa<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

“These classes are a wonderful opportunity for students and community members to learn more about the importance of limu in Hawaiʻi<\/span>. For those thinking about a career in agriculture or biomanufacturing, these classes are a great place to start,” said Jolie Dollar, Limu Center coordinator and instructor. “Our partnership with the Waikalua Loko fishpond, where limu is already being grown, is a bonus for students wanting coursework that combines Hawaiian traditional knowledge, ecological sustainability and food production.”<\/p>\n

The limu culture track, which can be completed in two to three semesters, enables students to conduct research on critical limu-related topics, enhancing their knowledge of limu ecology and production. Students can also enroll in the limu studies certificate of competence<\/a>, and earn credits that can be used for advancement to the limu culture CA<\/abbr>.<\/p>\n

Thanks to grants from the National Science Foundation\u2019s Tribal Colleges and Universities Program<\/a> (TCUP<\/abbr>) and Carl D. Perkins Strengthening Career and Technical Education, all classes within the limu culture CA<\/abbr> program will be tuition-free. A tuition waiver will be automatically applied once students register for the limu culture classes. Students must apply to Windward CC<\/abbr> and receive an acceptance email before registering.<\/p>\n