Policy Change
Building on our wins in past legislative sessions to expand quality learning experiences for all kids, we view 2023 as a pivotal year, especially with new leadership in state government. Our priorities include taking action to help kids fully recover from learning loss while also taking bold steps to build a better education system for the future. Look for our Act Now emails and follow our social media accounts on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram for updates, sample testimony, and deadline reminders.
The education that’s right for you, because every student learns differently.
- Via the Board of Education, expand opportunities for students to earn course credits for experiences happening outside the traditional campus and classroom
Tutoring and care for every student in every community.
- Promote the adoption of high-quality trauma-informed education and social-emotional learning supports (HB487/SB894)
- Via the Board of Education, increase access to tutoring services within and outside of schools
A world of open and connected learning, so you have the tools you need to strengthen your community and succeed in life.
- Dramatically expand the number of teachers trained to teach computer science and the number of students completing rigorous courses (HB503/SB816)
A clear path to the career you choose. It’s about finding your fit and your pathway to a meaningful life.
- Increase incentives and benefits to employers who offer quality work-based learning opportunities (HB399/SB801)
- Remove barriers that limit student participation in work-based learning (resolution number TBD)
Hawaii Kids Can Afford College: Leading the college affordability conversation
We believe one of the best ways to support local kids and families is to make post-high school options, and the resources it takes to get there, known. Understanding the financial picture when it comes to college or vocational school is a key part of broadening what local kids and families perceive as attainable, realistic options post-graduation. Kicking off this year, the Hawaii Kids Can Afford College multi-year campaign supports the incredible counselors, school administrators, families, and most importantly, kids in our community as they transition from high school into life as a young adult. This work includes “at your fingertips” financial literacy support that reaches families where they are, and policy changes to make Hawaii the top state in the nation for FAFSA completion rate. Stay tuned for updates and check back at https://affordcollegehi.com/ in the coming weeks to learn more.
Hawaiʻi Tutoring: All kids deserve learning support
Given the impact of learning loss on our students, we know that the status quo won’t cut it in terms of getting kids back up to speed. Depending on where they live and family income, kids may struggle to get tutoring support from their school or surrounding community. Hawaiʻi Tutoring was launched as a flexible solution to this challenge, and we believe all kids deserve a chance to succeed. Along with core partners Air Tutors (a Hawaii DOE official vendor) and Spectrum, we’re on a mission to show how quality tutoring – which research shows is one of the most effective ways to increase student achievement – can utilize technology to make sure kids have year-round support even in rural areas.
Visit our website (designed by Wahine Coder) to learn more, sign up, and share about this new opportunity!
ʻOhana Pods
Parent Empowerment
We’ve been proud to partner with families on Lanai to provide support and training throughout the Covid-19 pandemic and beyond. We’re building on our ‘Ohana Pods program to continue our tutoring pod and empower more parents to come together and build collective power. We still have fellowship roles available, so please share our job posting with any parents on Lanai who might be a good fit.
Learn Everywhere
We are excited to continue promoting a vision of learning that harnesses the community as a classroom and pushes learning outside of the four walls of the traditional classroom. Stay tuned for an exciting opportunity we’re looking to launch this summer to enable students to earn school credits from innovative learning experiences.
While we have other priorities this year, including the RCSF Project and an exciting reimagining of our student advocacy work to make it go international, we wanted to just give you a taste of how you can follow along or support. Again, none of this work would be possible without community partnerships, and we look forward to achieving an impactful 2023 with you.
Mahalo,
David Sun-Miyashiro
HawaiiKidsCAN Executive Director