Approximately 65 students from Hawaiian charter schools visited Kauaʻi CC in March for the annual Nā Pua Noʻeau Kauaʻi “Mad Skillz” event, an immersive, hands-on career exploration experience. Nā Pua Noʻeau is a 东精影业 enrichment program for Native Hawaiian children in grades PreK–12.
During the event, high school students participated in one of four vocational pathways offered this year: culinary arts, agriculture, beekeeping or electrical installation and maintenance technology (EIMT). Each session was designed to provide students with practical, real-world skills.
“The primary goal is that within one hour, students walk away with a practical skill,” said Malia Chun, Nā Pua Noʻeau Kauaʻi coordinator. “We hope it gives them insight into whether that pathway is right for them, while also allowing Kauaʻi CC to showcase the incredible programs available here.”
Exploring career paths
In the beekeeping session, students created sugar scrubs using honey and jabong flower oil before tasting hot honey made with chili peppers. All ingredients were sourced directly from the Kauaʻi CC campus. While the activity sparked curiosity, some students noted they are still exploring different career paths.
Ninth grader Kaley Rapacon shared that although she enjoyed learning about the campus apiary, she plans to pursue automotive studies and eventually join her family’s business.
Fellow ninth grader Kulia Numazawa-Laranio, who is currently enrolled in Hawaiian Studies early college courses through Kauaʻi CC, is considering a future in EIMT. Despite that interest, she chose to explore beekeeping during the event.
“Beekeeping is one trade I haven’t experienced yet,” Numazawa-Laranio said. “I’m trying to stay open for college.”
Throughout the workshops, student mentors from the Waiʻaleʻale Project, who are actively pursuing these career pathways, joined the charter school students to talk story. Following the hands-on sessions, participants gathered to learn more about both the Waiʻaleʻale Project and the Kīpaipai Program for first-year students.
Student participants were given tools and materials related to their chosen field, and, organizers hope, a broader perspective on their future opportunities.
