A PUBLIC SERVICE MESSAGE
BIG PROMISE OF LITTLE THINGS CHANGE COMES FROM EVERYONE
Igniting Passion in Tomorrow’s Leaders
C
y Bagano was born and raised on Kaua‘i and always had an interest in “fixing things.” He thought he might work in auto repair until he took computer science courses at Kaua‘i Community College (KCC). His classwork at KCC ignited a passion for technology in Cy, and an avenue to apply it as an Akamai Intern with the Keck Telescope. Since that time, he’s translated his experience and education into a secure position at the Gemini Observatory, working with complex technology and mentoring the next classes of Akamai interns. Across the state, STEM skills are in demand. Tomorrow will bring new careers in renewable energy, health care, marine science, agriculture and other STEM fields. “The need for STEM literacy in Hawai‘i continues to grow at a rapid pace. Today’s students will be tomorrow’s leaders at the intersection of exciting fields,” said Micah Kāne, CEO and president at the Hawai‘i Community Foundation (HCF). But first, students must be exposed to design thinking and STEM educational opportunities. In 2015, HCF, along with community leaders and technology-dependent organizations like Thirty-Meter Telescope, created a partnership that has so far supported educational STEM programs, like the Akamai Workforce Initiative, to more than 12,000 Hawai’i Island students and 900 educators. These STEM programs, dubbed “Career Connected Learning grantees,” are continuing that success and attracting more support. Strada Education Network, a recent addition to the funding group, has contributed the funding to expand to STEM programs on Kaua‘i. The newest round of grants has awarded $1.5 million to 43 schools and nonprofits on Hawai‘i Island and Kaua‘i.
“These grants — made possible by the vision of community leaders — create high-tech, interactive learning opportunities that spark curiosity and inspire students,” says Lydia Clements, Vice President of Foundation and Corporate Partnerships at HCF. “Through Career Connected Learning, HCF hopes to ensure our keiki will thrive in a dynamic economy.” Creating learning opportunities for Hawai‘i’s students, inspiring tomorrow’s leaders, aligning STEM education to STEM jobs — that’s the big promise of little things.
“Career Connected Learning is providing hightech, interactive learning opportunities that spark curiosity and inspire students.” Did You Know...
The Hawai‘i Community Foundation supports education for Hawai‘i’s students by funding programs like Career Connected Learning, and distributing $6 million in scholarships each year
To learn how to transform your generosity into lasting change for Hawai‘i, visit: HawaiiCommunityFoundation.org