Big Promise of Little Things
Building a Pipeline for the Community
If STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) will play a prominent role in the jobs of the future, this Hawai‘i Island organization is working to set students up for future Change Comes local success. The Pre-Health Career From Everyone Corps (PHCC) facilitated by Hilo Medical Center Foundation is training medical staff directly from the local talent pool, who “STEM can be intimidating, but our are meeting the community’s needs workshops break it and mentoring the down, make it tangible next generation. In just its second for the students.” year on Hawaii – Lisa Rantz Island, 430 high Executive Director of school and college Hilo Medical Center Foundation students registered in PHCC — and that number could double during this school year. The free, year-round program is providing A-to-Z guidance for students, from mentoring to summer internships to earning
work-ready certificates — with plenty of STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics). “Some students cannot see what’s attainable, so we’re exposing them to opportunities and possibilities,” says Lisa Rantz, Executive Director. PHCC is one of 43 recipients of a 2018 Career Connected Learning grant from Hawai’i Community Foundation (HCF) to expand STEM education and pave the way for career success. “STEM is the future, not just in health care. Higher paying jobs require those abilities,” says Lisa. “STEM can be intimidating, but our workshops break it down, make it tangible for students.” Lydia Clements, HCF’s Vice President of Foundation and Corporate Partnerships, adds,“By cultivating partnerships between schools, community groups
DID YOU KNOW: and businesses, Career Connected Learning grants help students meet local professionals and experience different career options, in and beyond the classroom.” Accessing care for rural communities, guiding students toward meaningful careers, building STEM skills for lifelong success — that’s the big promise of little things.
$1.5 million in Career Connected Learning grants were awarded this year to help students develop academic, technical, trade, and entrepreneurial skills. STEM programs are actively engaging Hawai’i students in our $2.5 billion astronomy sector, and sparking their curiosity about alternative energy, aquaculture, and food security.
Learn how to transform your generosity into lasting change at HawaiiCommunityFoundation.org