Hawaiian Studies Opportunity for Maui High School Students

UHMC High School Summer Bridge 2012. Courtesy Image.

By Wendy Osher

High school juniors and seniors on Maui are invited to apply for the 2012 edition of the Hawaiian Studies, Summer Bridge Programs at the University of Hawaiʻi Maui College.

The program offers students the opportunity to select an area of study in Marine Science, Computer Science & Engineering, or Sustainable Energy Technology.

In addition to the specified area of study, all students who are accepted will also enroll in a Hawaiian Studies course and earn three college credits.

The 190V course, entitled Ma ka Hana ka ʻIke, was named after the Hawaiian proverb or ʻōlelo noʻeau meaning, “Through doing, one learns or knows.”  The course, instructed by Kahele Dukelow and Kaleikoa Kaʻeo, focuses on developing awareness and understanding of the Hawaiian world view through experiential learning and scientific exploration.

Upon successful completion of the summer bridge, students will earn a stipend of $1,200.

The course schedule is offered June 12 to July 6, 2012, Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.  Preference is given to Maui high school juniors and seniors, and students of Hawaiian ancestry, to the extent permitted by law.

The three bridge programs include:

• Marine Science: (instructed by Anne Coopersmith and Donna Brown)  This program explores the biology, chemistry, and physical aspects of the marine environment on Maui.  Students practice microscope skills, field and laboratory data-collection techniques, problem solving, and snorkeling.  Biological topics include marine algae, coastal plants, invertebrates, and fish.  The group will visit coral reefs, beaches, rocky intertidal habitats and fishponds.
• Computer Science: (instructed by Mark Hoffman and Dale Nahoʻolewa)  This course introduces Native Hawaiian high school students to a combination of two STEM-related topics relevant to high technology companies on Maui: Computer Science and Engineering Technology.  Students will use software to study astronomy and geography, and work with instruments in astronomy and science.
• Engineering and Sustainable Energy: (instructed by Stuart Zinner and Andy Carson)  Students are introduced to the function and performance characteristics of a photovoltaic power system.  Participants will determine energy requirements for desired applications and learn to evaluate initial costs and economics of alternative designs.

Students can apply on line at: www.maui.hawaii.edu/aik.  The preferred application deadline is May 18, 2012.