62% of Lāna‘i Seniors Take Early Courses at UHMC

For the second consecutive year, 62% of all Lāna‘i High School seniors have taken early courses at University of Hawai‘i Maui College via a combination of hybrid, live, Skybridge and internet.

UHMC. Photo by Wendy Osher.

Twenty-six of this year’s 42 graduating seniors earned a total of 303 college credits.

One student, Isabel Campbell, earned 21 credits. Some of the courses the students have taken are English 100, Math 103, Psy 100, Soc 100, FSHN 185, ICS 101, History 151/152, and Art 101. Grade Point Averages range from 2.0 to 3.8.

The Dual Enrollment Project also has the students involved in community service projects, from restoring Fishpond, serving lunch at the senior center, helping with the College and Career Day and Scholarship ‘Aha. And students receive “wrap around” services including assistance in resume development, writing personal statements, applying for colleges and scholarships, tutoring, and academic advising.

“The college is excited about the future of Early College on Lānaʻi,” says UHMC Chancellor Dr. Lui Hokoana. “Maui College – along with our partners – is creating a culture on Lānaʻi that encourages student to be excited about attending college, that assists in training the local workforce, and is creating future Lānaʻi leaders.”

Of the 18 students from the Class of 2016 who participated in the project, 17 have gone on to college and are still in college. Kanani Tolentino attends UHMC Lāna‘i and is transferring to the mainland next year. Kayci Kaopuiki will receive her AA degree from Kapiolani Community College in Fall 2017 and will be transferring to UH Mānoa in the Spring. Cherie Malacas will receive two AA degrees in Fall 2017 from Lake Region State College in North Dakota.

Funding for the programming is provided by Pūlama Lāna‘i, UH Maui College, Project Ho‘okui, Manele Koele Charitable Fund, Lāna‘i High and Elementary School.