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Project Mohala Delivers an Intensive Summer for LT ʻŌpio

For many high school students in Hawaiʻi, summer break is a traditional time to pause from the academic rigors of school. For 46 ʻōpio (youth) from Liliʻuokalani Trust, however, this past summer was anything but conventional.

These ambitious ʻōpio participated in Project Mohala, a summer bridge program for students, entering grades 9-12, to earn college credits and experience residential life on campus. The annual program took place at the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo, where the LT ʻōpio came together from O’ahu, Molokaʻi, Maui, and Hawaiʻi Island. This was the third year that LT participated in the program.

For five intensive weeks, the ʻōpio completed college-level courses that earned them six college credits each. LT organized the group into three cohorts that each pursued two of the following courses: English 100, Speech 205, Interdisciplinary Studies 195, Papa Meakanu (HWST 209), and Papa ʻOhana (HWST 100).

Project Mohala’s admissions process was selective. To qualify, participants presented a letter of recommendation, submitted transcripts from their school in the Hawaiʻi Department of Education system, and committed to the five weeks.

Although academics were central to the program, the LT ʻōpio did more than just study and test-taking. LT teammates from Kīpuka Hilo introduced them to cultural concepts that deepened their identities as Hawaiians.

LT teammates accompanied the ʻōpio on huakaʻi (excursions) around Hawaiʻi Island to study its diverse communities and initiatives, and witness firsthand the impact of their education on Hawaiʻi’s future.

Over the course of five weeks, the ʻōpio also reflected on the meaning of “aloha” by fulfilling acts of kindness, inclusiveness, and empathy.

Said a participant Owen, “This experience has helped me with my life. I am thankful for everything that Liliʻuokalani Trust has provided me since I started at 10 years old. I didn't realize it at the time, but Liliʻuokalani Trust has helped me stay out of trouble and is one of the positives in my life that I consider as ʻohana.”

LT teammates, too, took away valuable lessons from Project Mohala, as they supported and mentored these young minds. Said Kāwika Urakami, the Youth Development Lead from Kīpuka Hawaiʻi Island: “Our team felt privileged to honor, respect, and protect Project Mohala’s intentions, and help kamaliʻiʻs fulfill their dreams, and Liliʻuʻs legacy.”

As the five weeks came to an end, the ʻōpio not only earned valuable college credits but understood the power of education and Hawaiian culture on their bright futures.

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