IMPORTANT UPDATE (5/1/2026)
We are so grateful for the overwhelming interest in our STEM Summer Program this year. Because of the high number of applications already received, we are currently placing new applicants on a waitlist. We encourage you to still apply—additional spaces may open, and we would like to consider your application.
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What is Project Hōkūlani?It is an educational research program funded by the U.S. Department of Education and run by the faculty and staff at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa. Our goal is to help middle and high school students explore their interests in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) fields and consider entering into STEM programs after high school.
In our project, STEM encompasses a wide range of activities including chemistry, cooking or culinary arts, creative media technology, identifying native fish or plants, understanding what type of soil is best for various plants, knowing the reasons behind local fishing techniques, fish pond or coastline restoration, and much more!
In our program, students will:
- learn how STEM is all around us—in our daily lives, our home and our cultural practices
- explore 6 STEM areas through hands-on activities connected to our local culture and community
- connect with different STEM careers, working professionals and college programs
- experience STEM up close through field trips to local STEM companies and university labs
Cost?
Our program is sponsored by U.S. Department of Education Native Hawaiian Education Program grants. Based of this, we are able to offer our programs at no cost to students.
Who’s Eligible to Participate?- Students currently in Grades 6-11
- Attend any public, private, charter, or home school on Oʻahu
We welcome ALL students—including students who are Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander, Filipino and students with disabilities or learning differences! Please consider applying for our summer program.
Program Dates and Times:
July 13 - 22, 2026
Monday - Friday only
8:30 - 2:45 PM*
*Program times will be different on certain field trip days. Schedule will be sent with your acceptance packet.
Note: Our summer programs are "day programs" and are held Monday - Fridays, excluding Federal/State Holidays, during regular business hours.
Transportation to our summer program:We may be able to provide roundtrip bus or van transportation from a limited number of Oʻahu neighborhoods to UH-Mānoa at no cost to families. More information will be available upon acceptance into our summer program.
For students who live in the Honolulu area, parents/guardians will be asked to drop off and pick up their child(ren) at UH-Mānoa (UHM), UHM School of Medicine, Kapiolani Community College, Chaminade University and Bishop Museum on certain days. Parents/guardians can allow their child(ren) to use public transportation.
Early College Credit (OPTIONAL for current high school students)
Project Hōkūlani has partnered with Windward Community College (WCC) to offer early college credits for current high school students.
- For students who are participating in our Tier 2 (Internship Program), you are eligible to receive 3 credits.
- For students who are new to our programs, you are eligible to receive 2 credits.
Tuition and fees will be covered by our U.S. Dept of Education funding. If you are interested in receiving WCC credit, you must apply by Friday, April 30 and indicate your interest on this application form.
Students who have participated in one of our programs before
If you have previously participated in Project Hōkūlani, Project CLD-TEAMS, or enrolled in our SCI 295V: Intro to STEM Research course, please contact us at projecth@hawaii.edu before completing this application.
Note about attendance
We are able to provide this program at no cost to our students and their families thanks to a grant from the U.S. Department of Education. To be accountable for our federal funding, we ask that students who apply are able to attend all days of our program.
Learn more about us
Our program consists of several tiers, including an college transition and work-based learning program. To learn more about everything that Project Hōkūlani has to offer, please visit our website at:
https://cds.coe.hawaii.edu/hokulani/
Ready to Apply?- If you are ready to apply to our program, please complete the questions in this form.
- If you would like to fill out the PDF version, please email us at projecth@hawaii.edu
- If you would like this application translated into ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi, Tagalog, Samoan or Ilokano, please email us at projecth@hawaii.edu
Deadline to apply- To receive early college credit - apply by Thursday, April 30 (Closed)
- All other applicants (no credit) - apply by Sunday, May 31
Questions: Contact us at projecth@hawaii.edu
