Big Promise of Little Things
Igniting Passion in Tomorrow’s Leaders
Cy Bagano was born and raised on Kaua‘i and always had an interest in “fixing things.” He thought he might work in auto repair until he took computer science courses at Kaua‘i Change Comes Community College (KCC). classwork at KCC ignited a From Everyone His passion for technology in Cy, and an avenue to apply it as an Akamai Intern with the Keck Telescope. Since that time, “Career Connected he’s translated his Learning is providing experience and education into a high-tech, interactive secure position learning opportunities at the Gemini Observatory, that spark curiosity and working with complex technology inspire students.” and mentoring the next classes of Akamai interns. Across the state, STEM skills are in demand. Tomorrow will bring new careers in renewable energy, health care, marine science, agriculture and other STEM fields. “The need for STEM literacy in Hawai‘i continues to grow at a rapid pace. Today’s students
Creating learning opportunities for Hawai‘i’s students, inspiring tomorrow’s leaders, aligning STEM education to STEM jobs — that’s the big promise of little things.
will be tomorrow’s leaders at the intersection of exciting fields,” said Micah K ane, CEO and president at the Hawai‘i Community Foundation (HCF). But first, students must be exposed to design thinking and STEM educational opportunities. In 2015, HCF, along with community leaders and technologydependent organizations like Thirty-Meter Telescope, created a partnership that has so far supported educational STEM programs, like the Akamai Workforce Initiative, to more than 12,000 Hawai’i Island students and 900 educators. These STEM programs, dubbed “Career Connected Learning grantees,” are continuing that success and attracting more support. Strada Education Network, a recent addition to the funding group, has contributed the funding to expand to STEM programs on Kaua‘i. The newest round of grants has awarded $1.5 million to 43 schools and nonprofits on Hawai‘i Island and Kaua‘i.
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“These grants — made possible by the vision of community leaders — create high-tech, interactive learning opportunities that spark curiosity and inspire students,” says Lydia Clements, Vice President of Foundation and Corporate Partnerships at HCF. “Through Career Connected Learning, HCF hopes to ensure our keiki will thrive in a dynamic economy.”
The Hawai‘i Community Foundation supports education for Hawai‘i’s students by funding programs like Career Connected Learning, and distributing $6 million in scholarships each year To learn how you can transform your generosity into lasting changefor Hawai‘i, visit:
HawaiiCommunityFoundation.org