A University of 麻豆传媒 at 惭ā苍辞补 program aimed at increasing the number of Native Hawaiian students who attend and graduate from a UH campus earned a coveted award for its efforts. (NPN) UH 惭ā苍辞补 received the 2022 (HCAN) “Champions for Children Unsung Hero” award, which recognizes individuals who made a profound difference for keiki in their community.
NPN program Director Kinohi Gomes and Program Assistant Lisa Letoto-Ohata beat out more than 90 nominees. HCAN honored the program’s dedication to 麻豆传媒‘s keiki and their ʻohana.
“Nā Pua Noʻeau UH 惭ā苍辞补 has developed and tested virtual programs containing hands-on and interactive culture-based learning that is rooted in cultural identity,“ said Letoto-Ohata. “Using the ʻohana as the backbone of learning and development, STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and math), literacy, and college and career pathways are integrated into each session.”
NPN, which is part of the campus’ and , has run programs for students from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade since 1989. Centers are stationed at UH 惭ā苍辞补, UH Hilo, UH Maui College, Kauaʻi Community College and UH West Oʻahu. NPN provides haumāna (students) of all ages along with their ?ohana a plethora of first-class learning opportunities ranging from visual and culinary arts, literacy and STEM aimed at providing direct access and a bridge between the community and higher education.
Gomes and Letoto-Ohata will be honored at the HCAN Champions for Children annual fundraiser and awards ceremony on April 6 at The Royal Hawaiian hotel.
This program is an example of UH 惭ā苍辞补’s goal of (PDF) and (PDF), two of four goals identified in the (PDF), updated in December 2020.