Â鶹´«Ã½ high school students can take advantage of a free four-week University of Â鶹´«Ã½ at ²Ñ¨¡²Ô´Ç²¹ summer program that will introduce them to the field of national intelligence. Applications are due June 1.
The (CSS) is bringing back the (AHI-SP POLS) for a second year.
“AHI-SP POLS was the first program of its kind in Â鶹´«Ã½ that provided high schoolers statewide with college credit for a workforce pathway to national intelligence,” said Jairus Grove, AHI-SP POLS program director and professor. “It revealed an overwhelming demand and enthusiasm for educational programs in this field. We¡¯re proud to be able to expand the program to 40 students this year to meet increased demand.”
“AHI-SP POLS changed my life,” said Tasanee Cogliandro, a graduate of the inaugural AHI-SP POLS class and currently a senior at K¨©hei Charter High School on Maui. “I wasn’t sure what (career) I wanted to go into until I participated in this program and really understood that I truly do have a passion for political science.”
AHI-SP POLS is a dynamic, immersive learning experience in one of the state¡¯s fastest-growing fields. It runs July 5–27, 2024, and includes an online component (July 5–20) and an in-person residence week on the UH ²Ñ¨¡²Ô´Ç²¹ campus with simulations, games, lectures and field trips (July 21–27). Participants earn three college credits for completing the program and will be honored at a commencement ceremony on July 26.
An informational session via Zoom will be held at 7 p.m. HST, Wednesday, May 29. Pre-registration for the session is required by emailing cssahi@hawaii.edu.
Expenses for AHI-SP POLS students, including registration, tuition/fees, airfare and on-campus housing/meals are paid through the Pacific Intelligence and Innovation Initiative (P3I).
This statewide opportunity is open to qualified Â鶹´«Ã½ high school juniors and seniors, and incoming Â鶹´«Ã½²Ñ¨¡²Ô´Ç²¹ freshmen. Participants must be Hawai?i residents with a minimum high school GPA of 3.0 (GPA based on cumulative grades–9th grade to fall 2023).
More 2024 program highlights
- Course overview: AHI-SP POLS introduces students to a wide variety of concepts including power and contemporary world politics since 1945, with an emphasis on the U.S. role. Simulation games, field trips and networking opportunities with Â鶹´«Ã½-based industry experts provide an interactive experience bringing real world experiences to complement in-class learning.
- College credits: Students who successfully complete the program will earn college credits in POLS 120: Introduction to World Politics, a university-level course in political science. POLS 120 is the first course in the Intelligence Studies course sequence currently under development at CSS.
- More information: Academy for Â鶹´«Ã½ Intelligence Studies Summer Program
Launched in summer 2023, AHI-SP POLS is part of the College of Social Sciences¡¯ ongoing commitment to support workforce development opportunities in the state. Participants in the inaugural cohort included 30 high school juniors and seniors from Â鶹´«Ã½, Kauaʻi, Maui and Oʻahu. They were:
- 77% female
- 80% from Â鶹´«Ã½ State Department of Education high schools and charter schools
- 57% from the neighbor islands (30% from Maui, 17% from Â鶹´«Ã½ Island, 10% from Kauaʻi and 43% from Oʻahu)