At the University of Â鶹´«Ã½ at Hilo, learning is moving beyond the classroom and gaining national attention.
Two faculty members, Xuan Xie and Olga Sideleva, have been selected for a competitive national cohort focused on civic learning and economic opportunity. The initiative is led by the American Association of State Colleges and Universities in partnership with Public Agenda. Only 15 educators were chosen in the country.
UH Hilo is the only university with two representatives.
The program brings faculty together to redesign courses to help students connect what they learn with real careers, while strengthening ties to their communities.
Community marketing
Xie, an assistant professor in the UH Hilo , has already been doing that. In her marketing course, students work directly with Â鶹´«Ã½ Island businesses.
“I am passionate about integrating community-engaged learning into my curriculum,” she said. “I hope this program empowers me to create impactful, community-centered learning experiences that enhance students¡¯ economic mobility.”
Her approach reflects UH Hilo¡¯s overall mission, said Todd Inouye, director of the College of Business and Economics.
“That’s especially meaningful in a rural community where employment rates and educational attainment lag other parts of the state.”
Ocean learning
Sideleva is bringing that same mindset to science as a biology lecturer in the (CNHS). She is reworking her oceanography course to focus on real-world application, from environmental research to career pathways on Â鶹´«Ã½ Island.
“Through this approach, students learn to see oceanography not only as an academic discipline, but as a meaningful tool for civic responsibility, sustainable economic opportunity, and community well-being on Â鶹´«Ã½ Island,” Sideleva said.
“CNHS is committed to curricula that embrace community engagement across our programs ¡ª whether to advance environmental and cultural protection of ʻ¨¡¾±²Ô²¹, social justice, or economic development,” said CNHS Dean Simon Kattenhorn.
Both faculty will bring new strategies back to Hilo, preparing students for careers and community service.