The University of �鶹��ý has been selected as one of 10 recipients of a national grant from Lumina Foundation’s to expand its Direct2UH program. The $400,000 grant is part of the foundation’s $3.5 million investment to simplify the college admissions process and expand student access across the country.

Building on the success of Direct2UH—the direct admissions initiative launched in October 2025, offering free entry to public high school seniors based on their GPA—the grant will fund a unified admissions system with enhanced outreach and guidance. This creates a more equitable pathway for �鶹��ý students to apply, access financial aid and enroll across nine campuses, with UH ����ԴDz� expected to join the program later this year.

“This investment allows us to build a simpler, more connected pathway to college for �鶹��ý‘s students—one that ensures every learner, regardless of background or geography, has clear and supported opportunities, making it easier for more students to move from aspiration to enrollment and ultimately to success,” said Farrah-Marie Gomes, UH associate vice president for student affairs. “This work matters locally because it directly addresses the barriers our students face and strengthens our responsibility as a statewide system to serve every community.”

Lumina’s Great Admissions Redesign initiative supports states, systems and institutions in integrating admissions, financial aid, advising and enrollment systems. The goal is to remove unnecessary barriers and help more students successfully enroll in and complete college.

“Across the country, we’re seeing real momentum to rethink how students access college,” said Melanie Heath, Lumina strategy director. “This cohort reflects a clear shift from fragmented fixes to coordinated, student-centered systems.”

Commitment to college access

At full scale, Direct2UH will reach students at all public and charter high schools across the state, with implementation in partnership with the �鶹��ý State Department of Education and �鶹��ý P–20. By aligning systems and expanding support, it will increase college access and enrollment statewide, particularly for rural and underserved communities.

Lumina’s Great Admissions Redesign initiative is part of a broader national effort to increase post-high school attainment and advance Lumina’s Goal 2040, which aims for 75 percent of working-age adults to hold a credential of value.

�鶹��ý’s public high schools reached new milestones in student achievement, with the class of 2025 posting the highest on-time graduation rate in state history, according to the latest .

The report, which tracks outcomes for 11,899 graduates across 66 public and charter schools, shows that 87% of students graduated on time, surpassing the previous record set by the class of 2024.

In addition to improved graduation rates, the report highlights continued progress in postsecondary pathways, including enrollment within the University of �鶹��ý system.

Approximately 3,958 graduates, about 33% of those enrolling in college, went on to attend a UH campus. Of those students, 18% enrolled at UH two-year colleges, while 16% attended four-year campuses.

Academic preparation

The CCRI report also provides insight into how well students are academically prepared upon entering UH. About 37% of students enrolled directly in college-level math courses, while 42% took college-level English. At the same time, a portion of incoming students either required below college-level coursework or did not enroll in math or English during their first term, signaling areas where further academic preparation may be needed.

More students are also participating in key academic assessments. ACT exam participation climbed to 76% statewide, up one percentage point, suggesting broader engagement in college entrance testing.

Career-focused education saw notable growth as well. The percentage of students completing Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs increased to 66%, up 3%. These programs are designed to prepare students for immediate entry into the workforce or further specialized training.

While gains were recorded across several categories, the report notes that readiness benchmarks—such as ACT college-ready scores in English, math and science—remain an area for ongoing improvement.

The CCRI is released annually by (�鶹��ý P–20), in collaboration with the �鶹��ý State Department of Education (HIDEO) and the University of �鶹��ý.

This article by Native Hawaiian Initiative Alakaʻi (Coordinator) at the University of �鶹��ý at ����ԴDz� Kamakanaokealoha Aquino was first published in .

As we begin this new year, let us take a moment to reflect on 2025. During the 2024-2025 academic year, the University of �鶹��ý awarded 2,086 degrees and certificates to Native Hawaiians. As of fall 2025, there are 12,618 Native Hawaiians enrolled.

There are so many accomplishments by students, faculty, staff, and administrators, to programs, community outreach, and engagement to highlight. Here are a few:

• Hear from Native Hawaiian community college students fulfilling their kuleana: Cathryn Krueger, �鶹��ý CC; Kamananui Anderson, Honolulu CC; Melanie Camat, Kapiʻolani CC; Hiʻilani Cremer, Kauaʻi CC; Stevie Puna, Leeward CC; ʻAleʻa Kimokeo, UH Maui College; Kauakaweli Haili-Nakamoto, Windward CC.
• UH Hilo honored Mary Kawena Pukui with a panel that coincided with Women’s History Month and her posthumous selection as a 2025 honoree for the U.S. Mint’s Native American $1 coin.
• The Hawaiian collection at the UH Hilo Edwin H. Moʻokini Library was named the Edith Kanakaʻole Hawaiian Collection.
• UH West Oʻahu hosted a two-day ʻAha Hoʻoponopono with 300 haku hoʻoponopono, social sector professionals, aloha ʻ�徱�Բ� practitioners, and community members.
• UH ����ԴDz�’s Hawaiian Theatre program celebrated its 10th anniversary with its latest Hawaiian language production Puana, and an invitation to perform at the Kia Mau international Indigenous-led performing arts festival in Aotearoa.
• Windward CC extended its Hawaiian studies program to paʻahao incarcerated at the Saguaro Correctional Center in Arizona, with 25 students enrolled in their first course.
• Haʻina Ko Wehi: Celebrating West Maui in Mele a project by students from UH Maui College’s Institute of Hawaiian Music was named Compilation Album of the Year at the 2025 Nā Hōkū Hanohano Awards.
• Honolulu Community College hosted a two-day Indigenous education symposium ʻAha Kūkalahale 2025, uplifting Hawaiian knowledge funded by the Kūkalahale Title III Grant and in partnership with Kanaeokana and Pacific Rim Concepts.
• UH ����ԴDz� Native Hawaiian Student Services’ Hawaiian Youths Abroad program Japan took a cohort of 13 students and 6 faculty/staff to explore Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka, while retracing connections between the Hawaiian Kingdom and Japan.
• Kuiokalani L. Gapero succeeded Ernie Kaʻaumoana Wilson Jr. to the UH Board of Regents for a 5-year term.
• Winners of the Board of Regents Medal for Excellence in Teaching included: Mapuana Antonio (public health associate professor, UH ����ԴDz�); Ashlee Kalauli (math instructor, �鶹��ý CC); Tracie Kuʻuipo Losch (Hawaiian studies professor, Leeward CC); Mehana Kaʻiama Makaʻinaʻi (Hawaiian studies instructor, UH ����ԴDz�); Peter Kalawaiʻa Moore (Hawaiian studies professor, Windward CC); and Jamaica Heolimeleikalani Osorio (political science associate professor, UH ����ԴDz�).
• Kenny Kaʻaiakamanu-Quibilan received the UH ����ԴDz� Pākela Award for being an outstanding academic advisor.
• Shayla Spotkaeff, a business management major and undergraduate research assistant at the Center for Oral History received the UH ����ԴDz� Student Employee of the Year Award.
• Ka Huli Ao Center for Excellence in Native Hawaiian Law at UH ����ԴDz� William S. Richardson School of Law celebrated 20 years.

Hundreds of prospective students, their ʻohana, alumni and community members filled the University of �鶹��ý at Mānoa campus on November 15, for Discover UH Mānoa, the university’s largest annual open house.

The three-hour event offered guests a rare, all-access experience across campus, featuring more than 100 academic programs and student services, hands-on demonstrations, workshops, research activities, live entertainment and guided tours.

“I hope they walk away feeling that this is their ʻohana. We can’t wait to welcome them in, support them, and help them reach every goal they’re chasing,” said UH President Wendy Hensel. “We’re truly excited for this next generation, come on in, we’re ready for you.”

Event highlights

Visitors got a lively snapshot of campus life through hands-on workshops, research demos and student projects from a wide range of units at UH Mānoa everything from STEM, the arts, humanities and Hawaiian studies. The College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resilience drew crowds with its cooking demonstrations, serving up green onion Korean pancakes and ʻuala desserts, made from locally grown ingredients. The UH Marching Band and UH athletes kept the crowd energized with performances and meet-and-greet opportunities.

Farrington High School senior Mikaela Paet explored the event with her classmates and said she was excited to learn more about the program she hopes to pursue.

“Just walking around the campus makes me very welcomed. A lot of the programs interest me, specifically nursing,” Paet said.

The day also featured an Alumni Makers’ Market, food trucks, free shave ice, prizes, giveaways, UH Bookstore merchandise and guided housing tours, giving visitors a well-rounded look at life on campus.

“UH Mānoa offers something rare—world-class research opportunities, strong academic programs, Division I athletics, and a campus experience you won’t find just anywhere. It’s truly an exceptional place to learn and grow,” said Vassilis Syrmos, interim provost at UH Mānoa.

UH Mānoa’s rising momentum

The annual open house comes as UH Mānoa continues to earn national recognition. The university recently climbed 62 spots in the 2026 Wall Street Journal Best Colleges rankings and set new records in research funding and philanthropy.

Enrollment has also reached its highest level in five years, signaling strong demand from �鶹��ý families and students from around the world.

Enrollment across the 10 campuses of the University of �鶹��ý reached 51,411 students in fall 2025, a 2% increase from last fall and the highest enrollment since 2017. This marks the third consecutive year of growth for �Ჹ�ɲ���ʻ��’s sole provider of public higher education and a 5.1% increase since fall 2023, reversing earlier declines and building momentum across both four-year and two-year campuses.

UH fall 2025 enrollment

• UH 10 campus system: 51,411 (+2.0% from fall 2024)
• UH ����ԴDz�: 20,404 (+1.9%)
• UH Hilo: 2,649 (−0.7%)
• UH West Oʻahu: 2,897 (+2.9%)
• UH Community Colleges: 25,461 (+2.2%)
• �鶹��ý CC: 2,489 (+8.7%)
• Honolulu CC: 3,628 (+8.6%)
• Kapiʻolani CC: 5,704 (−3.6%)
• Kauaʻi CC: 1,324 (−0.8%)
• Leeward CC: 6,210 (−4.0%)
• UH Maui College: 2,997 (+7.3%)
• Windward CC: 3,109 (+12.4%)

Enrollment gains were driven by increases in first-time freshmen across the UH System (up 2.1%), record participation in programs allowing high school students to earn college and/or high school credit (up 6.9% from fall 2024), and rising undergraduate home-based enrollment at UH 4-year campuses.

“Enrollment is one of the strongest indicators of confidence in the value of higher education and our 10 campus system,” said UH President Wendy Hensel. “I am proud that more �鶹��ý students are choosing to pursue their degrees with us. This momentum is critical to preparing the state’s future workforce and ensuring opportunities for every student.”

Hensel acknowledged challenges that remain, including a 3.5% decline in undergraduate transfer enrollment. She emphasized that UH is prioritizing systemwide solutions to improve the student experience.

“Addressing transfer barriers is one of our top priorities,” said Hensel. “For example, we are working to ensure that online programs available at our community colleges are aligned with online bachelors at our four-year campuses. I am especially excited about our adoption of EAB Navigate360 and EAB Edify, which will be fully in place next year. These tools will give students the support they need, often before they even realize they need it, to ensure they reach their educational goals.”

The technology platforms use predictive analytics built on historical and current student data to proactively alert faculty, advisors and staff at the earliest signs a student may be at risk. The goal is to deliver timely support when it can make the most difference, helping students stay on track, succeed in their studies and graduate.

UH ����ԴDz� continues to grow

UH ����ԴDz� grew for the third consecutive year, enrolling 20,404 students (+1.9% from fall 2024), and has now increased enrollment in five of the past six years. The flagship campus set a record for degree-seeking first-time freshmen, up 6.2% from fall 2024 to 3,294 students.

This marks the fourth straight year UH ����ԴDz� has welcomed more than 3,000 freshmen, helping drive overall home-based undergraduate enrollment to 15,610 students (+2.1%).

UH West Oʻahu rebounds

UH West Oʻahu posted its first enrollment increase since 2020, rising 2.9% from fall 2024 to 2,897 students, while first-time freshmen increased 5.9% to 251 students.

The campus also saw strong growth in transfer students, which climbed 7.2% to 520 students.

UH Hilo leads in first-time freshmen growth

UH Hilo recorded the system’s largest percent gain in first-time freshmen, up 16.3% to 400 students. That growth helped stabilize home-based undergraduate enrollment to 2,278 students.

Overall enrollment at the �鶹��ý Island campus dipped slightly (−0.7%), totaling 2,649 students.

Community Colleges continue momentum

Enrollment at the UH Community Colleges rose to 25,461 students (+2.2%) in fall 2025, with several campuses posting strong gains. Windward CC led the way with a 12.4% increase. �鶹��ý CC (+8.7%), Honolulu CC (+8.6%) and UH Maui College (+7.3%) also recorded significant increases, while Leeward CC (−4.0%), Kapiʻolani CC (−3.6%) and Kauaʻi CC (−0.8%) experienced modest declines.

The Early Admit program reached another all-time high, with 4,030 high school students enrolled at a Community College campus (+8.4%). Five of the seven campuses saw increases, led by Windward CC (+39.7%, totaling 753 students), UH Maui College (+10.1%, 777 students) and Honolulu CC (+9.0%, 364 students).

Leeward Community College saw its strongest summer enrollment in five years, following the University of �鶹��ý’s decision to reduce community college summer tuition for �鶹��ý residents in 2025.

In January, the UH Community Colleges announced lowering summer school tuition to $131 per credit for �鶹��ý residents, allowing students to save money, graduate faster and explore new interests while staying on track academically.

Summer 2025 headcount at Leeward CC surged to 2,691 students—a 16% increase over the previous year and the highest summer enrollment since 2020. Leeward CC-based students rose by 17% while non-Leeward CC students climbed 15%, showing that lower tuition is not only encouraging local students to stay on track, but also drawing new learners from across the state.

Accelerating education

Leeward CC student Raquel Aki is a mother of three and will be the first in her family to graduate from college.

“During an economic downturn, programs like this are invaluable,” Aki said. “I hope the discounted summer credit option continues so that other students balancing work, family and school can take advantage of the same opportunity to accelerate their education, save money and move closer to achieving their goals.”

The program, which allows high school students to earn college credit, experienced the largest numerical growth, increasing 21% from 423 to 512 students. programs also posted remarkable gains: CTE teacher training jumped from 2 to 15 students (+650%), doubled from 18 to 36 (+100%), and nearly doubled from 42 to 81 (+93%).

Kiani Verdugo, Leeward student and student government treasurer, said, “I thought the courses might be too accelerated, but that wasn’t the case. I was able to complete my prerequisites ahead of time, and the cost savings helped me buy supplies and a laptop. The courses are well planned, and you have plenty of opportunities to connect with your instructors.”

With tuition relief and flexible summer learning options, Leeward CC is positioning more students for academic success and timely graduation.

“Lower summer tuition is making higher education more accessible and workforce training more immediate,” said Keala Chock, Leeward CC vice chancellor for academic affairs. “We’re seeing students take bigger academic leaps, and that’s translating directly into qualified graduates filling critical local jobs.”

—By Tad Saiki

High school graduates of the class of 2024 excelled in numerous academic areas of study and matched the class of 2023 with the highest on-time high school graduation rate on record at 86%, according to the latest , released March 31. Among these students, 34% graduated with honors, the highest level in the past five years.

The class of 2024 CCRI report details the outcomes of 11,613 students among 67 public schools including public charters. The CCRI is produced annually by (�鶹��ý P–20), in collaboration with the �鶹��ý State Department of Education (HIDOE) and the University of �鶹��ý.

Class of 2024 overall college enrollment increased from 51% to 52% and the proportion of class of 2024 graduates who attended a UH campus increased 3 percentage points from the previous year, from 31% to 34%. Of particular note, the percentage of completers who enrolled in a UH two-year campus increased from 17% to 19%, the highest percentage since 2020.

“The increase in college enrollment at the UH Community Colleges highlights the growing impact of our strengthened career pathways between HIDOE high schools and our seven community college campuses,” said Della Teraoka, interim vice president for the . “With UH two-year enrollment on the rise and four-year enrollment reaching record levels, these collaborative efforts are creating more opportunities for students to pursue higher education and succeed right here at home.”

The class of 2024 also had the highest number of completers in the last five years to earn a score of three or better on an Advanced Placement exam to 18%, and the most completers of Dual Credit classes, which increased 3 percentage points from last year (24% to 27%). Additionally, there was a 3% increase from 2023 of students who entered UH after completing college-level credits through Dual Credit in high school for English and math.

Graduates who earned the Seal of Biliteracy (students who have demonstrated a high level of proficiency in both of the state’s two official languages, English and Hawaiian; or either of the two languages and at least one additional language, including American Sign Language, by high school graduation) increased to 557 to 598 from the class of 2023, and CTE (career and technical education) honors also increased from 21% to 22%. The top three CTE programs completed by concentrators for the class of 2024 were hospitality, tourism, and recreation (23%); cultural arts, media and entertainment (20%); and health services (17%), all of which are integral areas of �鶹��ý’s economy.

“Although college-going data from the class of 2024 demonstrates a turnaround from previous years, there are reasons for concern with academic readiness, especially in math,” said Stephen Schatz, executive director of �鶹��ý P–20. “Math readiness is key across various industries, whether students aspire to be doctors, welders, auto mechanics, nurses, or teachers.”

UH degrees significant return on investment

In a study that evaluated the workforce earnings of UH graduates who earned two- and four-year degrees, the found that nine years after completing a college degree, students who received Pell grants earned wages similar to their non-economically disadvantaged peers, mitigating the effects of intergenerational poverty. Throughout their lifetimes, a college degree holder earns a 27% higher income, or $2.8 million more in wages for a bachelor’s degree and $2.7 million more, or a 22% higher income, for an associate of science and associate of applied science degree, when compared to students who stopped out and did not earn a degree.

This message was shared with UH Hilo ʻohana on March 3, 2025.

Aloha kākou e ka ʻohana o UH Hilo,

I am pleased to share that UH �ᾱ����’s and are now complete and available online. These plans are the result of thoughtful collaboration across our campus community, shaped by the voices and insights of many who engaged in conversations, provided feedback, and contributed directly to their development.

I extend my sincere gratitude to everyone who played a role in bringing these plans to fruition.

As we move forward, I want to emphasize that these are living documents—designed to guide our collective efforts while remaining adaptable to the evolving needs of our students, campus, and community. Your continued engagement will be vital as we refine and implement these strategies in the years ahead.

To explore the plans and their accompanying FAQs, please visit the following links:

• UH Hilo |
• UH Hilo |

I encourage you to take a look, reflect on the aspirations and priorities we have outlined together, and continue to be part of this journey. Your insights and contributions will remain essential as we bring these plans to life.

As a final note, per President Hensel’s ongoing communications, we are actively assessing the potential impacts of the Trump administration’s recent executive orders and subsequent agency guidance on UH �ᾱ����’s current and future programming. As we move forward, we will carefully review these developments and adapt our 2025-35 �鶹��ý and 2025-26 Strategic Enrollment Plan to ensure alignment with federal law while upholding our institutional values and commitments.

Mahalo for your dedication to UH Hilo and our shared vision for the future.

Bonnie D. Irwin
Chancellor

More than 1,000 elementary school students went to college at the University of �鶹��ý at Mānoa on November 22, to learn about the campus and experience a Rainbow Wahine basketball game.

Groups of students toured the campus with UH tour guides, who explained features, programs and areas of study, while also providing fun facts along the way.

“We want students to think about attending college at an early age,” Vice Provost of Enrollment Management Nikki Chun said. “Being exposed to the possibilities that an advanced education can bring raises the likelihood of a student attending college after high school. Many of the students talked about the types of jobs their parents are involved in and what types of careers their favorite subjects could lead to.”

The students were from schools including: Kūhīo, Hokulani, Palisades, Mokapu, Ala Wai, Lincoln, Enchanted Lake, Pohakea, and Lunalilo elementary schools, and from neighboring Mid-Pacific Institute.

Students were thrilled to be able to see the Wahine basketball players, and loudly cheered them on. The game against Louisiana Monroe also kicked off the Bank of �鶹��ý Classic.

“We’ve been wanting to have an Education Day for a while, but had to work on the logistics to make it a reality, and today exceeded all expectations,” said UH Athletics Director of Marketing and Fan Experience Eric Mathews. “We’re constantly trying to come up with ways to help fans create memories when they come to one of our events. Today, 1,200 students walked out of SimpliFi Arena with a great memory!”

The students each received clear stadium bags courtesy of sponsor Bank of �鶹��ý filled with goodies from sponsors such as Raising Cane’s and The Old Spaghetti Factory. Each student also received a free hot dog courtesy of head coach Laura Beeman and a $5 voucher from food service provider Sodexo.

President David Lassner provided updates on the University of �鶹��ý Professional Assembly contract settlement and the final enrollment numbers for the fall 2024 semester for the 10-campus system in his monthly report to the UH Board of Regents at the October 29 meeting on the UH ����ԴDz� campus.

Lassner also provided more information on UH ����ԴDz� athletics becoming a full-time member of the Mountain West Conference and commended the UH ����ԴDz� women’s soccer team on its first ever conference championship and UH ����ԴDz� Professor Joseph Keaweʻaimoku Kaholokula, the chair of the at the for his induction into the National Academy of Medicine.

• UHPA contract settlement ()
• UH ����ԴDz� joining Mountain West as full time member ()
• UH women’s soccer conference championship ()
• UH Hilo vs. UH ����ԴDz� hoops exhibition ()
• Study on UH System structure ()
• Fall 2024 enrollment highlights ()
• Philanthropy on pace for another strong year ()
• Notable awards ()

See previous president’s reports to the Board of Regents.