Pearl City High School’s IBAD academy students were given a unique opportunity to participate in a program offered by Leeward Community College. The program allowed them to take college-level business classes that would lead to a management certificate. A total of fifteen students from the academy enrolled in the program and graduated with a Career and Technical Education (CTE) honors certificate along with a Certificate of Achievement in Management in the spring.
Instead of taking traditional high school CTE courses, these students completed college-level business courses. As part of the program, they established the HawaiiUSA Federal Credit Union Student-Operated Credit Union, which involved handling deposits and opening accounts for both staff and students at Pearl City High School.
One student, Jordyn Shibata, shared how the program had a significant impact on her life. She mentioned that it pushed her beyond her comfort zone, challenging her to explore new ideas and experiences. This newfound confidence has made her feel more prepared to face any challenges that come her way in the future.
Daphne Okunaga, the lead teacher for IBAD, emphasized that the focus of the program was not just on Early College opportunities but also on helping students earn CTE honors, obtain the management certificate, and prepare them for potential business majors at UH Mānoa or UH West Oʻahu. Syreeta Washington, the Early College counselor at Leeward CC, expressed her admiration for the students’ dedication to their education. She emphasized that their success was a result of strong collaborations and a shared commitment to supporting student success. The program received support from Hawaiʻi P–20 and a grant from the Stupski Foundation.
