Pearl City High School Students Turned Business Professionals with Leeward CC Program.

Fifteen students from Pearl City High School’s IBAD academy were enrolled in a unique program offered by Leeward Community College, which allowed them to take college classes that would lead to a management certificate. These students completed college-level business courses and also established the HawaiiUSA Federal Credit Union Student-Operated Credit Union as part of the program.

As per Daphne Okunaga, the lead teacher for IBAD, 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. Jordyn Shibata, one of the participants in the program, expressed how 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.

The success of this program 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. Syreeta Washington, the Early College counselor at Leeward CC, emphasized how proud she is of these students’ dedication to their education and their achievement in earning both Career and Technical Education (CTE) honors along with a Certificate of Achievement in Management in spring 2021.