ahupuaʻa systems apprenticeship

Our apprenticeship program seeks to educate and cultivate the next generation of people committed to living the values and practices of a once sustainable island food system.

Hoʻokuaʻāina partners with Windward Community College to offer a unique program for students interested in ʻāina-based work, gaining hands-on experience, carrying on cultural practices and traditions, and creating sustainable ahupuaʻa systems once again in Hawaii. In addition to learning the skills and ethics of cultivating kalo and other foods in the loʻi at Kapalai, participants will spend the summer immersed in the stewardship of various wahi pana in the Koʻolaupoko region such as loko iʻa, loʻi kalo, stream restoration, forest management, while being supported to begin their college career. Upon completion of summer requirements, students will be invited to be a part of the 2-year college degree and certification program.

at the end of the 2 years students will attain:

• Relevant, entrepreneurial hands-on experiential and technical training at various wahi pana within the Ko’olaupoko district

• 2-year AA degree of student’s choice that will foster a pathway to 4-year degree

• Subject Certificate in Ahupua’a Systems: Indigenous Resource management and Food Production

• College courses in Science, Hawaiian Studies, Humanities, Sustainable Agriculture, Business, and Economics

• Diversity of course requirements within cross-disciplinary departments to expose students to a variety of professional career possibilities

• Mentorship, counseling, and support to ensure successful completion of the program

• A $1500 stipend per session

• Tuition for college