University of Hawaiʻi and Hawaiʻi P–20 Partnerships for Education are launching a new summer onramp initiative called “Next Steps to Your Future,” designed specifically to support Hawaiʻi‘s class of 2020 public high school seniors. The “Next Steps to Your Future” initiative will engage and guide seniors in transitioning to their post-high school plans for careers and connect them to postsecondary education, training and/or employment.
Every student who opts-in will be connected to an experienced UH Hawaiʻi Advising Cadre member who will provide free personalized support and information to guide them in their next steps whether they plan to enroll in college, enter the military or workforce or are still undecided. Support will consist of specialized text messages, relevant resources and opportunities to receive one-on-one support from a dedicated advisor over the eight weeks of summer.
Eligible students will also be sponsored to participate in free UH Community Colleges summer onramp courses for career exploration. These courses will help students focus on their goals, explore career options, plan future steps and develop skills to be successful in college.
“We want to help the graduating seniors who have spent the final quarter of their K–12 careers at home,” said Stephen Schatz, executive director for Hawaiʻi P–20. “April and May are critical months for students to develop plans and take steps towards college, job training programs or employment, and we will provide personalized advising in transitioning to their post-high school plans.”
Letters are being sent home to all public high school seniors from UH President David Lassner inviting them to participate in this initiative. There will also be a media campaign and school and community outreach efforts to advertise this opportunity to students.
To join, students should text “nextsteps” to (808) 460-8360 or sign up at the Hawaiʻi P–20 website by May 20.
For more information, go to the Hawaiʻi P–20 website.
