Hundreds of Kapiʻolani Community College students participated in the Huliāmahi Arts & Science Transfer Fair in March—marking the campus’ first in-person transfer event since the COVID-19 pandemic. The fair offered a dynamic opportunity for students to explore clear and guided pathways to the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa.
The event proved valuable for Kapiʻolani CC student Annie Pham, who is earning an associate’s degree in natural science with a concentration in information and computer sciences. She plans to pursue a bachelor of science in computer science at UH Mānoa.
“I was blown away by how welcoming and informative every representative was,” Pham said. “I learned more about other majors offered at UH Mānoa and ones that I could minor in. It was, hands down, one of the most valuable experiences I’ve had. I have the confidence and knowledge to make the right choices once I transfer to UH Mānoa.”
Over the past five years, more than 2,700 Kapiʻolani CC students have transferred to UH Mānoa, UH West Oʻahu and UH Hilo—making the college one of the largest transfer feeders in the UH System.
“Kapiʻolani Community College has a strong track record of successfully preparing students for transfer to four-year institutions,” said Chancellor Misaki Takabayashi. “While many students pursue transfer from liberal arts and natural science, a growing number are also advancing from programs traditionally considered career and technical education. Our students are well-equipped both academically and personally for success at universities, reflecting the collegeʻs commitment to supporting comprehensive student development.”
Supported by a U.S. Department of Education Title III grant, titled Huliāmahi, the fair brought together faculty, counselors and advisors from Kapiʻolani CC and UH Mānoa.
“Through Huliāmahi, we were able to continue focusing on transfer excellence for our students,” said Veronica Ogata, dean of Arts and Sciences. “For faculty, it allows them to work with their UH Mānoa partners to design clearer, responsive and relevant academic pathways for our students.”
The initiative is part of an ongoing collaboration between Kapiʻolani CC and UH Mānoa Native Hawaiian Student Services to ensure students receive the guidance and resources needed to achieve their academic goals.
