Nearly 2,000 high school freshmen explored career opportunities with about 50 businesses as part of the Kapolei Chamber of Commerce’s 5th annual West Oʻahu Student Career Expo in October at the University of Hawaiʻi–West Oʻahu.
Students from seven schools in the region engaged with industry leaders and professionals—across healthcare, energy, agriculture, trades and more—and had the opportunity to interview them to discover fields of interest and potential career fits. They included freshmen from DreamHouse ‘Ewa Beach Charter School, Island Pacific Academy, Kamaile Academy, Kapolei Charter School, and Waiʻanae, James Campbell and Kapolei high schools.
UH West Oʻahu Chancellor Maenette Benham said it was important to welcome the students to campus.
“Many of our students are coming from homes that may not have the option or the thought that college is a place for them, and so coming to our campus first and foremost, provides them with the opportunity to see that this place can be their home after they graduate from high school,” Benham said.
“The Career Expo is more than a networking event—it’s a crucial step toward strengthening the talent pipeline in our community,” Kapolei Chamber of Commerce Executive Director and CEO Kiran Polk added. “We’re bringing businesses and students together to spark inspiration and real conversations about what lies ahead in each career field. Events like this directly support students in envisioning their future careers.”
Originally launched by the Kapolei Chamber in 2018, the West Oʻahu Student Career Expo reflects the chamber’s dedication to preparing students for higher education and creating a 21st-century workforce. Through this initiative, the chamber also serves as a career hub for West Oʻahu, working in close collaboration with educators, employers and job training programs to provide students with meaningful mentoring, internship and employment opportunities.
For more visit Ka Puna O Kaloʻi.
—By Zenaida Serrano Arvman
