New limu culture pathway at Windward CC

Limu photo courtesy of UH Hawaii Sea Grant

Collecting limu at the Waikalua Loko I‘a

Algae under the microscope

Windward Community College announces the launch of its new Agripharmatech Certificate of Achievement (CA) Limu Culture track, a unique program combining traditional Native Hawaiian knowledge with Western scientific methods. This innovative certification prepares students for emerging algal-based career opportunities by offering an understanding of sustainable algae cultivation, production, and biomanufacturing.

A Synergy of Tradition and Science

The Limu Culture track enables students to conduct research on critical limu-related topics, enhancing their knowledge of limu ecology and production. The program, which can be completed in two to three semesters, equips graduates for diverse roles in agricultural biotechnology, pharmacognosy, agribusiness entrepreneurship, and plant-based manufacturing.

Students can also enroll in the Limu Studies Certificate of Competence (CO), earning credits that can be accumulated for advancement to the Limu Culture CA. Additionally, credits from this program seamlessly transfer to higher degree institutions for further academic pursuits.

Job Outlook and Industry Demand

The U.S. is experiencing a growing demand for skilled algae workers, with over 11,500 projected jobs nationally, offering salaries exceeding $40,000 annually. Hawaii's unique environment makes it a prime location for algae-related employment, with around 5,000 job opportunities in algae cultivation, harvesting, and processing, and another 5,000 positions in algal biomanufacturing and fermentation.*

Courses Offered Fall 2024

Windward Community College will offer three free classes this fall as part of the Limu Culture track:

• BOT 111 Introduction to Algae: An online asynchronous course
• HWST 155 Na Limu Hawai‘i: In-person and hands-on
• HWST 155L Na Limu Hawai‘i Lab: In-person and hands-on

"These classes are a wonderful opportunity for students and community members to learn more about the importance of limu in Hawai'i. For those thinking about a career in agriculture or biomanufacturing, these classes are a great place to start. Our partnership with the Waikalua Loko fishpond, where limu is already being grown, is a bonus for students wanting coursework that combines Hawaiian traditional knowledge, ecological sustainability, and food production," said Jolie Dollar, Limu Center coordinator and instructor.

Tuition-Free Education

Thanks to generous grants from the National Science Foundation’s Tribal Colleges and Universities Program (TCUP) and Carl D. Perkins Strengthening Career and Technical Education, all classes within the Limu Culture CA program are tuition-free. A tuition waiver will be automatically applied once students register for the Limu Culture classes. Students must apply to Windward CC and receive an acceptance email before registering.

For more details about the Limu Culture pathway, please contact Limu Center Coordinator and Instructor Jolie Dollar at (808) 236-9245 or jolied@hawaii.edu.

*Based on an Algae Technology Education Consortium survey

For more information, visit: https://windward.hawaii.edu/programs-of-study/agripharmatech/