HCAP WEEKLY July 13, 2026

Art as Expression and Discovery for Head Start Keiki

Head Start children learned about art through discovery and expression. While some practiced creating different art projects, others explored the interactive Children’s Discovery Center. The children’s imagination took flight as they painted picture frames and interacted with a replica of an auto shop. These activities and experiences encourage children to express their creativity and imagination in a multitude of ways. They also strengthen children’s ability to make real-world connections, build conceptual thinking and foster fine motor and gross motor development.

Click here to learn more about Head Start.

Windward Client Accomplishes CDL Courses Through Nā Lima Hana

HCAP’s Windward District Service Center had the pleasure of assisting Keith, who has recently obtained his Certified Driver’s License (CDL) with Hoapili Trucking dba Professional Driving Academy. Keith was referred to HCAP by Hoapili Trucking to assist him with his tuition costs. He expressed to Windward District staff that he was struggling financially, but wanted to obtain his CDL in order to become self-sustainable and have a career he could be proud of.

Windward District staff directed Keith to HCAP’s Nā Lima Hana Employment Core Services (ECS) program, where staff assisted Keith with completing a full Centralized Intake, Job Readiness Training, and an Individual Service Plan. Keith was approved quickly for Nā Lima Hana’s tuition assistance.  

Staff continued to follow up with Keith and Hoapili Trucking to ensure that Keith was staying on track and receiving the proper services needed to succeed in his journey. Since obtaining his CDL certification, the doors for amazing career opportunities have opened for Keith. 

Throughout the years there has been an increase in individuals seeking vocational training certifications. With CDL drivers being in high demand, the Nā Lima Hana ECS program has had a long running and successful partnership with Hoapili Trucking dba Professional Driving Academy. With this partnership, the ECS Program has been able to support a plethora of clients in obtaining their CDL Certification through tuition assistance. It is with amazing partnerships like this, that HCAP’s ECS program is able to uplift community members.

Click here to learn more about Nā Lima Hana.

Summer FIRST LEGO League Preparation with STEM Students

For the month of June, HCAP’s Hā Initiative: Creative STEM After-School Program has had the opportunity to run a special LEGO robotics summer program. Focusing on FIRST LEGO League’s (FLL) Challenge Competition, this intensive one-month program teaches students to build and program Spike Lego robots to complete a series of missions themed around the study of archaeology while maintaining the core values vital to technical group work.

The goal of this program is to show students the rules, processes, and structure of the FLL Challenge Competition in order to prepare them for the season next year. FIRST Robotics teaches students hands-on engineering, programming, and robotics skills from elementary through high school and has been instrumental in helping local students pursue careers in technology.

The nine students and two coaches have researched the field of archaeology, focusing on specific issues. The students will come up with a solution to one of these issues, presenting it to a panel of parents and technical professionals. The students will also participate in a mock-competition, with their robot completing missions and earning as many points as it can during the robot game. Afterward, the students will use the engineering design process to explain how they built their robot, programmed it, tested it, and implemented changes to improve on iterations.

While the compressed nature of the summer schedule has been intense, STEM students have remained cool under pressure, flying through research, programming, and building tasks. This enrichment program has been extremely educational for everyone and a lot of fun!

Click here to learn more about Hā Initiative.