HCAP WEEKLY July 6, 2026

Kalihi STEM Celebrates Graduating Students and Last Day of School

Last month, students across Hā Initiative: Creative STEM After-School Program celebrated the end of another incredible year with a very special graduation ceremony.

Students came dressed in their best attire and proudly showcased their talents through singing, dancing, and a heartfelt performance of Hawaiʻi’s state song, “Hawaiʻi Ponoʻī.” The celebration reflected not only their achievements but also the strong sense of community they have built together throughout the year. This year’s graduation was especially meaningful as the program celebrated three remarkable students who have been part of the Hā Initiative from grade 2 through grade 5, completing the program in its entirety.

Erica, Calum, and Do Uyen from Kalihi STEM Exploration Center each graduated with honors and have left a lasting impact on the program. Throughout their years in STEM, they consistently demonstrated curiosity, creativity, leadership, and a genuine passion for learning. Whether they were designing projects, conducting STEM experiments, building LEGO creations, or tackling engineering challenges, they approached every activity with enthusiasm and determination.

Calum served as Kaʻiulani Elementary’s school and class president, while Erica proudly represented her classmates as vice president. Together, they helped foster a positive, supportive, and welcoming classroom environment. For the past two years, Calum and Do Uyen were dedicated members of the HCAP robotics team, demonstrating teamwork, perseverance, and innovative thinking while representing the STEM program. All three students also participated in the school’s speech program, where they developed their skills in poetry and spoken word. Their graduation speeches were thoughtful, inspiring, and a true reflection of the confidence and growth they have achieved over the years.

Their STEM teacher, Mindy shared, “Watching Erica, Calum, and Do Uyen grow, mature, and flourish over the past three years has been one of the most rewarding experiences. They have each contributed something unique to our program, and their kindness, artistic talents, creativity, and eagerness to embrace every STEM challenge have inspired both their classmates and teachers alike. Although we will miss seeing them in our classroom each day, we are excited that all three hope to return in the coming years as volunteers for our STEM and LEGO programs. We know they will continue to inspire the next generation of young innovators.”

To all the STEM graduates, thank you for the joy, laughter, curiosity, and dedication you brought to our Hā Initiative family. We are so proud of everything you have accomplished and cannot wait to see all that you achieve in middle school, high school, and beyond. We wish you all the very best and send you our warmest aloha as you begin this exciting new chapter. Once a member of our STEM ʻohana, always a member of our STEM ʻohana. Congratulations, graduates!

Click here to learn more about Hā Initiative.

Leahi Client Receives Nurse Aide Certification with Tuition Assistance from Nā Lima Hana

When Princess first arrived at HCAP’s Leahi District Service Center, she shared her goal of pursuing a career in healthcare by becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA). Although she was motivated to succeed, completing the certification program required financial assistance and ongoing support. That’s when Leahi staff recommended the Nā Lima Hana Employment Core Services (ECS) Program as a resource to help get her started on her journey into healthcare.

After being approved for tuition assistance, she was able to enroll in the Nurse Aide program at Hawaii Medical College (HMC) and complete her classes without worrying about the financial cost. Through ECS, Princess was also able to build her skills with Job Readiness Training and receive transportation assistance to help her attend her classes at HMC.

HCAP is proud to share that Princess successfully completed the CNA program in March 2026. She shared that earning her CNA certificate is an accomplishment she is truly proud of and expressed that she would not have been able to achieve it without the support provided by the program. Princess expressed her gratitude to HCAP for believing in her and investing in her future.

“HCAP’s support made it possible for me to pursue this opportunity and take a step toward my future in healthcare. This experience has not only strengthened my skills and knowledge but has also deepened my passion [of] caring for others,” Princess shared.

With a certification now in hand, she is excited to begin the next chapter of her journey by seeking employment as a CNA. She looks forward to applying the skills, knowledge, and hands-on training she gained through her education to provide compassionate, quality care to those in need.

HCAP congratulates Princess on the achievement and wishes her continued success as she embarks on her healthcare career.  

Click here to learn more about Nā Lima Hana.

Head Start Keiki Study Animals at Sweetland Goat Farm

Head Start children concluded their animal study with a field trip to Sweetland Goat Farm. After learning about a variety of mammals and insects in the classroom, the children had the opportunity to observe butterflies and interact with goats while making meaningful connections between their classroom learning and the world around them. As they explored the farm, children learned about the animals’ unique characteristics, habitats, diets, and the important role they play within their community. Teachers encouraged children to ask questions, make observations, and share what they had learned throughout the study. Experiences such as these help foster curiosity, strengthen science inquiry skills, and encourage an appreciation for nature and other living things while supporting children’s overall learning and development.

Click here to learn more about Head Start.