Students from Kapolei and Radford High Schools got a firsthand look at careers in public health and social work during a visit to the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa Thompson School of Social Work & Public Health.
The students toured campus, met with faculty and students, and learned about academic and career pathways. Organizers said the initiative helps address workforce shortages in public health and social work by introducing students to career pathways that are often less familiar than other health professions.
Kapolei students Alina Follante-Makekau and Faith Madison Antonio, members of the Chamber of Commerce Hawaiʻi Student Advisory Board, helped organize the visit through their school’s Career and Technical Education pathway and the chamber’s workforce development program, with support from Sophia Wibholm, the chamber’s associate director of education.
“This event was so fun and can definitely serve as a model for how we regularly engage our local high school students,” said Yuka Polovina, a faculty member in the Department of Public Health Sciences. “I was so impressed with the organization and professionalism of the students—they came prepared with insightful questions about what it’s like to be in public health and social work.”
“These opportunities to engage high school students with college opportunities ground us in why we became educators—to broaden perspectives and help students see themselves in careers they may not have considered,” said Courtney Suma, Kapolei High School Career Academy Coordinator. “More importantly, in collaboration with our Chamber of Commerce partner and the UH, they support our community’s need for a strong, prepared workforce in public health and social work.”
Expanding opportunities
The program is expected to expand to additional schools, with another visit planned in fall 2026. Educators interested in organizing a tour may contact Wendy Lum at swhub@hawaii.edu.
