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University of Hawaii at Hilo
495 Wailoa Street
Hilo , HI 96720
Phone: (808) 933-0621
Fax: (808) 933-0621
E-mail: whamane@hotmail.com
Title: Lanakila Learning Center (LLC)
Project Director: Wendy Hamane
Project Amount Funded (FY 2006): $250,000
Target Population: Native Hawaiian Youth, Grade 10
The Lankila Learning Center provides alternative education opportunities for 25 10 th graders at Hilo High School who are identified as being at-risk of dropping out. Numerous community organizations partner with the Lankila Learning Center including the Hilo High School , Ke Ala Pono Recovery Center, and the Big Island Martial Arts Academy . The curriculum is student centered and capitalizes on their interests, needs, and learning styles and revolves around four primary areas: academic enrichment, personal development and wellness, cultural enrichment, and career development. Academic programming takes places every weekday after school and includes language arts, math, science (river, earth, and marine science), science and technology, a mandatory study hall (emphasizing self discipline and study skills) and individual tutoring/counseling. As part of the personal development and wellness curriculum, students take part in a wellness class that promotes healthy lifestyle choices in addition to courses on substance abuse prevention/intervention, alternatives to violence, social skills training, and smoking cessation. The cultural enrichment curriculum gives students the opportunity to learn about Hawaiin origin, history, and culture. Students are involved in such activities as La'au Lapa'au (native medicinal plants and uses), Hale (traditional Hawaiian house) Building, and Hula Mele (song) Instruction. The career development component gives students the opportunity to participate in self-awareness exercises to explore how their unique interests and skills may be better suited to particular career pathways. Community service and work study are key aspects of the learning center and students take part in community service events that deal with natural resource management, providing support services to the homeless, and preparing healthy snacks and recipes for elderly residents in an assisted living home. A six-week summer internship/enrichment program is conducted in partnership with Alu Like, a local native Hawaiian youth-serving organization. Parents of student participants are required to attend a number of meetings and parental focus groups as well as several program activities. University students assist the program with mentoring, class presentations, study hall work, and field work supervision.