Our Mission

The Kapiʻolani Community College STEM Program’s objective is to improve the quality of education in the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) to inspire students to pursue careers in the STEM disciplines. To support student success, the STEM Program provides a sense of place and facilitates learning opportunities and engagement in research experiences. Through preparing students to transfer to four-year institutions in STEM and providing workforce skills development, the STEM Program fosters individual achievement and lifelong learning.

Program Goals

The Kapiʻolani Community College STEM Program aims to:
  • Provide students with effective undergraduate research experiences and access to internship opportunities, facilitating student engagement with the STEM community locally and nationally
  • Nurture student growth, achievement, and professional development through the STEM Center ʻImi Naʻauao Peer Mentor Program
  • Engage in active community outreach to provide a clear pathway to four-year institutions in STEM
  • Cultivate Native Hawaiian and underrepresented minority students’ involvement in STEM
  • Graduate students with certificates and an Associate in Science in Natural Science (ASNS) two-year degree, leading to transfer into four-year institutions in STEM

"Ma ka hana, ka 'ike"

Through doing, One learns.

- Puku'i, 1983

“I ulu no ka lala i ke kumu.”

Without the support of the family,
we could not thrive.

- Pukuʻi, 1983