The ongoing impact of the COVID-19 pandemic continues to challenge Hawai‘i’s high school seniors’ in their final high school year. The University of Hawai‘i Community Colleges (UHCC) and Hawai‘i P-20 Partnerships for Education, together with community partners supported this year’s Class of 2021 Hawai‘i public high school graduates by providing them the necessary advising and guidance in planning for their futures.
Wondering about next steps after graduation?
Text “nextsteps” to 808-437-2719
or sign up at nextsteps.hawaii.edu!
Next Steps To Your Future
The “Next Steps to Your Future” program aimed to serve graduating Hawai‘i public high school seniors in transitioning to post-high plans for college and career. The initiative connected soon-to-be-graduates to postsecondary education, training and or employment through:
Summer Advising Initiative
The summer advising initiative, led by Hawai‘i P-20 and Nudge Solutions, connected graduating high school seniors with Next Steps Advisors to provide customized advising and “nudges” to help them make informed decisions and take actionable steps towards achieving their post-high plans. Advisors supported students through their summer transition towards college and career, including messages through an interactive texting campaign.
UHCC Exploration Classes
Free online classes supported students’ transition with career-themed exploration classes to explore career options and discover the education and training needed to reach their goals. Classes also prepared students to complete a math placement test and onboard students to complete fall semester registration. Click here for more information on the classes.
Next Step Scholarship
In addition, to financially support students in their postsecondary journey, participating students were eligible for a Next Steps scholarship to attend a UH campus in Fall 2021. More than 689 Next Steps participants were awarded scholarships provided by generous funders including: Central Pacific Bank Foundation, Chenter Foundation, Kamehameha Schools, UH Alumni Association, and various individual donors.
Supporters
Next Steps to Your Future 2021 was generously supported by Harold K. L. Castle Foundation, the Stupski Foundation, GEAR UP Hawai‘i, and federal CARES funding awarded to UH. Next Steps Scholarships was generously provided by Central Pacific Bank Foundation, Chenter Foundation, Kamehameha Schools, UH Alumni Association, and various individual donors.
“Our graduating seniors have spent the majority of their final year learning from home. We will provide these students with one-on-one personalized advising and counseling support over the summer so they can successfully and seamlessly transition to their post high school plans.”