Fifteen seniors from Pearl City High School’s IBAD academy had the chance to participate in a unique program offered by Leeward Community College. This program allowed them to take college classes that would lead to a management certificate. As part of the program, they established the HawaiiUSA Federal Credit Union Student-Operated Credit Union, where they handled deposits and opened accounts for both staff and students at Pearl City High School.
One student, Jordyn Shibata, shared how the program had a significant impact on her life. She mentioned that it pushed her beyond her comfort zone, challenging her to explore new ideas and experiences. This newfound confidence has made her feel more prepared to face any challenges that come her way in the future.
The focus of the program was not just on Early College opportunities but also helping students earn CTE honors and prepare them for potential business majors at UH Mānoa or UH West Oʻahu. Daphne Okunaga, the lead teacher for IBAD, emphasized this point while expressing admiration for the students’ dedication to their education. Syreeta Washington, the Early College counselor at Leeward CC, also expressed admiration for the students and emphasized that their success was a result of strong collaborations and a shared commitment to supporting student success. The program received support from Hawaiʻi P–20 and a grant from the Stupski Foundation.
