In order to meet the growing demand for environmental education in public schools on Oʻahu, Kupu created the Environmental Education Leadership Development Program. Program participants are college graduates, ages 21 and over, with various academic backgrounds that prepare them to engage young students in activities relating to the natural world. They are placed at one more more schools to provide innovative ways to inspire students’ curiosity about Hawaiʻi’s natural and cultural resources. Across the island, participants have helped implement school gardens, arranged volunteer groups and recycling programs, built aquaponics/hydroponics systems, provided support for outdoor field trips, created curricula to increase scientific exploration and environmental literacy, and connected youth to mentorship possibilities through a State-led forest restoration program. Participants also receive a living allowance and an AmeriCorps education award upon program completion.
The Environmental Education Leadership Development Program is aimed towards engaging students and the community in stimulating, educational and hands-on activities and curriculum that will broaden their knowledge of conservation and sustainability, encourage community service, and help to inspire the beginning of higher education and a career in natural resource management.
Positions are available with select Oʻahu schools on a need basis. Participants will have the potential to work on a wide array of projects with multiple schools and classes in the areas of natural resource management, environmental sciences, and sustainability.
September 2018 – August 2019
June 29, 2017
Environmental Education Leaders work with select Oʻahu, Department of Education schools on a school-need basis. This will mutually benefit the youth in our programs as they gain vocational training, professional development skills and a lifelong network of peers and mentors in the green workforce. If you are a school teacher or administrator interested in having one of our participants assist with your school’s environmental activities and curriculum, we would love to partner with you.
Opportunities and/or projects fit for college-graduates that will aid your school's environmental and sustainability goals
Interested schools may inquire and discuss the perspective Environmental Education Leader position including curriculum and appropriate projects.
A “Project Team” which may consist of only one dedicated supervisor, will be responsible for assigning tasks, accepting deliverables, and providing feedback to the participant
Kupu conducts the application, recruiting, and selection process.
After the initial orientation, participants begin their work at their assigned school(s)