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.
Kupu Kokua Camp registration is LIVE!!! 
This program is for ages 12-17 year old youth.
Cost: $200 per week, with 50% scholarship for qualified applicants.
Spring Session: March 18th – 22nd
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.
Position Information:
Positions are available with select Oʻahu schools on a need basis. Participants will have the potential to contribute to a wide array of projects with multiple schools and classes in the areas of natural resource management, environmental sciences, and sustainability.
Program Dates:
September 2019 – August 2020 (exact start and end dates TBD)
Application Priority Deadline:
The priority deadline for applications to be submitted in full (including references) is July 1, 2019.
Applicant Requirements:
- Be at least 21 years of age by (date TBD)
- Have own housing and transportation
- Pass a criminal history check/driving history check/drug test
- Excellent organizational, written and interpersonal skills to effectively communicate with varied audiences
- Ability to manage and mentor groups of students
- Bachelor’s Degree in Education, Ecology, Botany, Biology, Zoology, Natural Resources and Environmental Management, Forestry, Hawaiian Studies or closely related field
- 1-2 years related work experience in education, natural resource management
- Earn up to a $1,600 monthly living allowance (subject to taxes) and a $6,095 Education Award (similar to a scholarship) towards higher education
- Opportunity for interest earned on certain educational loans (during the program term) to be paid for by AmeriCorps
- Complete over 1700 hours of environmental community service
- Health care and childcare benefits (if eligible)
- Receive hands-on environmental education, leadership training, CPR/1st Aid training, and valuable life skills
- Network with mentors in the conservation and education fields
- Serve as a positive role model and mentor to youth
- Help protect Hawaii’s natural resources and make a positive impact in your community!
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- Complete the Online Application
Please read ALL instructions and answer questions to the best of your ability. Application must be received by the deadline. - Submit 2 Letters of Recommendation
Applicants must have two letters of recommendation by the deadline. References must be non-relatives.
- Complete the Online Application
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.
Become a Host School
Opportunities & Projects
Opportunities and/or projects fit for college-graduates that will aid your school's environmental and sustainability goals
Discussion
Interested schools may inquire and discuss the perspective Environmental Education Leader position including curriculum and appropriate projects.
Project Team
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
Recruiting
Kupu conducts the application, recruiting, and selection process.
Orientation
After the initial orientation, participants begin their work at their assigned school(s)