How does YEAH relate to the Hawaii Energy Study?
Kupu is a partner in the Hawaii Energy Study.  A first of its  kind assessment of Hawaii energy consumption and audit for energy conservation and best practices recommendations.  We are Blue Planet Foundation, Kupu Hawaii, and Kanu Hawaii, three Hawaii-based nonprofits dedicated to changing our communities for the better. This study is an initiative supported by the City and County of Honolulu, and made possible by generous assistance from organizations like Hawaii Energy, HECO, and the EPA.

Become a trainer – Certified Energy Auditors can apply to be trainers for YEAH programs. YEAH members can be potential apprentices learning important energy and water conservation techniques through your mentorship. To send a proposal and quote to become a trainer please contact us at (808) 735-1221 ext. 1015.

Q. What will I gain from the YEAH program experience?
A. The YEAH Program is designed to provide members with the opportunity to:

• Make a real contribution to sustainability-related work;
• Learn useful skills relevant to Hawaii’s green job sector, such as energy auditing;
• Learn more about conservation, and energy issues facing Hawaii;
• Create professional networking;
• Gain transferrable skill sets that will be useful for any job;
• Gain hands-on career experience in sustainability sector;
• Work alongside premiere energy conservationists;
• Learn about water conservation and sustainability practices;
• Gain broad awareness for local sustainability issues and solutions in Hawaii;
• Paid position employment;
• Participate in vocational training aimed at latest energy auditing basic techniques. Including:

~ Lighting       ~ Plug load       ~ Renewable energy        ~ Temperature

Q. I am not a high school graduate. May I apply for a YEAH program position?
A. YES. All eligible 16-24 year olds may apply for a YEAH program position so long as they have a sincere interest in energy conservation and green job training opportunities, and have all current and proper paperwork to be working in the U.S.

Q. Are YEAH participants able to earn college credits for their internship?
A. Not necessarily, YEAH members can earn paid wage for their completion of energy audits.

Q. What will my schedule be like as a YEAH participant?
A. Most YEAH positions offered through Kupu will consist of a 4-8 hour introduction to energy auditing orientation, a weeklong energy assessment/auditing training (Monday-Friday, 8-5), and 4-19 hour/per/week commitments to issue energy audits with some hours falling on weekends. Members will need to have at least 8 hours available during these times throughout the entire program.

Q. Is an automobile required for the program?
A. The members will be responsible for their own transportation to training locations and staging point(s). Transportation will be provided from staging point(s) to home energy audit locations and back to staging area. Currently, staging area is in Kaka’ako and is accessible by TheBus.

Q. Is there an age requirement to participate in the YEAH Program?
A. YES! Due to funding restrictions, YEAH member assessors are preferred to be 16-24 years old and the Field Supervisor is preferred to be 21 years or older.

Q. The application requires a cover letter or writing sample. Is there a subject matter that the writing should be on?
A. The only requirement for the cover letter or writing sample is that it be between 1-3 pages in length and (of course) that it be your own original work. Other than that– it’s up to you! It is beneficial if the information relates to the position and demonstrates your knowledge in the subject matter relating to the position, however it’s not required. You’ll want to submit anything that showcases that you can communicate through writing. This is the usual protocol for whenever a writing sample is requested for a job application and a subject matter is not specified.

Q. I am interested in participating in YEAH while continuing my HYCC program commitments. Is this an option?
A. Applicants are encouraged to apply to the YEAH Program assuming they can continue to fulfill their responsibilities and commitments with HYCC. The YEAH Program would qualify as a second job. If you’re interested in and qualified for YEAH Program participation, please explain how you plan to balance your HYCC commitments while participating in YEAH.

Q. How do I apply?
A. Please visit Apply Now. Please read through the position description, and scroll down for application instructions. YEAH will be accepting applications until further notice.

Q. Are these positions paid?
A. Yes, those who are brought onto YEAH will earn a paid hourly wage for their  completion of energy audits, following a thorough orientation and training.

Q. Is there a cost to the program?
A. No, YEAH program is free to all members that complete the program.

Q. What Islands have YEAH program positions?
A. Only Oahu currently has YEAH program positions available. It’s staging area is based in Kakaako and is only open to young adults who have housing and transportation on Oahu.

Q. Do you provide housing and transportation?
A. Housing is not provided. Ground transportation is provided during working hours and for home energy audits; however, YEAH program members must arrange for their own transportation to and from the staging area (usually – Kupu’s Kewalo Basin facility) as scheduled.

Q. Do you provide daily meals?
A. YEAH members must bring their own lunch every day unless noted by an open lunch hour on their schedules.

Q. If I applied to other Kupu programs before, can I apply again?
A. Yes, we encourage those to reapply if they were not selected the first time they applied.

Q. Are there other volunteer opportunities?
A. Kupu offers volunteer opportunities periodically; please call or email us at yeahprogram@kupuhawaii.org to learn more.

Q. May I get a classroom visit or a speaker to come to my school/program/agency?
A. Yes, please call the Kupu office at (808) 735-1221 ext. 1015 to schedule a class visit.

Give – Donate to Kupu programs!

Share - Let others know about Youth Energy Assessment Hawaii (YEAH), Hawaii Energy Study and the good work being done.
What if I have more questions?
Yes, Please visit us at our website, www.kupuhawaii.org or contact us directly at (808) 735-1221 ext. 1015