Hawaii Youth Sustainability Challenge (HYSC)

Six students posing for a group photo with their floating data collection contraption on the shoreline.

A program of Kupu and Kōkua Hawaiʻi Foundation, the Hawaiʻi Youth Sustainability Challenge (HYSC) empowered Hawaiʻi youth to create solutions to conservation and sustainability challenges in their schools and communities. The solutions to the challenges—either identified by the students themselves or inspired by community partners—were student-driven. Selected students were in grades 9-12 and received funding (up to $1,000), guidance, and training to support their innovative and grassroots environmental initiatives. Exemplary student teams were selected to present at the annual Hawaiʻi Conservation Conference.

Two female students planting new plants in a garden bed.

"The knowledge I've been given during this program is so valuable to me, and I will use it to continue to lead projects like this and strive for my goal of restoring my home." — Hiʻilani, Kapolei High School

Kupu participant takes a selfie with a student group working on trail maintenance in a forest.
Student holding invasive algae in shallow coastline.
Four students collaborating to build a floating data collection contraption.
Three students in a laboratory, wearing safety goggles, pouring oil into a bowl as part of an experiment.

2023-2024 Report

HYSC Cohort Reports

2022-2023 Report

2021-2022 Report

2020-2021 Report

2019-2020 Report


The Hawaiʻi Youth Sustainability Challenge would not have been possible without the support from:

ALOHA | Hawaii USA Federal Credit Union | Public Schools of Hawaiʻi Foundation

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2024-2025 Report