Student voice has been severely lacking from Hawaii’s education conversation. Through our student advocacy program, HawaiiKidsCAN strives to empower students to more fully participate in the decisions being made regarding their education. Students are the first-hand recipients of our education system.
We are working to make connections and empower student voice in all educational settings, from traditional public schools to charter schools to after-school programing. We know there are many opportunities to teach students the ways in which to advocate for the issues that are most important to them. As the Hawaii Department of Education has said in its new strategic plan, family and community engagement are critical to the success of our students.
It's this belief that guides our program. We will teach and support students as they become advocates for their education and are able to develop the skill of advocacy as they become fully engaged citizens. Because we believe all Hawaii kids can.
Want to get involved? Sign up now to volunteer as a mentor or refer a student to the program. We can't do this work without you!