College-prep program garners applause

A year-round career guidance and college-preparatory program that Kamehameha Schools runs for high school students outside of its three campuses is being recognized today with a national counseling award.

The Kamehameha Scholars program served more than 700 students last school year — students from most of the state’s public, private and charter schools as well as home-schooled students.

The education trust launched the program in 2003 as part of its efforts to serve more Native Hawaiian youth. Only 14 percent of Native Hawaiians who graduate from high school go on to complete a postsecondary degree, according to data in Kamehameha Schools’ strategic plan.

The scholars program aims to help students match their skills and interests with colleges and career options.

Among the program’s goals are increasing on-time high school graduation and postsecondary enrollment rates, and boosting college aspirations and readiness. Workshops and counseling activities are held during nonschool times — weekends, evenings and school breaks — throughout the year.

Data show students who go through the program, which gives preference to Native Hawaiian students, graduate from high school on time at a higher rate than their Native Hawaiian peers — 100 percent compared with 72 percent — and are accepted into college at a high rate: 96 percent of scholars were accepted into a postsecondary institution last year.

“With these outcomes we believe Hawaii will produce even more local and global leaders. It’s what drives our investment in this program,” said Waialeale Sarsona, managing director of Kuamahi Community Education, a division within Kamehameha Schools’ Community Engagement and Resources Group.

The program will be recognized today by the American School Counselor Association, which for the first time is awarding a community education program — rather than a school — with its Recognized ASCA Model Program designation at the organization’s annual conference in Denver. The designation recognizes efforts that are committed to delivering “a comprehensive, data-­driven school counseling program and an exemplary educational environment.” Some 650 schools nationwide already carry the designation, including two public schools in Hawaii.

“As a data-driven program, Kamehameha Scholars uses data that helps us continue to evolve as an effective school counseling program. We see where our students need additional services and where they are surpassing their goals,” said Lovina Hudson, Kamehameha Scholars program manager.

The program is staffed by 10 counselors and serves students on Hawaii island, Oahu, Maui and Kauai. Students are accepted through an open enrollment process, with selection done by lottery due to high interest. There is an initial $50 fee, which can be waived, upon entrance to the program.

For more information, see apps.ksbe.edu/kscholars.