Experiential spring intersession programs for high school students offer opportunities to engage with ‘āina

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KAMUELA, Hawai‘i—February 20, 2018—The Kohala Center is offering two outdoor-education programs for Hawai‘i Island high school students during the public school spring intersession, March 19 through 23. Participants who successfully complete the weeklong programs are eligible to receive a $125 to $250 stipend in the form of a VISA gift card to commend their dedication to natural resource college, career, and community pathways.
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FoodCorps recruitment for 2018–2019 school year begins

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KAMUELA, Hawai‘i—January 11, 2018—The national FoodCorps program is currently accepting applications from emerging food justice leaders for the 2018–2019 school year. Service member positions will be available on Hawai‘i Island, as well as in communities in 16 states in the continental U.S. and the District of Columbia.

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Beginning Farmer-Rancher Development Program seeks new farmers

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KAMUELA, Hawai‘i—January 2, 2018—The Kohala Center will offer its eighth Beginning Farmer-Rancher Development Program starting on Saturday, January 13 in Honoka‘a. Hawai‘i Island residents interested in learning what it takes to be a successful farmer or rancher are encouraged to apply for the nine-month course.
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New website offers “local seeds for local needs”

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KAMUELA, Hawai‘i—December 7, 2017—Small-scale farmers and home gardeners in Hawai‘i now have an additional option for purchasing locally produced seeds.

The Hawai‘i Seed Growers Network (HSGN), a statewide group of seed producers organized and supported by The Kohala Center’s Hawai‘i Public Seed Initiative program, officially launched its online store on December 4. Customers can pre-order 2018 seed varieties at hawaiiseedgrowersnetwork.com/shop, with orders shipping in late December. HSGN currently offers locally adapted, selectively bred seeds including beans, flowers, fruits, greens, herbs, and peppers.

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SBA Awards $5 Million in PRIME Grants to Help Emerging Micro-entrepreneurs Gain Access to Capital

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September 7, 2017—Thirty-four community-based organizations across the United States that provide assistance to disadvantaged entrepreneurs are set to receive a combined $5 million in grants from the U.S. Small Business Administration’s Program for Investment in Micro-Entrepreneurs (PRIME). These organizations help low-income entrepreneurs gain access to capital to establish and expand their small businesses.
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The Kohala Center awards two Hawaiian Scholars Doctoral Fellowships

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KAMUELA, Hawai‘i—August 28, 2017—Two Native Hawaiian scholars pursuing their doctoral degrees at the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa have been awarded fellowships by The Kohala Center, a Hawai‘i Island-based nonprofit focused on research, conservation, and education.

Narrissa P. Spies, who is pursuing a doctorate in zoology, and Lelemia Irvine, a doctoral candidate in civil and environmental engineering, will each receive $45,000 and mentorship through the fellowship program to enable them to focus on completing and defending their dissertations during the 2017–2018 academic year.

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GoFarm Hawai‘i seeks aspiring Hawai‘i Island farmers

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KAMUELA, Hawai‘i—August 15, 2017—The Kohala Center will once again serve as the host site for the second Hawai‘i Island cohort of the state’s largest farmer training program.

GoFarm Hawai‘i @ The Kohala Center will offer students classroom instruction, tours of local farms, and hands-on experience in small-scale farming with support from UH College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources (CTAHR). Sponsored in part by United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Ulupono Initiative, Kamehameha Schools, and Hawaii Department of Agriculture, the program is divided into three phases starting with an AgCurious introductory informational session, followed by four AgXposure site visits. AgXposure participants may then apply to AgSchool, an intensive, hands-on, five-month farmer training program.

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The Kohala Center announces new president and chief executive officer

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KAMUELA, Hawai‘i—June 9, 2017—The Kohala Center announced the appointment of Cheryl Ka‘uhane Lupenui as its new president and chief executive officer, effective July 3, 2017.

“Cheryl Ka‘uhane Lupenui brings strong leadership skills, depth and breadth of work experience, and impressive team-building experience to The Kohala Center,” said Roberta Chu, chairperson of The Center’s board of directors. “It became very clear during the selection process that The Center and its management team would continue to develop and flourish under her leadership. Her thoughtfulness, energy, and enthusiasm are inspiring and will propel our efforts to new heights.”

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Native Hawaiian academic fellowship program accepting applications

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KAMUELA, Hawai‘i—May 22, 2017—The Hawaiian Scholars Doctoral Fellowship Program is now accepting applications for the 2017–18 academic year. More information and application materials are available online at https://kohalacenter.org/hawaiian-fellowship. The application deadline is June 26, 2017.
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Teachers encouraged to apply for outdoor science professional development program

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KAMUELA, Hawai‘i—May 11, 2017—Hawai‘i teachers and their students will have opportunities this year to leave the classroom and study firsthand the island’s ahupua‘a, or traditional Hawaiian mountain-to-sea land divisions.
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