Free College Credit in Sustainability for HS Students

PAAC News Release

This summer, 30 Hawaii public high school students have the opportunity to earn college credit for free through an online course focusing on sustainability and the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Students will examine a broad spectrum of social, environmental, and economic concerns that all nations must confront in the face of issues such as climate change, hunger, and poverty. Special attention will be paid to how these issues impact Hawaii.

Molokai students are invited to apply, as this is a fully online course.

The course is offered by the Pacific and Asian Affairs Council (PAAC) and the College of Hawaiian Language (Ka Haka ʻUla O Keʻelikolani and ʻImiloa Center) at the University of Hawaii at Hilo. Thanks to the generous support of the Mamoru and Aiko Takitani Foundation, this opportunity is offered at no cost to students.

Students who complete the seven-week summer course will not only earn college credit but also be supported in seeking social studies credit through their high schools.

The course will include interactive activities, discussion groups, independent research, and guest speaker sessions. Students in the spring semester cohort reflected that the unique structure and content of the class has helped them stay motivated and curious in an otherwise challenging school year.

One student who took this course in the spring said, “This class is exceeding my expectations. It’s unlike many traditional classes because it encourages student thinking and discussion about relevant topics and events. I feel more politically, environmental, and socially aware as a result of participating in this class.”

Applications are due by midnight on Friday, April 16. For more information on eligibility, learning outcomes, course structure, and to apply, visit paachawaii.org/SDGC.

To be eligible, students must be current sophomores, juniors, or seniors attending a public high school in Hawaii. Private, charter and homeschooled students are not eligible at this time.