HPU'S HO'OKO RISING SCHOLARS PROGRAM EXPANDS ITS IMPACT IN YEAR TWO

HPU’s Ho‘oko Rising Scholars Program has entered its second year and continues to shape the future of students who are ready to rise above challenges and fulfill their potential. The program is notable for its support to students from underrepresented and under-resourced backgrounds, ensuring they have the resources to thrive academically, personally, and professionally. 

The word “Ho‘oko” is rooted in the Hawaiian word “kō,” meaning “to fulfill”— and this is exactly what the program stands for: helping students fulfill their dreams, aspirations, and academic goals. With its mix of personalized coaching, hands-on tutoring, and access to essential career development tools, Ho‘oko is more than an academic program. It’s a launchpad for academic and personal success. 

For Kaena Agabin, a psychology major from Waiʻanae, Hawaiʻi, Ho‘oko is where community and opportunity meet. “It’s about finding people who share your goals, who are working together to build each other up,” he said. Agabin’s passion for mental health awareness has led her to propose future leadership opportunities within the program, like helping high school students navigate their own well-being during their educational journeys.

Isabella Salgado, a psychology major and student-athlete on the HPU volleyball team, is from Long Beach, California, and found the program’s flexibility to be a game changer. “It’s more than an academic support system — it’s about having someone to talk to when life and school start to pile up,” she shared. For Salgado, Ho‘oko has given her the space to balance the schedules of college athletics and classes with a personal support system to ensure she succeeds each step of the way.

Both Agabin and Salgado highlighted how the program creates a sense of home, especially for students far from their families. “It’s like having a second family at HPU,” Salgado said. With Ho‘oko’s focus on mental health, students know they are not navigating college life alone, making it easier to stay grounded despite the pressures of academic life.  

One of Ho‘oko’s most exciting developments in 2024 is the introduction of free certifications that open doors for students in a variety of majors. Whether it’s earning scuba diving certifications, getting CPR certified, or exploring social media marketing through Coursera Career Academy, these opportunities help students build the skills they need to succeed early in their careers—without worrying about additional costs. 

For marine science majors, the scuba certification is an asset for ocean research and diving — abilities that will set them apart in their future careers. For nursing majors, Ho‘oko’s support extends to preparation for the TEAS (Test of Essential Academic Skills), giving them the resources they need to succeed in their programs. 

“The best part of the program is that it’s not just academic,” said Adam Clark, Ph.D., Director of the Ho‘oko Rising Scholars Program. “We’re giving students the chance to create their own paths by equipping them with the right tools and certifications.” With 110 students currently enrolled, the program is growing, and plans for future expansion are already in the works. 

Ho‘oko’s approach is holistic, supporting students in every part of their academic journeys. From financial literacy workshops to career planning sessions, the program ensures students are prepared for life beyond graduation. Students often praise the program’s tutors, who go above and beyond by helping with assignments and ensuring they are managing their time wisely. 

HPU faculty member Julian Bukalski, Ph.D., who teaches English in the program, emphasized how much students grow in their first year. “From day one, students come in with passion, and by the end of the semester, they leave with the tools to succeed. It’s wonderful,” he shared. 

Bukalski also emphasized the critical role of the mental health support system in the program. “Ho‘oko doesn’t just focus on academics. It focuses on students as a whole, ensuring they have the emotional and mental resources to succeed in life,” he said. The program’s mental health services, from counseling to wellness activities like “puppy day,” have been incredible in helping students maintain balance throughout their college experience.  

Ho‘oko continues to grow and evolve, and its impact on students is clearly evident. From academic success to personal growth, the program has proven to be a catalyst for change. For students like Agabin and Salgado, the program offers the support and resources needed to create a future full of potential and adaptability.

With more certifications, expanded opportunities, and a growing network of mentors, HPU’s Ho‘oko Rising Scholars Program is fulfilling its mission to help students rise and succeed, making the dream of a better future a reality for many.

To learn more about Ho‘oko Rising Scholars Program, click here.