Western Washington University is recognized nationally for its successes, from its leadership as one of the most sustainable, “green” campuses in the nation by the Sierra Club to being named the top master’s granting institution in the Pacific Northwest by U. S. News and World Report. Western’s goal is to build a stronger Washington by being an international leader in active learning, critical thinking, and societal problem solving, and these awards and honors illustrate those successes.

Western Washington University’s outstanding faculty are not only excellent teachers and scholars, they are dedicated to providing a uniquely engaging, collaborative, hands-on learning experience. In many ways, the “Western Experience” combines the best of a large research institution with an intimate liberal arts college education: research and learning opportunities with highly accomplished faculty, on an interactive scale that inspires students to achieve their individual potential. And, across the campus, there is an uncommonly powerful commitment to living a purposed life. Students choose Western because they want to put their higher education to higher purposes—active minds changing lives—and everyone at Western is eager to help them learn and live well.

Its campus is home to just over 15,000 students who are majoring in over 100 subjects including Early Childhood Education, Dance, Kinesiology, Environmental Science, Secondary Education, Journalism, Urban Planning, and Business – as well as pre-professional programs including pre-Pharmacy, pre-Physical Therapy, pre-Denistry, pre-Veterinary, pre-Medical, and more.

There are multiple opportunities to meet new people at Western Washington.  Clubs include Hui o Hawai’i (preserving and heightening awareness of Hawaiian and other Polynesian cultures), the Harry Potter Club, and an Animal Rights Club.

Western Washington is home to the Western Washington Vikings, and is a member of the NCAA, Division II.  Sports teams include basketball, volleyball, cross-country, rowing, and golf, among others.

For more information about Western Washington University, visit their website at www.wwu.edu.

Come join us for a service activity at Maunaʻala on Saturday, May 14 from 9:00am – 12:00pm.

Mālama Mauna`ala is a wonderful service opportunity that assists in preserving and caring for our most sacred and sovereign land, Mauna`ala. You will learn the
rich history of Mauna’ala and the Aliʻi who were laid to rest there, learn more about servant leadership and learn about specific Aliʻi who embody the Hawaiian
Values and Traditions of our ancestors of old. Utilize your gardening and landscaping skills to help beautify this historical site. Volunteers will be providing general landscaping assistance by weeding, planting and raking.

For more information and to RSVP, please see the attached flyer: Mauna’ala 5-14-16.pub (PH)

Here’s an interesting summer enrichment opportunity for those of our Scholars who love spending time with a good book.

The Summer Academy at St. John’s College is a pre-college, residential summer program that offers high school students ages 15 to 18 an exceptional learning experience. Organized in one-week sessions, students read and discuss texts from the Western canon in small classes guided by St. John’s renowned faculty. Students live in dormitories and share campus amenities as well as enjoy off-campus excursions to celebrated sites. Sessions are hosted on both St. John’s campus locations, in Annapolis, MD and Santa Fe, NM.

Tuition is $990 per week-long session and scholarships are available. (Tuition includes room and board, books, activity fees and, if needed, transportation from local airports to campus.)

Students may spend a week or more on both campuses.

For more information or to apply, visit their website.  The deadline to apply is May 15.

Graduating soon? Looking to start your career? How about a summer or fall internship to gain valuable career experience?

The next Career Expo is right around the corner on Wednesday, March 30 at the Blaisdell Center Exhibition Hall. Register now to waive the $1.00 admission fee charged to students at www.hawaiicareerexpo.com.

Scholars who are in grades 11 and 12 during the 2015-2016 school year are invited to apply for volunteer positions with the Kamehameha Schools’ HCBED ‘Iolana Program  from June 12, 2016 – July 23, 2016.

The ‘Iolana Program provides Scholars with the opportunity to volunteer in a real-world employment experience, working in Kamehameha Schools’ Hawaiian Culture-Based Education Department’s enrichment programs (Ho’omākaʻikaʻi and Hoʻolauna) during the summer.

Interested applicants must complete the application forms below and return the completed forms to Nohea Walker at Kamehameha Scholars by the deadline.  Forms MUST be received by March 25, 2016.  Application forms received AFTER that date will not be considered.

Click HERE to access the application forms and for more information.

Scholars, please consider taking advantage of one or more of these volunteer opportunities on Oʻahu:

Waikalua Loko Fishpond 

Waikalua Loko Fishpond in Kāneʻohe is sponsoring a community work day on Saturday, February 20 from 8 am to 12 noon and you are invited to participate!  A light lunch will be provided to all volunteers.  You must preregister on their website; please click HERE for more information.

Loko Ea Fishpond

Loko Ea Fishpond in Haleiwa is sponsoring a community work day on Saturday, February 20 from 7:45 am – 11:30 am.  A light lunch will be provided to volunteers; you are also invited to bring something to share.  You must preregister on their website; please click HERE for more information.

Mālama O Ke Kai

Mālama Maunaʻala will be hosting an invasive limu clean up on Saturday, March 12 from 8:45 am – 12:00 noon.  A potluck lunch will be held from 12:00 noon – 1:00 pm.  This project is being coordinated by Uncle Che’s daughter, a 6th grader at Kamehameha Schools, as part of her 6th grade project – so come help support her!  Please RSVP directly to Uncle Che at 683-9495 or chsabol@ksbe.edu.

Please bring sunscreen, beach chairs, and a potluck item.  Beach parking is limited; you may park along Summer Street.

Paepae O Heʻeia Fishpond

Paepae O Heʻeia holds community workdays on the 2nd and 4th Saturdays of most months. They have two workdays coming up in February:  February 13 and February 27 from 8:30 am to 12:00 noon. Bring dirty clothes, towel, water bottle, and shoes or tabis.  Please RSVP by calling 236-6178 or emailing admin@paepaeoheeia.org.

Honolulu Automotive Employers are demanding top qualified technicians with the knowledge and the ability to work on today’s modern and highly sophisticated automobiles. The fact is that Hawaii has hundreds of family wage jobs available for driven individuals that wish to care for customer vehicles. In a strong or poor economy, vehicles require maintenance and repair.

Honolulu Ford is hosting an information session on October 26 from 6pm-7pm.  Young men and women, ages 16-20 are invited to attend and consider this important field and learn about the opportunities available to them.  Parents are also encouraged to attend with their child.

Please see the attached flyer for additional information; you can RSVP to attend by emailing Mary Benson at Honolulu Ford at maryb@honoluluford.com.

Head over to the College Peek tab to take a look at our latest peek … Point Loma Nazarene University in San Diego!

This week we’re taking a look at a school closer to home – the University of Hawaiʻi at West Oʻahu!

Check out our College Peek of the Week – Guilford College in Greensboro, North Carolina!