EDUCATIONAL INITIATIVES & OUTREACH
TMT supports a number of educational initiatives to help prepare Hawaii Island students for science and technology jobs.
THE HAWAII ISLAND NEW KNOWLEDGE (THINK) FUND
The Thirty Meter Telescope initiated the formation of THINK Fund in 2008 by asking a group of community volunteers to outline the mission, vision, purpose and implementation strategy of an education fund benefitting Hawaii Island students. The Organizing Committee that developed TMT's THINK Fund structure was comprised of Hawaii Island residents.
TMT officially launched the THINK Fund in October 2014 to better prepare Hawaii Island students to master STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) and to become the workforce for higher paying science and technology jobs in Hawaii's 21stcentury economy.
TMT's THINK Fund initiative benefits Hawaii Island students pursuing STEM endeavors with an annual contribution of $1 million over its existing 19-year Maunakea sublease with the University of Hawaii-Hilo. Two Hawaii foundations, Hawaii Community Foundation (HCF) and Pauahi Foundation, were selected by TMT to administer THINK Fund distribution in scholarship and grant making platforms.
TMT's annual $1 million contribution allocates $750,000 to THINK Fund at the Hawaii Community Foundation and $250,000 to THINK Fund at the Pauahi Foundation. The foundations will administer their respective THINK Funds independently and will have autonomy in administering grant funds, determining scholarship recipients, and the selection and governance of Advisory Committees.
To date, TMT has distributed $3.5 million: $2.5 million to THINK at HCF and $1 million to the Pauahi Foundation.
Among the programs supported by the THINK Fund at HCF:
Akamai Workforce Initiative – Internship Program Big Island Invasive Species Committee – Teacher Professional Development for Place-based, Inquiry-driven Instruction Boys and Girls Club of the Big Island – Akeakamai Aloha Aina Friends of Connections School – Integrating STEM Education through Project-Based Learning Friends of Hakalau Forest National Wildlife Refuge – Teaching Change Friends of the Future – Earl’s Garage Girl Scouts of Hawai‘i – STEM Program
1 Hawai‘i Preparatory Academy and Waimea Elementary – STEM Summer Learning Partnership Hawai‘i Space Grant Consortium – Inspiration Imagination Innovation (I³) Project and PRIME (Professional Resources Inspiring Motivated Educators) Hilo Intermediate, Kaumana Elementary School and EB Desilva Elementary School – STEM Framework Partnership Holualoa Elementary School – Expand and Integrate STEM Honaunau Elementary School – Garden for STEM Learning Honoka‘a Complex – STEM Partnership Honoka‘a Complex – TechnoTrailer and STEM Phantom Pilots ‘Imiloa Astronomy Center – MANU ‘Imiloa: The Geometry of Wayfinding Kanu o ka ‘Aina Learning Ohana – Malama Kipuka-Taking Care of a Culturally Sacred Place Through Science Exploration and Malamapokii Outdoor STEM Learning Laboratory Ke Kula ‘o Nawahiokalani opu‘u – Ko Kula Kai Kea‘au Elementary School – Robotics inspire Program Kealakehe High School – Creating STEM Career Pathway in West Hawai‘i Keaukaha One Youth Development – RISE 21st Century After School Program Kohala Watershed Partnership – Environmental Education Laupahoehoe Community Public Charter School – ‘Imi Na‘auWOW and Project- based Learning North Kohala Community Resource Center – Kohala Robotics Pa‘a Pono Miloli‘i – ‘Imiloa O Miloli‘i (Miloli‘i “Seekers of Knowledge”) PISCES Moon RIDER at Kealakehe High School Teach for America – Hawai‘i Island STEM Teacher Programming, Development and Support The Kohala Center – Environmental Education Program UH-Hilo College of Continuing Education and Community Service and Krause Center for Innovation at Foothills Community College – Mini-MERIT and MADE Programs For Educators Waimea Elementary School – Student Computer Program Waiakea High School – WHS Robotics West Hawai‘i Explorations Academy Public Charter School Robotics
Scholarship Programs are the focus of THINK Fund at the Pauahi Foundation.
AKAMAI INTERNSHIP PROGRAM
TMT is a cornerstone supporter of the Akamai Workforce Initiative, which provides college students with summer internships at observatories and other high-tech companies in Hawaii. The goal of the program is to advance Hawaii college students in STEM and increase underrepresented groups.
Each student is matched with a mentor and is integrated as a member of the mentor's group with daily guidance. Akamai mentors are prepared to provide an experience that will support their intern’s persistence in STEM, while they complete a real project valued by their host organization, through a unique mentor workshop. The careful attention to mentoring, the preparatory course, and an ongoing communication course, are important elements of the program and have been key to the program’s success. 2 Since launching in 2003, more than 350 college students have participated in the Akamai program and at least 150 alumni are now working in science and technology jobs, with nearly two-thirds of them working in Hawaii and contributing to the local STEM workforce. Akamai accepts college students from Hawaii (80% graduated from a Hawaii high school or were born in Hawaii), and a key objective is to increase the participation of underrepresented and underserved populations in STEM. So far, the Akamai Workforce Initiative alumni demographics include 36% women, 25% Native Hawaiian, and 47% underrepresented minorities. To learn more about the summer internship program, go to www.akamaihawaii.org
The Thirty Meter Telescope International Observatory has become Akamai’s cornerstone supporter. This year, funding is also provided by the Air Force Office of Scientific Research, Daniel K. Inouye Solar Telescope, National Solar Observatory, Hawaii STEM Learning Partnership at Hawaii Community Foundation (with support from multiple sources, including the THINK Fund and the Maunakea Fund), and the National Science Foundation. Akamai is managed by the Institute for Scientist & Engineer Educators at University of California, Santa Cruz.
EDUCATIONAL OUTREACH – PROGRAM SUPPORT
In conjunction with the University of Hawaii at Hilo (UHH), Hawaiʻi Community College (HCC) and the Department of Education, TMT will form and sustain a Workforce Pipeline Program that will lead to a highly qualified pool of local workers. Currently, the project funds, supports and participates in programs that are committed to helping Hawaii Island students achieve success at becoming self-directed, lifelong learners who think critically and creatively and function as caring, responsible, productive members of society. These programs include or have included:
Camp ‘Imiloa Summer Science Rocks! Program After-School Science Program: Science Rocks! After-school science program targeting grades 4 through 6. The program's goals are to: • Introduce basic science concepts in physics, chemistry, engineering and technology through interactive demonstrations and activities that challenge students to think of explanations. • Integrate basic math that "grounds" the science concepts learned. • Create experiences that inspire students to search out more knowledge, ask more questions, and seek their own answers. • Help students acquire a solid background in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) skills. • Develop critical thinking skills and creativity.
GEMS Program (Girls Exploring Math & Science) Girls Exploring Math and Science -- GEMS -- is an annual day of discovery for West Hawaii's fifth grade girls. Through hands-on exhibits and workshops led by local professional women, students use math, science and technology in myriad ways to explore their worlds, stimulate interest and bolster confidence.
3 BrushBot Robotics Workshop for Teachers Big Island elementary, middle and high school teachers attended free BrushBot Robotics workshop sponsored by the Thirty Meter Telescope and the `Imiloa Astronomy Center of Hawaii. Workshop was facilitated by the award winning Waiakea High School Robotics Club led by teacher advisors, Dale Olive and Eric Hagiwara.
Journey Through the Universe Family Science Day and Astronomy Educators in the Classroom Hilo-Waiakea Complex Area Schools Reaching an annual average of 7,000 students in 380 classrooms Journey through the Universe is a National initiative that includes local programs for thousands of students and families and includes grade K-12 lessons and curriculum support materials, teacher training, and ongoing teacher support in science content and education. The Journey program brings together local students and teachers with astronomers and engineers who share their passion and knowledge for science and technology and inspires local students to reach for the stars.
Hilo is currently only one of 10 communities around the nation that is designated as a Journey through the Universe site.
Astro Day AstroDay coincides with Astronomy Day, an international movement to share the joy of astronomy - "Bringing Astronomy to the People." AstroDay in Hilo features over 40 exhibits, demonstrations and activity areas and musical performance throughout Prince Kuhio Plaza.
Free Astronomy in the Classroom Workshop Offered for Teachers Workshop designed to provide more STEM education resources to our dedicated Hawaii Island teachers.
Astronaut Ellison Onizuka Science Day This free event celebrates science and space exploration for students in grades 4-12, and parents, and teachers of any grade level.
Excellence In Teaching Astronomy Galileo Teacher Training Workshop provided participating K-12 teachers with materials and instruction on how to construct a Galileoscope, which they were able to take back to their classrooms with them at the end of the workshop.
TMT Pacific Astronomy and Engineering Summit (PAES) To foster global collaboration in science, engineering and education, the Thirty Meter Telescope and the County of Hawaii co-sponsored a 4-day international education summit. Modeled after the acclaimed Ritsumeikan Japan Super Science Fair and the International Student Science Fair, the Pacific Astronomy and Engineering Education Summit featured high school students from India, China, Japan, Canada. Hawaii Island high schools include Waiakea High School, Hilo High School, Connections Public Charter School, Honokaa High School and
4 participating from outer-island Molokai High School, Revealing Individual Strengths for Excellence (RISE), ‘Iolani School and Kalani High School.
The Hawaii Project for Robotics Education (HPRE) This program aims to take Waiakea High School Foundation Robotics Program to 6-8th graders island-wide.
High School Robotics Programs Waiakea High School Robotics Program, Earl’s Garage robotics, and the Kohala High School robotics programs continue to develop future scientists and engineers. Participating schools include Pa'auilo Middle School, Waiakea High School, Hilo High School, Kohala High School, Kohala High School, Honokaa High School, West Hawaii Explorations Academy, and Kealakehe High School.
Hawaii District Science & Engineering Fair More than 100 projects by students from around Hawaii Island schools enter the Hawaii District Science & Engineering Fair. Open to high school students in grades 9-12 and students in grades 6-8, this District Fair is a qualifier for the 55th Hawaii State Science and Engineering Fair and ultimately the 2012 INTEL International Science and Engineering Fair.
Japan Super Science Fair Brushbot Olympics program and the Science Zone Robotics workshop. TMT was featured as one of the Science World presentations and one of the general assembly speakers.
Robotics TMT provided classroom sets of brushbot kits for Big Island schools, developed a template for replication including instructions, assessment rubric, suggested activity list for classrooms. Conducted workshops for up to 100 classroom teachers in Hawaii. Support provided for Big Island VEX league and the Big Island VEX tournament.
The Thirty Meter Telescope Big Island VEX Robotics VEX IQ teams supported by the Thirty Meter Telescope includes Keaau Elementary School, Keaau Middle School, Haaheo Elementary School, Kalanianaole Elementary School, Kohala Middle School, Kealakehe Middle School, West Hawaii Explorations Academy, Holualoa Elementary School, Waikoloa Middle School, and Honokaa Elementary School.
TMT funded VEX IQ competition fields were placed at St. Joseph School, Kealakehe Intermediate School, Kohala Middle School, and Kalanianaole Elementary School.
The TMT Big Island VEX IQ Tournament Hosted at Kealakehe High School
TMT Astronaut Onizuka Day VEX IQ tournament
5 HAWAII WORKFORCE PIPELINE AND STEM SUPPORT
2009 Imiloa Astronomy Center of Hawaii Outreach Workshop University of Hawaii Hawaii Island Akamai Program RoboFESTival Scholastic Robotics University of Hawaii Competition and Science/Engineering Fair Waiakea High School Foundation Hawaii Project for Robotics Education
2010 Friends of the Future Earl's Garage Robotics Program Kona Branch - AAUW GEMS Program Hawaii Academy of Sciences Hawaii State Science and Engineering Fair Hawaii Island Workforce & Economic Development Ohana HUIANA Internship Program Kohala High School 2460Paniolo University of Hawaii Hawaii Island Akamai Program Waiakea High School Foundation STEM Initiatives Support
2011 Canada France Hawaii Telescope Telescopes from Afar Hilo Viking Robotics Boosters Hilo Vikings Robotics Club Houaloa School PTO First Lego League Challenge Kealakeke High School RoboRiders University of Hawaii Hawaii Island Akamai Program University of Hawaii Teaching Excellence Workshop
2012 Kona Branch - AAUW GEMS Program Hawaii Island Workforce & Economic Development Ohana HUIANA Internship Program University of Hawaii Hawaii Island Akamai Internship Program Waiakea Intermediate School Student Spaceflight Experiments Program HIEDB Big Island VEX League (Waiakea HRC) HIEDB Waiakea HS STEM Support
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2013 Kona Branch - AAUW GEMS Program Hawaii Academy of Sciences Hawaii State Science and Engineering Fair Hawaii Island Workforce & Economic Development Ohana HUIANA Internship Program University of Hawaii Foundation Camp Imi-Possible Kealakeke High School Kealakeke Robotics Team University of Hawaii Foundation Big Island VEX League University of Hawaii Foundation Japan Super Science Fair Pacific Astronomy and Engineering University of Hawaii Foundation Education Summit University of Hawaii Hawaii Island Akamai Internship Program
2014 Kona Branch - AAUW GEMS Program Hawaii Academy of Sciences Hawaii State Science and Engineering Fair University of Hawaii Foundation Camp Imi-Possible Kealakeke High School STEM Camp University of Hawaii Foundation VEX Qualifying Tournaments University of Hawaii Foundation Global Paper Roller Coaster University of Hawaii Foundation Japan Super Science Fair University of Hawaii Foundation Pacific Astronomy and Engineering Education Summit University of Hawaii Hawaii Island Akamai Internship Program
2015 Friends of the Future Hawaii Island Early Childhood Conference Hawaii Academy of Sciences Hawaii State Science and Engineering Fair University of Hawaii Foundation Camp Imi-Possible University of Hawaii Foundation VEX Qualifying Tournaments University of Hawaii Foundation Hawaii Island Women's Leadership Summit University of Hawaii Foundation Pacific Astronomy and Engineering Education Summit University of Hawaii Hawaii Island Akamai Internship Program UC Lick Observatory TIO International Internship
2016 Journey through the Universe Hawaii State Science and Engineering Fair Imiloa Astronomy Center Hawaii Island Akamai Internship Program AAUW - GEMS VEX IQ State Science Fair Kealakehe STEM Camp TMT International Future Leaders Workshop Ellison Onizuka Day AstroDay Hawaii Island Women’s Forum Panewa Park Kealakehe Elementary School Business Expo in Kona Project Hawaii at Kalopa Park
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