Windward Community College
Impact Type: Education
Overview
Windward Community College (WCC), part of the University of Hawai‘i system, serves the Windward side of O‘ahu through programs reflecting the unique culture, values, and needs of its community. Offering associate degrees, certificates, and transfer opportunities, WCC blends academic rigor with hands-on, place-based learning that connects students to their surroundings and to purpose. The college provides accessible, high-quality education that supports local workforce readiness while honoring the traditions that define Hawai‘i.
Our Partnership Impact
• Supporting the Ka‘ohekani Music Program, which integrates Hawaiian music traditions into accredited coursework • Funding opportunities that expand professional development for teachers through credit-bearing courses and certifications • Investing in programs that connect culture, education, and career advancement for Hawai‘i-based educators • Supporting pathways that allow teachers to increase earning potential while advancing culturally grounded learning
Partnership Story
Through the Ka‘ohekani Music Program, WCC demonstrates how music education can serve as both cultural preservation and professional development. The program offers accredited courses where teachers earn additional credits and certificates, enhancing both their teaching credentials and cultural fluency. Anchored in the art of mele, Ka‘ohekani sustains a living tradition while enriching classroom instruction. HPF’s partnership ensures that this connection between cultural knowledge and professional growth endures—empowering educators to carry forward Hawai‘i’s music, stories, and values for future generations.
Windward Community College
Impact Type: Education
Overview
Windward Community College (WCC), part of the University of Hawai‘i system, serves the Windward side of O‘ahu through programs reflecting the unique culture, values, and needs of its community. Offering associate degrees, certificates, and transfer opportunities, WCC blends academic rigor with hands-on, place-based learning that connects students to their surroundings and to purpose. The college provides accessible, high-quality education that supports local workforce readiness while honoring the traditions that define Hawai‘i.
Our Partnership Impact
• Supporting the Ka‘ohekani Music Program, which integrates Hawaiian music traditions into accredited coursework • Funding opportunities that expand professional development for teachers through credit-bearing courses and certifications • Investing in programs that connect culture, education, and career advancement for Hawai‘i-based educators • Supporting pathways that allow teachers to increase earning potential while advancing culturally grounded learning
Partnership Story
Through the Ka‘ohekani Music Program, WCC demonstrates how music education can serve as both cultural preservation and professional development. The program offers accredited courses where teachers earn additional credits and certificates, enhancing both their teaching credentials and cultural fluency. Anchored in the art of mele, Ka‘ohekani sustains a living tradition while enriching classroom instruction. HPF’s partnership ensures that this connection between cultural knowledge and professional growth endures—empowering educators to carry forward Hawai‘i’s music, stories, and values for future generations.