Hawaiʻi Sustainable Development Goals Course

 

The Pacific & Asian Affairs Council (PAAC) and the College of Hawaiian Language (Ka Haka ʻUla O Keʻelikōlani and ʻImiloa Center) at the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo are collaborating to offer an opportunity for Hawaiʻi high school students to earn college credit at no cost.  The two courses are held online and focus on examining the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in global and local contexts.

 

 

What content will be covered?

These courses will examine the ways we are confronted by challenges of sustainability, both in Hawaiʻi and around the world. We will use the SDGs to examine the social, environmental, and economic concerns that all nations must confront in the face of issues such as climate change, cyclical poverty, and food insecurity. Additionally, we will pay special attention to the impacts of these global challenges on Hawaiʻi and the need to tackle them with sensitivity to our local context in mind.

 

 

How is the class taught?

This course will be delivered in a blended online format. Students will be responsible for independently completing research, assignments, and quizzes. There will also be synchronous virtual class time in the form of discussion sections and guest speaker sessions. Support from the instructor will be provided during weekly office hour sessions or by appointment.

 

 

Class dates and times?

This course will be offered after school, following the end of the typical school day (tentatively 4:00-5:15 PM). Students will attend class two days per week.

 

 

Who can apply?

Only students who will be sophomores, juniors and seniors  during the 2022-2023 school year from select public high schools are eligible to enroll in these courses. Please consult your early college coordinator or email sdgcourse@paachawaii.org with questions about eligibility. Unfortunately, we are unable to accept students who attend private, charter, or home schools at this time. 

 

 

Course Sessions & Application Timelines

 

HWST 125: Hawaiʻi Sustainable Development Goals I (Fall 2022)

  • January 31, 2022: Applications DUE*

  • February 26 or 27, 2022: Mandatory Virtual Orientation for Accepted Students

  • February 2022 (Date TBC): Enrollment Paperwork Due

  • August 23, 2022: First Day of Instruction

  • December 8, 2022: Last Day of Instruction

 

HWST 126: Hawaiʻi Sustainable Development Goals II (Spring 2023)

  • October 23, 2022: Applications DUE*

  • November 5, 2022: Mandatory Virtual Orientation for Accepted Students

  • November 14, 2022: Enrollment Paperwork Due

  • January 9, 2023: First Day of Instruction

  • May 3, 2023: Last Day of Instruction

 

Please Note:

  • * If additional class seats are available, applications will continue to be accepted on a rolling basis.

  • * Students enrolled in HWST 125 will have the option to continue on to HWST 126 without submitting a new application, provided they complete HWST 125 with a passing grade.

  • * There is no pre-requisite for either course. Students may apply to enroll in HWST 126 without completion of HWST 125.

 

 

Application Requirements

 

Application Deadline for Spring 2023

 

Please submit all materials by Sunday, October 23, 2022.

Incomplete applications will not be considered.

 

NOTE: Since we are only able to offer this course to select schools, please consult your early college coordinator or email sdgcourse@paachawaii.org to confirm eligibility.

 

Application Components

 
  • (1) Student Application Form. Please email the Early College coordinator at your school or sdgcourse@paachawaii.org for the password to the application form. The application will require your student information, short response questions, and parental consent (release and waiver—digital signature).

 

  • (2) Digital copy of official school transcript showing a GPA of 2.5 or higher. (Please have your counselor or a school official email these directly to sdgcourse2@paachawaii.org)

 

 

 

What about college credit?

Students who are still in high school will be enrolled as Early Admit students through the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo. Students will earn three (3) general education DH (Humanities) credits from the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo with successful completion of HWST 125 or HWST 126 with a passing grade.

 

 

Can I get dual credit at my high school?

Students who successfully complete HWST 125 and/or HWST 126 will earn an elective half-credit per course. Accepted students will receive instructions on how to apply for this credit during the online orientation sessions. 

 

What do I need to participate?

  • * Commitment to attend all virtual class sessions and complete all coursework by the due dates

  • * Access to stable internet connection on a laptop, desktop, or tablet, not a cell phone

  • * Access to word processing and video conferencing applications

  • * Access Google Classroom (where course materials will be hosted)

  • * Quiet learning environment for student (especially for discussion sections)

  • * An email address that does not block messages to/from the instructor (we prefer Gmail as some school accounts block messages from PAAC)

 

 

What is the cost to enroll?

The course is offered at no cost to students, thanks to the generous support of the Mamoru & Aiko Takitani Foundation. Students do not need to pay for books or materials to participate in the mandatory aspects of the course.