After-School Classes

After-School Global Studies Classes

PAAC's after-school classes expose students to critical global events of our time and challenge students to create real solutions for these issues.  The class consists of innovative simulations, discussions, group projects, role-play, speakers, field trips, and a service-learning project called the Global Action Project (GAP).  

The Fall 2022 After-School Global Studies Class at Waiākea High School completed its GAP project with the Hawai‘i Island Humane Society in November, which included an on-site volunteer visit and donation of pet toys and materials like cardboard and twine. At Kapa‘a High School, students spent time enhancing the school’s garden.

Students discussed their involvement in the class:

“PAAC is an education program that entices students to challenge themselves ... The topics discussed in PAAC not only are interesting, but they are unique and quite exciting once you are in a focused and great environment with fellow peers.” – Fall 2022 Student, Grade 10

“The PAAC class was extremely interactive and intellectually engaging. I came in with the global knowledge of any other person and I came out feeling like I really had something to share. If you enjoy better understanding global issues while relating them to Hawaiʻi, this class is for you!” – Fall 2022 Student, Grade 10

PAAC currently offers After-School Global Studies classes at eight schools: ʻAiea, Campbell, Farrington, Kapaʻa, Kealakehe, Konawaena, Waiākea, and Waialua. If you attend one of these schools and would like to learn more, e-mail paac@paachawaii.org.

Hawaiʻi Sustainable Development Goals Course

PAAC and the College of Hawaiian Language (Ka Haka ʻUla O Keʻelikōlani and ʻImiloa Center) at the University of Hawaii at Hilo are collaborating to offer an opportunity for Hawaiʻi high school students to earn college credit for free through an online course focusing on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals through global and local contexts. This course is being offered at select public schools for school year 2022-23.  Learn more.

After-School Mandarin Chinese Language Classes

Mandarin Chinese is designated as a critical language by the U.S. Department of State because of the critical role it plays in national security and economic prosperity.  It is also the most widely spoken first language in the world with nearly 900 million native speakers and over a billion speakers total.  PAAC supports offering this critical language to Hawaiʻi schools that do not currently offer it in their course selection.  Farrington and Mililani High School’s After-School Mandarin Chinese Language Classes have both successfully been piloted by PAAC.