Founded at Punahou School in 2005 to serve public middle and high school students, the goal of the PUEO (Partnerships in Unlimited Educational Opportunities) program is to spark a love of learning that will encourage students to attend college.

The PUEO program was created to identify students in neighboring public schools with high academic potential, but with low economic opportunity - and to raise their aspirations and their preparation to enter and complete college.

The PUEO program utilizes the facilities and human resources at Punahou for a seven-year educational experience of summer school classes, small group mentoring and academic year group activities.

Student Participation
Students are nominated by the Hawai'i Department of Education schools in the Roosevelt, McKinley and Castle districts to participate following their fifth grade year. PUEO began with 40 students from 14 public schools. Forty more students joined the program in the summer of 2006. Given the seven-year commitment for each student, the capacity of the program is 280, which will be achieved in 2011.

Summer School Courses
A large block of time addresses individual student needs in the disciplines of reading, writing and mathematics. Kumu (teachers/mentors) are recent graduates from Punahou and other private and public schools. Each kumu is responsible for five PUEO scholars and works with their respective groups to improve study skills in the various content areas.

College Possibilities and Life Skills
The PUEO program is committed to developing skills and resources to guide participants toward college and work opportunities. Students visit four higher-education campuses on O'ahu during the six-week summer program. Each institution is selected based on degree programs offered, size of student body, location of campus and physical proximity to the PUEO neighborhood schools. College counselors and tour guides answer questions from the PUEO scholars about dormitory life, admissions, financial aid and extracurricular activities available.

I Kū Wa (Stand and Deliver)
PUEO scholars and kumu plan and deliver a short presentation of their own choice to their peers. Student choices have included storytelling, hula, poetry reading, magic and singing. This oral practice is modeled after the Lakeside Educational Enrichment Program (LEEP) in Seattle, Washington. Academic Year Relationships formed during the summer are maintained and strengthened through PUEO academic year events. Group activities are centered on curricular content areas and are designed as gathering moments, service and fun. Examples include:

• Lacy Veach Day of Discovery offers activities to inspire future scientists, engineers, astronomers and astronauts
• Poetry for Youth workshops are led by Punahou high school writing enthusiasts to explore poetry as a means of expression and communication
• Lu'au (Hawaiian dinner) welcomes the newest participants to the PUEO program in the spring before the summer program begins
• Environmental Stewardship field trips provide interactive and engaging service opportunities in local neighborhoods