Sustainability Fellowship | Punahou School

“Climate change is the existential challenge of our time, but it also presents enormous opportunities for innovation and creative solutions. These are the very issues our Fellows will be grappling with.”

Michael E. Latham, Ph.D.
President, Punahou School

Punahou seeks to support rising student leaders from across Hawaiʻi in an innovative, solutions-oriented academic experience.

Fostering a More Sustainable Tomorrow
Punahou School is launching a fellowship program designed to take participants on a transformative educational experience into the heart of sustainability, leadership and innovation. The program is designed for approximately 20 students from across Hawai‘i to begin in the summer before entering tenth or eleventh grades. Current ninth and tenth-grade students may apply for the Summer 2024.

The program is free, and eligible students from all public, independent and charter schools in Hawai‘i are encouraged to apply. Deadline to apply is January 7, 2024.

Upcoming Information and Q&A Session

Register now for a free, online information and Q&A session on Dec. 5, 6 – 7 p.m. For additional questions about the program and/or webinar, please contact sustainability@punahou.edu.

Register Now

How to Apply

Students who are interested in applying will need to complete an Online Application Form by January 7, 2024. Steps to apply:

Identify two current or recent teachers who can provide a recommendation on your behalf, and send an email with the teachers’ names and contact information to sustainability@punahou.edu. Additionally, you may also identify a third teacher or a mentor or coach who can also speak on your behalf. This should be done as early as possible so that the teachers are able to submit their form before the January 7 deadline.
Complete the Online Application form by midnight (HST) on January 7, 2024.
If selected as a finalist, you will be notified by January 20, 2024 and expected to participate in a virtual interview to take place during the week of January 22 – 26, 2024.

Apply Now

About the Program

This 15-month program begins the summer before a student’s tenth or eleventh grade and runs through the following summer. Summer 1 focuses on systems thinking in science, economics, public policy, and ethics. The intervening academic year includes monthly guest speakers and get-togethers. Summer 2 includes a learning trip to Hawaiʻi Island followed by hands-on internships or research positions with non-profits, private sector, or government institutions. The program culminates with a public presentation of Fellows’ research projects.

University credit will be available for participants.

Program Dates

Summer 1: June 10 – July 19, 2024
School Year 2024 – 2025 (monthly)
Summer 2: June 11 – July 20, 2025
(Total Program Length: 15 Months)

Designed For
Students beginning summer before grades 10 and 11

Program Fees
Free

Application Criteria

Strong applicants will demonstrate a commitment to the full two-summer and intervening school year program (total of approximately 15 months) and be able to explain how the fellowship aligns with their long-term commitment to sustainability. Competitive applicants will also demonstrate a strong academic record, exhibit a deep sense of curiosity, and demonstrate a strong interest in learning alongside stakeholders from diverse backgrounds and varying perspectives.

Please note that admission into the program will be competitive and with limited capacity of approximately 20 Fellowship positions. Applications will be reviewed by a select committee of faculty and community organizations.

Important Dates

Application process opens: November 1, 2023
Deadline to apply: January 7, 2024
Notification date: February 1, 2024
Enrollment date: February 15, 2024
Fellowship begins: June 10, 2024

Questions?

Please feel free to contact Punahou with any questions at sustainability@punahou.edu.

FAQs

How Does the Curriculum Empower Youth?

Connects them with leading local and international sustainability leaders
Engages them in hands-on projects around sustainability issues
Helps them cultivate the mindset required to address the pressing challenges of our time
Provides authentic research and paid internship experiences to pave the way for college and career pathways

What is the Format of the Program?

The program will span two consecutive summer sessions and culminate with a public presentation of a sustainability project. During the academic year, Fellows will also participate in a guided Sustainability Challenge Project, monthly meetings with a mentor, and quarterly gatherings with the cohort of Fellows.

What is the Timing of the Program?

The program will begin with its first cohort of Fellows starting in June 2024. Please see below for further details.

Summer Session #1

June 10 – July 19, 2024

Students spend six weeks in the program with an expected commitment of four hours per day. They focus on sharpening critical-thinking skills by exploring essential questions around sustainability, engaging in experiential learning activities, and building community relationships.

Intervening School Year (2024 – 2025)

Fellows will meet monthly during the academic school year to receive mentoring. During the academic year, students will also pursue a research-based Sustainability Challenge Project, which will help them to define an essential topic that they will explore during the program’s second summer session.

Summer Session #2

June 11 – July 20, 2025

Fellows will reunite at the beginning of the summer for a unique educational trip to Hawaiʻi Island. There, they will engage in hands-on activities and place-based learning with partners on the island. Following this trip, Fellows will intern or volunteer for at least four weeks with a community partner/mentor who will support them to advance their Sustainability Challenge Project. They will also participate in regular seminar classes with their fellow cohort members. The program culminates with a public presentation of their research project.

I can only participate in one summer session – can I still apply?

This is a 15 month program – Fellows are required to participate in both summer sessions. They are also expected to participate in the periodic meetings during the intervening school year.

What is the cost of the program?

Punahou School is underwriting the cost of this initiative, making it free for all selected participants.

What criteria are you looking for in a Fellow?

Strong applicants will demonstrate a commitment to the full two-summer program and be able to explain how the fellowship aligns with their long-term commitment to sustainability. Competitive applicants will also demonstrate a strong academic record, exhibit a deep sense of curiosity, and demonstrate a strong interest in learning alongside stakeholders from diverse backgrounds and varying perspectives.

Please note that admission into the program will be competitive and with limited capacity. Applications will be reviewed by a select committee of faculty and community organizations.

I am not an enrolled Punahou School student. Can I still apply?

Yes! All current ninth and tenth-grade students across the Hawaii State Department of Education (DOE) and Independent Schools are invited to apply. This program seeks students from a wide range of backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences.