THE University of Hawaii Maui college organized a free three -week summer STEM Program, which saw the participation double compared to the previous year. One hundred and fifty-seven students of the college of Maui engaged in practical learning through the disciplines of science, technology, engineering and mathematics Verizon Innovative Learning STEM Achievers program.
Students explored robotics, 3D Printing, coding and virtual reality, leading to end projects designed to meet the needs of the community. A group has created a device to measure soil moisture and automate watering, aimed at helping local farmers. Another group used virtual reality (VR) To recreate historic landmarks from Lahaina damaged in forest fires of 2025, considering their work as a tool for cultural preservation and fundraising. Other projects included a drug delivery service for remote areas and 3D-The printed tools for traditional Hawaiian art forms.
“This year's program has really presented the incredible potential of our middle school students,” said Tara O'Neill, project manager and Uh Mānoa Education college teacher. “See their innovative solutions, from agricultural technology to cultural preservation through VRhas strengthened the importance of providing these practices STEM opportunities.”
Technology, community, recovery
This year's camp was supported by a National Sciences Foundation FAST to agreeco-directed by the main O'Neill investigator, and the co-researcher and the co-principe and Uh Deputy Professor of Maui College Thomas Blamey. The subsidy specifically supported the development of trauma STEM learning environments. A major change in the study program this year, developed in collaboration with instructors of the year 1, applied trauma and STEMS ^ 2 (science, technology, engineering and mathematics with the social sciences and the sense of the place). This approach has emphasized the use of technology as a tool to meet the community challenges of the real world and provided students with freedom and support to explore the most relevant solutions for them and their community.
Mentors, including Uh The teachers and students of the system guided the participants through the immersive experience. The program mixed the tip STEM Education with daily Hawaiian cultural practices, from each morning with a traditional oli (song). He also provided transport to West Maui students, guaranteeing wider access Uh Maui College Campus.
“This program has powerfully demonstrated that STEM extends beyond simple technology; It is deeply rooted in our community, especially since we focus on the recovery of Maui, “said Blamey.” See our students apply their skills to the challenges of the real world, including those related to forest fires, really highlights their link with our island house. »»
Launched for the first time on Kauaʻi In 2021, the Verizon Innovative Learning Stem Achievers program extended its scope, offering camps for middle school students on college students OʻahuMaui, and starting this year, on Hawaii Island. Participation on the state scale this year has reached around 300 students.
“The innovative learning of Verizon STEM The Achievers program offers our young people an exposure to technological applications that they will use both while continuing their studies and in their careers, “said Dirk Soma, professor at Kauaʻi Community and the Hawaii Director of Verizon Innovative Learning STEM Achievers program. “We are very grateful to associate ourselves with Verizon, the National Association for Community College Entrepreneurship and leadership at the University of Hawaii Maui College to make this program available to the Maui community! »»