Students from 14 public high schools took part in the Center for Tomorrow’s Leaders (CTL) Vision Lab event this month to present their impressive projects, benefiting schools, communities and our islands, in a highly selective competition.
Each project had already been implemented by students in their schools and communities, reflecting their ingenuity and initiative toward creating positive social change. Students presented their efforts to panels of judges made up of local business leaders and education officials. From 165 in total, 26 were selected to compete in the semi-final round and six projects made it to the final round. Projects were grouped by their scope of effect and three outstanding projects received awards.
Year 1 projects focus on making school-wide impacts to improve student outcomes and address specific academic needs.
- Kalani High’s Aerodynamic Analytical Falcons - English Language Learners (ELL) Newcomers Club received the Year 1 award for their work in bridging the gap between ELL and general education students. Through club activities, the team provides a welcoming environment to help their peers to transition smoothly into Kalani High’s culture while helping to raise their English proficiency.
Year 2 projects seek to make community-wide impacts to address broader societal issues.
- Waiʻanae High’s Connect With Tech! team took the Year 2 award for their partnership with the Waiʻanae Public Library that provides direct one-on-one support for kupuna interested in using technology and the internet effectively.
Year 3 projects aim to make an island-wide impact reaching multiple communities simultaneously.
CTL is currently working with over 640 high school students from 14 HIDOE high schools. The program focuses on engaging, equipping and empowering young leaders in Hawaiʻi in grades 10-12.
