Under the Department of Education’s new Strive HI Performance System, Waipahu High School is one of the top five schools in the state when it comes to college-enrollment rates of its graduates. Its Early College Program is no doubt a huge reason why.

“We are working hard to get our students college and career ready and we appreciate McInerny Foundation for their strong support,” stated Waipahu High School Principal Keith Hayashi, whose school pioneered the Early College initiative.

Waipahu’s Early College Program is the only such program available in Hawaii. It provides college-class experiences by allowing Waipahu students to earn college credits, on the high school campus, while still in high school. In the past two years, Waipahu students have taken college courses such English 100, Psychology 100, Speech 151, Sociology 100, Calculus 205, and Astronomy 110.​

The courses are now free to the students, thanks to the support from McInerny Foundation. Hayashi has developed partnerships with two neighboring colleges, Leeward Community College and University of Hawaii-West Oahu.

Upon presenting the check to Waipahu High School, Jenai Wall, McInerny Foundation distribution committee member, told the jubilant Early College Program students, “For many of you, you will be the first in your family to go to college and that will make a tremendous impact on you and others.”

“Congratulations to Principal Hayashi, Waipahu’s Early College program director Dr. Mark Silliman, and the team at Waipahu High,” added Superintendent Kathryn Matayoshi “They believe in all of the students who are making a commitment to invest now in higher education. We’re very proud of you and thank McInerny Foundation for seeing the potential of this program.”