E Ola! Endorsements

E Ola! Endorsements empower students to explore their passions through a culturally grounded educational journey, bridging the gap between high school and college or career readiness. Our vision is to enhance the value of education, motivate deep learning engagement, and prepare students for future opportunities, fostering informed decision-making and cultural awareness for life after KS. E Ola! Endorsements are optional and not required for graduation.

Endorsements can provide several benefits:

  • Personalized Learning Journey: Endorsements allow you to focus on a specific area of interest, providing a structured and personalized learning journey.
  • Skill Development: They help you deepen your skills and knowledge in your chosen field, preparing you for college-level coursework and future careers.
  • Competitive Edge: Having an endorsement may give you a competitive edge when applying for college programs or jobs, as it demonstrates your academic excellence, your sustained commitment, and unique experiences in a particular area.
  • Informed Decision Making: By exploring your interests in high school, you can make more informed decisions about your college major or career path.
  • Cultural Grounding: Unique to Kamehameha Schools, E Ola! Endorsements provide culturally relevant education, fostering cultural awareness and grounding.

To complete an endorsement, students must take between 3.0 to 4.0 credits of classes that are aligned with an endorsement’s concentration and receive a grade B- or above in each class. In SY24-25, we will begin by offering five E Ola! Endorsements. For more information, please contact your grade-level counselor.

Click on the boxes below to view details and offerings for each endorsement.

 

ALOHA ʻĀINA

CONCENTRATIONS INCLUDE:

Sustainability
ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi & Moʻomeheu

 

INNOVATION & CREATIVITY

CONCENTRATIONS INCLUDE:

Moʻolelo
Problem Solving

 

ALAKAʻI LAWELAWE

CONCENTRATIONS INCLUDE:

Lāhui & Global Leaders

FRAMEWORK

E Ola! Endorsements framework is based on four stages of development:

  1. Foundation – Building a strong foundation upon a student’s passions and strengths. This is the phase where students gain basic knowledge and begin their skill building.
  2. Focus – Honing in and deepening skills by increasing student engagement and having broader experiences.
  3. Hōʻike – Ma ka hana ka ʻike, through doing one learns. By engaging students in hands-on experiences and reflection, they are better able to connect theories and knowledge learned in the classroom. Students may select their own hands-on experiences.
  4. Holomua – This stage takes place after haumāna have completed their time at KS and begin to share their ‘ike with others through real-world experiences.

HOLOMUA

  • Real-world application
  • Teaching
  • Mastering skills in college or occupation
  • Leading

HŌʻIKE

  • Application of skills
  • Reflection
  • Peer-to-peer learning
  • Articulation of experiences

FOCUS

  • Deepening of skills
  • Increased student engagement
  • Kumu-led
  • Broader experiences

FOUNDATION

  • Building a kahua
  • Learning of skills
  • Kumu-led
  • Non-linear

MILESTONES