A free summer school program is available for high school students in Hawaii who are interested in learning more about entering the intelligence field.
The four-week program takes place online and at the University of Hawaii at Manoa campus, introducing students to power in world politics since 1945, with an emphasis on the U.S.
The College of Social Sciences will host the Academy for Hawaii Intelligence Studies Summer Program for a second year.
“AHI-SP POLS was the first program of its kind in Hawaii that provided high schoolers statewide with college credit for a workforce pathway to national intelligence,” said Jairus Grove, AHI-SP POLS program director and political science professor, in a statement. “It revealed an overwhelming demand and enthusiasm for educational programs in this field.”
This year, the expanded program will include spots for 40 students.
“AHI-SP POLS changed my life,” said Tasanee Cogliandro, a graduate of the inaugural AHI-SP POLS class and currently a senior at Kihei Charter High School on Maui. “I wasn’t sure what (career) I wanted to go into until I participated in this program and really understood that I truly do have a passion for political science.”
The program runs from July 5 to 27, which includes an online component (July 5-20) and an in-person residence week on the UH Manoa campus with simulations, games, lectures and field trips (July 21-27).
Students earn three college credits for completing the program. A commencement ceremony will take place on July 26.
To learn more about the program, an informational session will take place via Zoom on Wednesday at 7 p.m. Pre-register by emailing: cssahi@hawaii.edu.
The Pacific Intelligence and Innovation Initiative pays for registration, tuition, fees, airfare, on-campus housing and meals.
The program is open to Hawaii high school juniors and seniors, and incoming UH Manoa freshmen, with applications due June 1. Students must be Hawaii residents with a minimum GPA of 3.0.