Pearl City High School seniors from the International Business and Design Academy (IBAD) at Leeward Community College are set to receive college-level business classes in pursuit of a management certificate. A total of fifteen students were part of this cohort, aiming to earn a Career and Technical Education (CTE) honors certificate along with a Certificate of Achievement in Management upon graduation this spring.
Instead of the usual high school CTE courses, these students engaged in advanced business coursework and were involved in the operation of the HawaiiUSA Federal Credit Union Student-Operated Credit Union. Through this, they were responsible for handling deposits and opening accounts for both staff and students at Pearl City High School.
Jordyn Shibata, one student in the program, expressed how impactful it has been on her growth. She stated that it pushed her outside of her comfort zone, providing her with newfound confidence and skills to take on challenges in the future. Daphne Okunaga, the lead teacher for IBAD, emphasized that their goal was not just Early College credits but also a strategic approach to achieving CTE honors and a management certificate, preparing students for pursuing business majors at UH Mānoa or UH West O’ahu.
Syreeta Washington, the Early College counselor at Leeward CC commended the students for their commitment to education and highlighted the success of the program. She noted that it was made possible due to strong collaborations and support from organizations like Hawai’i P–20 and the Stupski Foundation. The students’ dedication to their education coupled with the program’s structure has been key in fostering their success and growth.
In conclusion, Pearl City High School seniors from IBAD have had an exceptional opportunity to pursue higher education through college-level business classes while gaining hands-on experience through managing a credit union. Their hard work has paid off as they are on track to earn a Career and Technical Education honors certificate along with a Certificate of Achievement in Management upon graduation this spring.