KA‘I Programs (Kūkulu Alaka‘i ‘Iolani)
"The Creation of Leaders"
Since 2010, ‘Iolani School’s KA‘I Programs (Kūkulu Alakaʻi ʻIolani, “The Creation of Leaders”) have partnered with the Pālolo Valley community to build a continuum of educational programs spanning early childhood through postsecondary education. Rooted in long-term relationships with students and families, KA‘I builds on the strengths and aspirations of young people, providing educational opportunities and long-term support as they pursue their goals and build healthy, fulfilling lives.
Each year, KA‘I serves more than 220 students, many of whom are reaching new educational milestones for their families as first-generation high school and/or postsecondary graduates.
At its heart, KA‘I reflects a simple but powerful belief: when young people are surrounded by opportunity, strong relationships and a community that believes in them, they can shape their futures and create possibilities for generations to come.
KA‘I Keiki Program
A six-week early childhood education summer program in Pālolo Valley, serving children ages 3-7 from the Pālolo Public Housing (11th year)
KA‘I Middle and High School Program
A six-week, six-summer program at ʻIolani School, serving middle and high school students from Pālolo Valley (16th year)
KA‘I Elementary Program
A six-week, four-summer program at ʻIolani School, serving elementary students from Pālolo Valley (fourth year)
KA‘I Postsecondary Program
Academic counseling and full tuition gap scholarships to support KA‘I graduates to and through their postsecondary pathways (10th year)
Goals
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To expand early childhood education and kindergarten readiness for Pālolo Homes children through a free, high-quality summer program and preschool enrollment support for families.
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To increase the high school graduation rate of under-resourced, first-generation students through a comprehensive academic enrichment summer program and ongoing year-round tutoring support.
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To improve life outcomes for KAʻI graduates by providing full tuition gap scholarships and intensive support to and through postsecondary education.
Fredrick Akau
Tina Moore
Sam Nguyen
MAHALO TO OUR MAJOR DONORS AND PARTNERS
The KA‘I Programs are made possible by the enduring support and collective generosity of our community. With the long-term commitment and in-kind support of ‘Iolani School, together with our major donors, foundations, organizations, individuals and community partners, we are able to provide transformative educational opportunities to students at no cost to their families.
Foundations and Organizations
- Arrillaga Foundation
- Coalition for Specialized Housing
- Honu‘apo
- ‘Iolani Alumni Association
- Mamoru and Aiko Takitani Foundation
- McInerny Foundation
- The Freeman Foundation
- The Fujieki Family Foundation
- The Healy Foundation
- The Omidyar ‘Ohana Fund
- The Seto Foundation
- Victoria S. and Bradley L. Geist Foundation
Individual Donors
- Mr. Chad & Mrs. Stephanie Buck
- Mr. & Mrs. John Dean
- Dr. Clyde & Mrs. Saskia Ishii
- Mr. James E. McArthur ’75
- Mr. Kent Matsuzaki
- Mr. & Mrs. Ritchie Mudd
- Mr. Bill Reeves and Mrs. Debbie Berger
- Mr. Nan & Dr. Mariko Shin
- Mr. Gerald & Mrs. Mary Jane Taniguchi
Community Partners
- Pālolo Elementary School
- William P. Jarrett Middle School
- Mutual Housing Association of Hawai‘i
We also extend our heartfelt gratitude to the many other donors, educators, and volunteers whose generosity and belief in our mission continue to uplift and empower the KA‘I students and families we are honored to serve.
Click above to read feature stories
about the KA‘I Programs in the
‘Iolani School Bulletin
“I love going to KA'I for the summer. I got to learn so many new things with the best teachers, and I can't wait to be there again next summer. This school feels like my home.”
-- Pito, 3rd grade
GIVE TO THE KA‘I PROGRAMS
The KA‘I Programs are independently funded through educational grants and the generous support of donors. If you are interested in supporting the KA‘I Programs, click HERE to make a one-time gift!
Instructions:
- Click HERE to get started
- Under “Designated to” select “Other”
- Type in: “The KA‘I Programs”
- Donate!
Thank you for your support of the KA‘I Programs and your belief in the KA‘I students!
CONTACT
Allison Ishii Blankenship, Director
aishii@iolani.org
(808) 943-2300
FRED
FRED, KA‘I Group 1, USC Graduate
"KA‘I has provided me tremendous financial, academic and character development support, from 6th grade until college graduation. It's a guiding hand that many students need to graduate from college, which is such a daunting task when you are the first in your family to do so, or tuition costs seem impossible to handle, or you are unaware of how to even handle college applications."
KALEB
KA‘I Group 8, High School Senior
"The KA‘I Program has done much more than just helped me. It has designed me to be the best I can be. KA'I constantly stays with me in my actions, how I treat others, and in my future."
Tiff
KA‘I Group 3, KCC Graduate
"If I had to describe the KA'I program in one word, it would be 'opportunity.' The KA'I Program is definitely a huge part of who and where I am today. I've had opportunity after opportunity come my way simply because I showed up and went to KA‘I. All of these different classes and opportunities are now skills that I've used in high school, college and in my job today."