HPU and Honokaʻa High Launch Virtual Classroom

In a partnership with Hawaiʻi Pacific University, Honokaʻa High School students can now access HPU’s new, virtual college-credit program.

To increase access and opportunities for Honoka’a students, HPU tuition has been waived so the high school students may earn college credits and experience the university’s rich curriculum. Photo Courtesy

The 17 Honokaʻa students who are enrolled in the program will connect with HPU professors using video technology that allows for real-time learning.

“We are grateful to HPU for this partnership as it gives our students direct access to a post-secondary education trajectory,” said Rachelle Matsumura, principal of Honokaʻa High & Intermediate School. “Programs like this encourage our students to strive for their highest potential and provides a valuable head start on earning college credits that will potentially save them time and money.”

The program is the first of its kind for the university, which provides real-time, distance learning for high school students. To increase access and opportunities for Honokaʻa students, HPU tuition has been waived so the high school students may earn college credits and experience the university’s rich curriculum.

“HPU is deeply committed to making higher education increasingly cost-efficient, attainable, and expedient for the students in our local communities,” said John Gotanda, HPU president. “We recognize an opportunity to not only provide our keiki o ka ʻāina with their best chance to attain their desired goals, but also attract and cultivate high achievers within our islands who will one day be leaders of our community making a profound impact on Hawaiʻi and beyond.”

Dual Credit allows Hawaiʻi DOE high school students to take classes that satisfy requirements for both a Hawaiʻi high school diploma and a University degree.

HPU has been providing online education for deployed students in the military and have provided dual-credit programs with high schools around the state. In 2016, HPU became the first school in Hawaiʻi to be approved by a state agency to participate in NC-SARA, a national authorization program to reciprocate online education across state lines.