Pathway to Purpose

Career-based learning for High School Students

The Pathway to Purpose program is a high school program, and 8th graders, where students work on real world projects with industry professionals in Hawaii, exploring exciting fields like AI, Marine Robotics, Sustainability, and Entrepreneurship. Work with expert guests, industry professionals, and educational leaders to prepare for the future and make a difference in your community.

Pathway to Purpose has a mix of virtual and in-person learning opportunities for students anywhere in Hawaii. Each opportunity runs for 16 weeks and is completely free for students to participate in. Any high school student in Hawaii is eligible for our program. Scroll down to learn more about each pathway that is available for students.

Registration for Spring 2024 classes is now open. Sign up by January 12th to claim your spot!

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Available Courses

Fashion and Design
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Fashion and Design

Engage with industry professionals, exploring diverse facets of fashion and design. Craft your own creative vision through a culminating project of your choice.

Intro to Coding
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Intro to Coding

The "Intro to Coding" course is designed to introduce high school students to the exciting and rapidly growing field of coding.

Design Thinking & Storytelling with Data
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Design Thinking & Storytelling with Data

Work in partnership with industry professionals to use Design Thinking, AI and Data Analytics to solve community challenges

Spotlight on the Entertainment Industry
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Spotlight on the Entertainment Industry

Spotlight on the Entertainment Industry offers students the opportunity to explore various jobs and careers linked to the Arts, Media and Entertainment.

Entrepreneurship
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Entrepreneurship

Entrepreneurship introduces students to the process of recognizing opportunities and planning for the establishment of a business.

AgTech & Sustainability
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AgTech & Sustainability

Learn how to create a successful agriculture business in Hawaii. Working with the Kōkua Hawaiʻi Foundation, students will explore careers in Agriculture.

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We, Th 4:30-6 PM (Virtual)
Fashion and Design
Engage with industry professionals, exploring diverse facets of fashion and design. Craft your own creative vision through a culminating project of your choice.
Learn More
M, Th 4:30-6PM (Virtual)
Intro to Coding
The "Intro to Coding" course is designed to introduce high school students to the exciting and rapidly growing field of coding.
Learn More
M, Th 4:30-6PM (Virtual)
Design Thinking & Storytelling with Data
Work in partnership with industry professionals to use Design Thinking, AI and Data Analytics to solve community challenges
Learn More
We, Th 4:30-6 PM (Virtual)
Spotlight on the Entertainment Industry
Spotlight on the Entertainment Industry offers students the opportunity to explore various jobs and careers linked to the Arts, Media and Entertainment.
Learn More
Tu, Th 4:30-6 PM (Virtual)
Entrepreneurship
Entrepreneurship introduces students to the process of recognizing opportunities and planning for the establishment of a business.
Learn More
Sat 9 AM-12 PM (In-Person at the Kokua Hawaii Foundation)
AgTech & Sustainability
Learn how to create a successful agriculture business in Hawaii. Working with the Kōkua Hawaiʻi Foundation, students will explore careers in Agriculture.

Work-based Learning

Our program is founded on the idea that students learn better when they work directly with real-world projects in their community that align with their passions. All of our programs feature industry partners that provide unparalleled experiences to students.

We deliver rigorous educational curriculum through the lens of real-world problems. Instead of learning math in a statistics class, students experience and apply the same concepts alongside a leading technology company by designing artificial intelligence systems that improve the Hawaii Department of Transportation’s traffic system by decreasing vehicle crashes in their community. 

Students working on marine remote vehicle
Student working on laptop and laughing outside

Virtual-First

Pilina's virtual first model ensures that students across all of Hawaii are able to access high quality educational content. Most of our pathway's meet virtually throughout the week after school and are able to be taken by any high school student on any island.  Some of our programs are location specific or offer optional on-site enrichment activities.

For students that do not have reliable access to computers or internet, there is a free technology loan program that you may apply for.

Through widespread outreach, a range of time offerings, technology loan programs, and our no prerequisite policies, we work with students regardless of their need to provide a truly equitable program.

Community Centered & Passion Led

Our program is founded on the idea that students learn better when they working directly with real-world projects in their community that align with their passions. All of our programs feature industry partners that provide unparalleled experiences to students. Each pathway features student driven projects that are custom tailored to each person's interests and strengths. In addition, educators, peer mentors, and expert guests create an ecosystem of support that propel students to their best careers after high school.

Students outside working together

The Pathway to Purpose program

Pathway to Purpose is an innovative high school learning program that is available through partnerships with various industries and participating schools in Hawaii. We provide students with the opportunity to work with real clients on real projects where they can build the skills they need to thrive in future jobs in their home community.We can’t do it alone, we need people who also see the problem and are brave enough to link arms with us and make a change

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