

WHAT IS NALU STUDIES?
A program that redirects the lives of Hawaiʻi’s at-risk youth and atypical learners, transforming them into responsible leaders. Accomplished through:
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Intensive immersion: addresses academic and emotional needs in a transformative process.
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Mentoring: connects students with scientists, community leaders, health care professionals, educators, and indigenous cultural practitioners.
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Application of scientific techniques and culture practices: invites students to solve real-word environmental issues in their communities.
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Relationships first! Through a well built, trusting relationship anything can be accomplished.
What do we do?
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The NALU Studies program works to:
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Connect students to ʻāina and ahupuaʻa.
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Students heal ʻāina and themselves through synergized approaches in Hawaiian Culture, STEM, and Social Emotional Learning.
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Students connect to caring professionals as mentors and build their networks.
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Engage students in Responsible Leadership resulting in academic improvement, positive behaviors, and peer mentoring.
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What Types of Students are best served by NALU Studies?
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Students who:
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struggle to learn in typical classroom settings
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respond better with experiential, hands-on learning
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are “atypical” leaners needing a different approach
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are failing out of the system
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What Program Services and Activities do we offer?
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Investigations in traditional and modern land management practices,
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We place and support students in positions of leadership and responsibility,
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Service Learning in Loʻi, coral reefs, forests,
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Ways to heal ʻāina while healing themselves, their communities, and local environment,
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Connection to caring professionals as mentors,
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Growth opportunities as students move into leadership roles as Mentors and Team Leaders.


What Do Students Gain?
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A deeper understanding of self and nature
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Stipends, Internships, service-learning, Career Education & Opportunities
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Real-World experiences applying scientific and Cultural practices
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Stepping into the role of Scientist and Community Leader
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Inspiration and Support to graduate from High School, College, and/or Vocational Schools
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Network building
How does NALU Studies Support the greater educational community?
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Our students demonstrate:
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Heightened Responsibility and Motivation to Learn
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Appreciation for the importance of education
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Critical Leadership Qualities and Skills and a desire to help others
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Experience in service learning projects
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Increased Focus on High School and College Graduation
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How are student recruited?
Students have multiple points of entry –
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School Councilors
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Teacher Recommendations
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Judiciary
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Peer Recommendation