A new statewide summer initiative is giving Hawaiʻi high school students an early look into the expanding field of national intelligence and global security. Thirty students from across the islands took part in the Academy for Hawaiʻi Intelligence Studies Summer Program, a four-week educational experience hosted by the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa.
Organized by the Department of Political Science within UH Mānoa’s College of Social Sciences, the program blends international relations, intelligence fundamentals, and real-world engagement. Designed for juniors and seniors, the academy combines academic instruction with experiential learning to prepare students for future pathways in intelligence, diplomacy, and global affairs.
Learning Beyond the Classroom
Throughout the program, participants explored key topics such as international power dynamics, global politics since World War II, and the role of the United States in shaping today’s geopolitical landscape. Instruction was paired with interactive elements including simulation exercises, field visits, and conversations with professionals working in Hawaiʻi’s intelligence and security sectors.
The four-week schedule ran from early to late July and included both online coursework and a residential component at the UH Mānoa campus, allowing students to experience college life while building academic and professional connections.
Supporting Hawaiʻi’s Future Workforce
College of Social Sciences Dean Denise Eby Konan emphasized that the program aligns with the university’s broader mission to strengthen Hawaiʻi’s workforce.
“Social science education equips students with critical thinking, cultural understanding, and communication skills that are essential for the intelligence community,” Konan said. She noted that Hawaiʻi’s deep connections to the Asia-Pacific region position local students to bring valuable perspectives to intelligence and global security careers.
Earning College Credit and Career Momentum
Students who completed the academy earned college credit for POLS 120: Introduction to World Politics, a foundational political science course. This class serves as the first step in a new intelligence studies course sequence currently being developed at UH Mānoa.
Program Director and Political Science Department Chair Jairus Grove described the initiative as a milestone for the state.
“This is the first program in Hawaiʻi that offers high school students college credit tied directly to a national intelligence career pathway,” Grove said. “Our goal is to identify and nurture future global leaders right here at home as the Pacific region becomes increasingly central to world affairs.”
A Diverse Group of Island Students
Participants were selected from public, charter, and private high schools across the state. The cohort included students from Oʻahu, Maui, Hawaiʻi Island, and Kauaʻi, with more than half coming from neighbor islands.
Key participant demographics included:
- A strong majority identifying as female
- Most students attending Hawaiʻi Department of Education or charter schools
- All participants meeting residency and academic requirements
The program brought together students from diverse backgrounds, encouraging collaboration and cross-island perspectives.
Student Voices Highlight Impact
For many participants, the academy opened doors to career possibilities they had not previously considered.
“I applied because I was interested in international relations,” said Wailana Hoʻopai, a senior from Kamehameha Schools Maui. “But I ended up learning so much about intelligence work and Hawaiʻi’s role in it, especially through meeting professionals connected to the Indo-Pacific.”
Talen Koerte, a senior at Kauaʻi High School, said the experience expanded his understanding of political science careers. “I didn’t realize how many different paths there were, like diplomacy and intelligence. It made the subject feel much more real.”
Kailani Clark, a senior from Kealakehe High School, highlighted the value of connecting with peers from other islands. “Living and learning with students from across Hawaiʻi gave me a broader perspective. It made the experience much more meaningful.”
Fully Funded Through Strategic Partnerships
All program costs—including tuition, registration fees, travel, housing, and meals—were covered through the Pacific Intelligence and Innovation Initiative (P3I). The initiative is a public-private partnership focused on building a skilled workforce in fields critical to Hawaiʻi and the Indo-Pacific region.
P3I co-program lead Jennifer Sabas credited strong collaboration and federal support for making the program possible.
“Our mission is to prepare Hawaiʻi’s students for careers in intelligence, cybersecurity, data analytics, and information technology,” Sabas said. “By working with universities, community colleges, and high schools statewide, we’re creating opportunities for local talent to serve both Hawaiʻi and the nation.”
Building a Pipeline for the Future
With its combination of academic rigor, hands-on learning, and statewide inclusion, the Academy for Hawaiʻi Intelligence Studies Summer Program represents a growing investment in Hawaiʻi’s next generation of global thinkers. Organizers hope the initiative will continue to expand, helping more students discover meaningful careers at the intersection of intelligence, policy, and the Pacific region.
