E ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi Kākou


Hawaiian Language Learning Opportunity

In partnership with the Office of Hawaiian Education (OHE) along with the State of Hawai‘i Department of Education (HIDOE), the University of Hawai‘i Community Colleges (UHCC) offers limited subsidized, introductory Hawaiian language and Hawaiian Studies college credit courses at no-cost to HIDOE employees.

All HIDOE mployees are invited to participate. Upon successful completion, participants are able to receive college credits.

The aim of the ‘Ōlelo Hawai‘i Initiative is to increase awareness of Hawaiian Language and the essential role it plays in Hawaiiʻs educational system.

Details

If any employee is active as a UH student and receiving financial aid, this scholarship may be considered as part of the employeeʻs financial aid package.

Employee (student) is responsible for their own supplies, equipment, internet connection (if applicable), and transportation.

All students must comply with the University’s policies, procedures, and deadlines, including withdrawal deadlines.

Requirements

Minimum B grade

The employee agrees to fully participate and complete all coursework upon enrollment into a Hawaiian language course funded by the Department. The employee must successfully complete the course with a B or better to continue to receive benefit.

Complete evaluation survey (google form)

The employee agrees to complete an exit survey at the end of the semester and no later than December 31st for Fall semester and May 31st for Spring semester.

Non-work hours for PD

PD opportunities must follow Department guidance which require that all Bargaining Unit 05 employees enrolling in Department funded courses must take place during non-work hours.

Courses

Fall 2024

Update

The E 'Ōlelo Hawai'i Kākou Hawaiian Language classes program will not be available for the Fall 2024.

If we are able to offer the program in spring 2025, a memo will be sent via the Department of Education.

Spring 2025

Update

If we are able to offer the program in spring 2025, a memo will be sent via the Department of Education.

Summer 2025

Update

If we are able to offer the program in summer 2025, a memo will be sent via the Department of Education.

HIDOE Employee Application and Course Registration

If you are a HIDOE Employee, you will need to:

  1. Apply for admission
    Note: (your "home campus" will be Maui College, but you can take courses at any of the UHCC campuses)
  2. Receive Acceptance Email
    1. Registration instructions will be on the email sent to the email address listed on the application
    2. If you do not receive an email please, email () or text us at 808-210-4621
  3. Register via STAR for the course*
  4. After registration, ensure that your balance is $0. If you see a balance, please email () or text us at 808-210-4621

All full-time, salaried Hawai’i Department of Education employees are eligible.

This opportunity is available only to current HIDOE employees, employed during the Fall and/or Spring term you are receiving the benefit.

No. The E ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi Kākou: Hawaiian Language Learning Opportunity is currently offered to State of Hawaii Department of Education employees only. Public charter employees are not eligible.

No, if you previously received credit for Hawaiian Language 101, 102, 201, 202 or Hawaiian Studies 107, then you are not eligible for repeating the course for credit under this benefit.

Yes, if you attempted and did not receive credit for Hawaiian language 101, 102, 201, or 202, then you are eligible for this benefit.

No, under this benefit employees are expected to be full participants and to receive a B or better letter course grade to continue participation.

Yes! These courses qualify as college credits conferred to your official University of Hawaii academic transcript.

Bargaining unit 5 employees may use these credits to reclassify. Please contact the Office of Talent Management for information on how to reclassify in the HIDOE.

Participants can earn college credits in the following classes:

HAW 101 (4 credits)
HAW 102 (4 credits)
HAW 201 (4 credits)
HAW 202 (4 credits)
HWST 107 (3 credits)

A minimal passing grade of D is needed to receive college credit.
A grade of B or higher is required to receive future program support.

The maximum classes supported by this opportunity would be one language class and one Hawaiian Studies class taken concurrently in the same term. For example, one could take HAW 102 and HWST 107 at the same time. Hawaiian language classes are sequential, thus students must meet the prerequisite requirements to enroll in the Hawaiian language course.

Pending availability of funding, individuals in good standing (earn a B or better) can continue to take courses that are offered.

Any participating HIDOE employee will need to pass the course with a D or better in order to get the CC credits. All participants will be required to complete a survey at the end of the course.

The continuation of classes will be dependent upon funding.

No, Employees taking Hawaiian language are responsible for the costs of required books and materials for the course. The estimated costs range from $0 (open educational resources) to ~$50.

No, the scholarship can only be used for Hawaiian language takers seeking credit, and with a A-F letter grading option (i.e. the scholarship will not pay for participants to Audit the course). No additional credit can be awarded to a student that has already earned credit for the same course. Therefore, a student cannot repeat Hawaiian Language for a grade and cannot repeat Hawaiian language for credit.

Yes, there are language testing options to begin at a Hawaiian language course that is appropriate for you.

Currently, the program is only for Beginning and Intermediate Hawaiian Language: Hawaiian 101, 102, 201, and 202 only.

No, the scholarship cannot be used with an Audit grade option. A grade of B or better is required to continue using the benefit.

If you need assistance at any time, please email () or text us (808-210-4621).

HIDOE Employee Application and Course Registration

If you are a HIDOE Employee, you will need to:

  1. Apply for admission
    Note: (your "home campus" will be Maui College, but you can take courses at any of the UHCC campuses)
  2. Receive Acceptance Email
    1. Registration instructions will be on the email sent to the email address listed on the application
    2. If you do not receive an email please, email () or text us at 808-210-4621
  3. Register via STAR for the course*
  4. After registration, ensure that your balance is $0. If you see a balance, please email () or text us at 808-210-4621

Contact Us

Staff

Joshua Kaʻakua, Academic Program Officer
Tiana Loo, Interim Academic Program Officer

Office

UH Community Colleges
2327 Dole Street
Honolulu, HI 96822

Email:
Phone: (808) 210-4621