Hawai'i Program
Application for Summer 2025 is now live!
Please apply as soon as possible to receive consideration for a spot in your desired program. For inquiries, please email UC San Diego Pre-College Programs (precollege@ucsd.edu).
The following program is designed to empower high school students to share learning, network with peers, and become environmental advocates. The goal of this program is to develop problem solving, organization, creative thinking, communication, collaboration, and leadership skills that will support future career goals and aspirations.
The Research Scholars Hawaii Program offers a transformative educational experience on the island of Oahu, where students engage deeply with place-based knowledge and environmental education. This immersive program seeks to bridge traditional Hawaiian knowledge systems with contemporary scientific practices, fostering a holistic understanding of ecological stewardship and cultural heritage.
Hawai'i Program
Hawai'i Program - CLICK HERE TO APPLY
APPLICATION DEADLINE: Friday, April 4, 2025
Dates: July 30, 2025 - August 8, 2025
Tuition: $3,675 includes course materials, room, all meals, ground transportation and activities. (Does not include airfare)
Grade Level: 9th - 12th, recent graduates welcome
Instructor: Nicole Yen, Sonya Timko, & Alberto Rivera
Hawaii, with its exceptional natural beauty and cultural heritage, is deeply rooted in the core principle Mālama ʻĀina, or “to care for the land," which reflects a profound respect for the environment and underscores the interconnectedness between humans and nature. Aligned with this philosophy, the Research Scholars Marine Science—Hawaii Program will offer a transformative experience on the island of Oahu, inviting students passionate about marine science and environmental stewardship to join us for 10-days of hands-on learning through restoration, stewardship, and research.
Students will work alongside our partner organization, Mālama Maunalua, to engage in restoration and research initiatives at Maunalua Bay. These initiatives may involve restoring the Ala Mahamoe watershed, removing invasive algae, monitoring coral reefs through transect surveys, and outplanting heat-resistant coral. Using ArcGIS, students will evaluate the effects of land-based pollution and climate change on the bay by analyzing both publicly available data and data they gather themselves. The results will be compiled into a story map to highlight the students' contributions and support Mālama Maunalua's ongoing conservation efforts.
This program strives to inspire youth to become climate and environmental stewards by helping them understand that we are an integral part of nature, and encouraging students to reconnect with their local resources. Through this awareness, we hope to motivate participants to take what they’ve learned back to their communities, fostering a sense of responsibility for the health of watersheds, ecosystems, and, ultimately, our ocean.
Through our program students will:
- Gain a deeper appreciation for and connection to natural resources through hands-on restoration and conservation efforts with local organizations:
- Koʻolau Mountains Watershed Partnership
- Ka Papa Loʻi O Kānewai
- Kaulaukalana
- Mālama Maunalua
- Learn about Hawaii’s traditional ahupua’a land management and food production systems, such as:
- Oʻi kalo (taro fields)
- Loko iʻa (fishponds)
- Understand the current climate and environmental challenges facing reefs, and how ahupua’a land management, along with a holistic approach from mauka (mountains) to makai (ocean), can:
- Preserve water quality
- Reduce soil erosion
- Prevent nutrient runoff
- Minimize pollutants from reaching the ocean
- Learn restoration and field research techniques with Mālama Maunalua to:
- Remove invasive algae
- Assess the health of the reef at Maunalua Bay
- Map with ArcGIS
- Be empowered to drive meaningful change in communities by using ahupua’a land management as a model for holistic resource stewardship.
Tentative Schedule**
7/30 - Travel Day; Meet and Greet, Course Introduction
7/31 - Lanikai Pillbox Hike; Introduction to Island, Activities, Research; RA Led Evening Leadership Activities and Discussions
8/1 - Restoration of Ala Mohamoe with Ko’olau Mountains Watershed Partnership; Bishop Museum; RA Led Movie Night
8/2 - Ka Papa Loʻi O Kānewai Community Farming; North Shore (Sharks Cove) Snorkeling
8/3 - Restoration and Research with Mālama Maunalua; RA Led Evening Leadership Activities and Discussions
8/4 - Restoration and Research with Mālama Maunalua; RA Led Evening Leadership Activities and Discussions
8/5 - Kaulaukalana Fish Pond Restoration; Research with Mālama Maunalua; RA Led Evening Leadership Activities and Discussions
8/6 - UH Manoa, ArcGIS Mapping with Justin Kellum
8/7 - Final Presentations, Waikiki Night
8/8 - Goodbyes; Travel Day
Disclaimer: Students will be dirty and in the water for most days. Please be prepared for this!
**Schedule subject to change
Other Program Information
Hawai'i Application
Students can access the application from the "Apply Now" tab. Application deadline is Friday, April 4, 2025.
Hawaii FAQ
Is financial aid available?
Are applications accepted on a rolling basis?
Where are students staying?
Are flights included in tuition?
Is transportation from the airport included?
Will students have a roommate?
Is the Swim Test required to submit the application?
Are there international student requirements? (Visa information)
Is financial aid available?
UC San Diego Research Scholars - Hawai'i is a self-supported program that does not receive any State or Federal funding. As a result, we are unable to offer financial aid or grants to our program participants. Students are encouraged to reach out to their school counselors and community for scholarship opportunities.
Are applications accepted on a rolling basis?
No, students will submit their applications by Friday, April 4, 2025. Once the application is closed a review committee will go through each student application. Students will be notified of their status in late April - early May. We highly encourage students to take their time when responding to the application essay question "
Where are students staying?
Students will be staying on the island of O'ahu, Hawai'i. Students will learn about lodging logistics upon acceptance into the program.
Are flights included in tuition?
No, tuition for students includes course materials, room, all meals, ground transportation and activities. (Does not include airfare)
Is transportation from the airport included?
We ask that students book their flights into Oahu to arrive prior to 4:00pm. Students who arrive prior to 4:00pm will meet with staff at baggage claim and be transported to the hotel together. Should a students arrive after 4:00pm they will be in charge of coordinating their transportation to the hotel. (Note: hotel information will be given to students upon acceptance into the program).
Will students have a roommate?
Yes, 2 students will be accomodated per room by gender. Students roommates assignments are heavily based on their Personal History Form, which can be accessed via the application. We encourage students to be honest and take their time when completing this form.
Is the Swim Test required to submit the application?
Yes, students must complete the swim form to submit a completed application.
Are there international student requirements? (Visa information)
International students are allowed to apply to our Research Scholars - Hawai'i program; however, all students will be responsible for their airfare to the program. The Research Scholars - Hawai'i Program does not qualify for an F-1 student visa. Most international students who participate in the program enter the country with a tourist visa. There are no English test requirements.
Hawai'i Acceptance
Students will be notified of their status in late April - early May.
Hawai'i Cancellation/Refund Policies
CANCELLATION POLICY
Cancellation or withdrawal for any reason prior to 2 weeks to the course start date will receive a refund.
Refunds for cancellation or withdrawal after the 2 weeks deadline will be issued for serious illness (doctor's certificate is required) or extenuating circumstances only. Tuition is not refunded for students who are dismissed from the program.
HOW TO REQUEST A REFUND
All refund requests must be made in writing to Maysoon Dong, Associate Director for the Education & Community Outreach Department
COVID Policies
- Masking is optional. For latest updates on our policies, please follow this link to COVID policy page.
- If you are experiencing or have had COVID-19 symptoms within the past 14 days, please stay at home.
- If you believe that you have been in recent contact with someone who tested positive for COVID-19, please stay at home.