Chancellor Rose Tseng

Chamber Connection

October 2007

We held a STEM Mini Summit at UH Hilo in September and I’d like to share with you some of things that we talked about.

STEM is the commonly used acronym for the crucial disciplines of science, technology, engineering and mathematics. I say crucial because there is a great need for more professionals in these fields, and our state and nation will fall behind in the global economy if we don’t find a fix.

Finding solutions to the shortage of STEM professionals means that universities need to reinvent undergraduate education. At UH Hilo, we are doing our part with pioneering programs specially designed to inspire and support students who show promise in STEM fields but who might otherwise “fall through the cracks.”

At our summit, we discussed ways that our state’s deficiencies in STEM professionals carries with it a cultural imperative. For instance, our Keaholoa program inspires STEM interest in local students through creating a culturally sensitive learning environment, often grounded in Native Hawaiian practices and protocol.

Keaholoa is a $2.5 million federal program to increase our number of STEM graduates. It not only focuses on giving undergraduates a rigorous curriculum, but also on faculty development so that teachers are teaching in a culturally sensitive way that inspires and supports students. The enhanced curriculum is creating a cadre of Native Hawaiian students versed in STEM fields.

People often think that the push for STEM education is at the expense of culture and the arts, but this simply is not so. Above all else, the most important component to UH Hilo STEM programs is “Quality Learning with Aloha.” The curriculum is rigorous and demanding, but the delivery is culturally sensitive, culturally based, with caring teachers and professors. Small class sizes and low faculty-student ratio create an enlightened learning environment, preparing Hawai‘i’s students for the 21^st century.

Chamber members may be asking, what does all this science and culture education have to do with us in the business sector? Well, you can help. Studies show that internships are one of the very best ways to inspire and engage students. You have the power to help shape Hawai‘i’s future by mentoring a student, sharing your wisdom, nurturing a young mind to value the rigorous pursuit of STEM disciplines.

The chair of the National Science Board says that UH Hilo integrates science and culture like no other institution in the country. We are the model for 21^st century STEM education, and I hope you feel inspired to participate in our exciting educational opportunities.