ClimbHI Launches Enterprise Program to Serve Special Education Students, Support Statewide Youth-Driven CPR Training Initiatives

Embassy Suites by Hilton Waikiki Beach Walk leaders are recognized for pilot program participation

HONOLULU (Nov. 14, 2024) – Kalani High School Special Education students, elementary school students, educators and Embassy Suites by Hilton Waikiki Beach Walk leaders held a special event yesterday marking the successful launch of a groundbreaking new enterprise program led by Hawaii workforce development nonprofit ClimbHI.

Launched as a pilot program last spring at the Embassy Suites by Hilton Waikiki Beach Walk, managed by OUTRIGGER Hospitality Group, the initiative enhances recycling efforts for the hotel and helps Kalani High School Special Education students ages 17-22 years old learn valuable hands-on skills while raising funds for their class and school, as well as helping students across Oahu earn money for Hands-Only CPR/AED training from the Red Cross. The training is provided through ClimbHI’s Hawaii Strong initiative, which promotes youth-driven emergency preparedness statewide in the wake of the Maui wildfires.

“This innovative program is now an ongoing enterprise for special education and other students, and shows how much our youth can accomplish,” said Julie Morikawa, president of ClimbHI. “We are helping support students from elementary through high school who are taking the lead on organizing trainings for their peers to become emergency leaders. Nearly 250 students have been trained in Hands-Only CPR/AED because of these leadership initiatives and the opportunity to work and save funds.”

At yesterday’s event, Embassy Suites by Hilton Waikiki Beach Walk leaders were presented with an award, followed by a site visit and networking tour for the students – part of ClimbHI’s mission to expose Hawaii’s keiki to local career and leadership opportunities.

Under the pilot program, ClimbHI collected recycling from the hotel every two weeks. Students have sorted a total of 1,100 pounds of recyclables at RRR Recycling Services Hawaii. Funds also support an enhanced curriculum, providing hands-on opportunities to practice skills such as budgeting and planning.

Hawaii businesses and organizations are encouraged to learn more about ClimbHI’s programs and events throughout the state by e-mailing info@climbhi.org.

In addition, ClimbHI is inviting teachers, businesses, associations and nonprofit organizations to sign up for the free ClimbHI Bridge online portal for workforce development and classroom engagement opportunities, volunteer hour tracking and communication tools, and more. This portal is used by hundreds of schools and businesses statewide, reaching over 300,000 students since it was launched in 2021.

For more, visit climbhi.org.

About ClimbHI

Founded in 2009, the Hawaii-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit ClimbHI seeks to inspire students to finish high school and proceed to post-secondary
education or employment by exposing them to future career paths and the steps necessary to achieve those goals. For more, visit climbhi.org.