Kalani Students ‘Climb High’ With New Opportunities

Tui Moe, a Kalani High School special education teacher, teamed up with Hawaiʻi workforce development nonprofit ClimbHI and Embassy Suites by Hilton Waikīkī Beach Walk on a new initiative. Several students ages 17-22 years old had the opportunity to learn more about the hospitality industry, as well as raise money for their class.

Under the Kalani Special Education Program, Moe teaches students with disabilities an array of independent daily living skills, including using public transportation, understanding employment opportunities, and utilizing tools such as budgeting and saving.

“We face challenges in closing the gap for students to be productive citizens, enhance their quality of life and give them more opportunities,” says Moe, who has worked in the Hawaiʻi Department of Education for eight years. “This is fantastic because there is a need. For my students it will build and change their life immensely.”

In late April, the students toured Embassy Suites, learned about various departments, met staff and enjoyed breakfast. Then, in early May, they sorted and recycled bottles from the hotel at RRR Recycling Services Hawaiʻi on Kapahulu Avenue. The money earned from recycling would fund a pizza party for the class, providing a real-world goal setting and budgeting exercise. Students also planned their trip by using public transportation.

“This effort is the first of its kind in Hawai‘i and is a win-win for the students and the participating businesses,” states ClimbHI president Julie Morikawa. “Students get to experience the hospitality industry and see how activities like recycling can make money, and our partner businesses can operate more sustainably, as well as support local schools.”

Founded in 2009, ClimbHI exposes students to future career paths and the necessary steps to achieve their goals, whether that’s post-secondary education or employment after finishing high school.

Through its free online ClimbHI Bridge portal, the nonprofit works with Hawaiʻi educators, businesses and organizations on initiatives to help students meet their career goals and provide them with tailored mentorship, networking and training opportunities. Since the portal’s launch in 2021, the Bridge hasreached more than 270,000 students statewide.

For more information, visit http://climbhi.org.