Kupu, a 501(c)3 Hawaii-based non-profit,was formed in 2007. Kupu exists because of a heart to serve. Kupu in Hawaiian means "to sprout, grow, germinate, or increase" and like the kupukupu fern (which is one of the first plants to bring life back to the land after a devastating lava flow), Kupu's heart is to bring life back to the people, the land, and the ocean. Despite tragedies and hardships which Hawaii's people and environment may have faced, like the kupukupu fern, through our actions and programs we aim to assist in providing a new beginning with hope and promise.
Kupu provides a home organization for the Hawaii Youth Conservation Corps that is set up specifically for youth job-training and development in natural resource management. A dedicated staff works year-round on the four programs that comprise the HYCC suite of programs as well as developing new programs that will provide job training and skill to young adults.
Kupu is also in the process of developing an Urban Corps for low-to-moderate income youth as well as teen who have dropped out of high school. The Urban Corps program will provide these youth the opportunity for schooling, on the job training, and green job training.
The Hawaii Youth Conservation Corps (HYCC) The Hawaii Youth Conservation Corps (HYCC) is a hands-on set of programs aimed at educating Hawaii's youth on the many conservation issues that threaten Hawaii's unique environment. Programs go from short-term summer programs to year-round internships. Students are mentored by and work alongside some of Hawaii's premiere conservation leaders while building friendships with other students who desire to protect and restore our paradise. Participants engage in meaningful conservation work to help restore rain forests, dry land forests, trails, wetlands, coastal areas, and other areas. Members are also challenged to develop leadership, job, and team work skills. Participants work in rarely visited, breathtaking habitats. HYCC is more than just "out of the ordinary"; it's a chance of a lifetime!
A Hawaii Youth Conservation Corps clean-up day.
The four main programs which the HYCC provides are:
For more information on each program, please click on the link above.
Whether you haven't been outdoors before or you are looking for a career in conservation, the HYCC has a program for you. Whether you are in high school or just finished with college, the HYCC has a program that will challenge you and give you the knowledge and skills to help prepare you for life! You will learn from the experts while working alongside them. In fact, many of the programs provide either college credits or money that you can use for college tuition and/or loans!
Not only will participants learn about the environment and conservation, but they will gain valuable life skills such as team building, communication, responsibility, and so much more. For many, these programs have been valuable steps for career beginnings, college admittance, educational pursuits, and life direction.
By choosing to be involved in one of the HYCC programs you will gain skills, experience, earning college credits/money, and having a once in a lifetime experience. Yet, furthermore, you will be the difference and help to shape the world around you in a positive way. Come be a part of the HYCC and "BE THE DIFFERENCE!"
Hawaii Urban Corps The Hawaii Urban Corps will be full-time, five-month job training and service learning program that will teach under-resourced young adults the importance of energy conservation and natural resource stewardship to sustaining Hawaii's unique natural environment. Based on the successful HYCC model, the Hawaii Urban Corps will use hands-on conservation work to stimulate personal development and intellectual curiosity. The Hawaii Urban Corps will combine work experience with education, all within the framework of community service.
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Kupu, a 501(c)3 Hawaii-based non-profit,was formed in 2007. Kupu exists because of a heart to serve. Kupu in Hawaiian means "to sprout, grow, germinate, or increase" and like the kupukupu fern (which is one of the first plants to bring life back to the land after a devastating lava flow), Kupu's heart is to bring life back to the people, the land, and the ocean. Despite tragedies and hardships which Hawaii's people and environment may have faced, like the kupukupu fern, through our actions and programs we aim to assist in providing a new beginning with hope and promise.
Kupu provides a home organization for the Hawaii Youth Conservation Corps that is set up specifically for youth job-training and development in natural resource management. A dedicated staff works year-round on the four programs that comprise the HYCC suite of programs as well as developing new programs that will provide job training and skill to young adults.
The Hawaii Youth Conservation Corps (HYCC) is a hands-on set of programs aimed at educating Hawaii's youth on the many conservation issues that threaten Hawaii's unique environment. Programs go from short-term summer programs to year-round internships. Students are mentored by and work alongside some of Hawaii's premiere conservation leaders while building friendships with other students who desire to protect and restore our paradise. Participants engage in meaningful conservation work to help restore rain forests, dry land forests, trails, wetlands, coastal areas, and other areas. Members are also challenged to develop leadership, job, and team work skills. Participants work in rarely visited, breathtaking habitats. HYCC is more than just "out of the ordinary"; it's a chance of a lifetime!
The Hawaii Urban Corps will be full-time, five-month job training and service learning program that will teach under-resourced young adults the importance of energy conservation and natural resource stewardship to sustaining Hawaii's unique natural environment. Based on the successful HYCC model, the Hawaii Urban Corps will use hands-on conservation work to stimulate personal development and intellectual curiosity. The Hawaii Urban Corps will combine work experience with education, all within the framework of community service.
