Pick, Prep, Pitch: A 3-Day Camp Connects Middle Schoolers to Their High School Futures
Pick, Prep, Pitch Fall Camp 2022 - Cohort #2
It's no secret that choosing a pathway when enrolling in high school can be daunting. So many options and courses are available, and as a middle school student, it's sometimes hard to know which path is right for you. We're so excited about Pick, Prep, and Pitch Camp. Over fall break, we conducted our 3-day camp allowing students to explore three pathways at Leilehua High School: Natural Resources, Culinary, and Business. Throughout the camp, students met with teachers, learned about what each path has to offer and even got a taste of what their future could hold. We believe this camp is a valuable opportunity for students to connect with their future selves and make informed decisions about their high school education. Our recent camp doubled in student enrollments and garnered the support of over 20 future teachers from the University of Hawaii, West Oahu campus.
We want to give a special thank you to Bayer for their grant that made this event possible. Mahalo also goes out to our community partner, Leilehua Alumni Community Association, who plays such a critical roll in everything we do. Mahalo LACA for your time and support of the Pick, Prep, Pitch Camp. And finally, we are so grateful for the support of UH West Oahu’s Education program and Dr. Laurie James and her students.
So what is Pick, Prep, Pitch Camp??
Pick, Prep, and Pitch Camp is a 3-day camp that exposes students to three different programs they can enroll in at Leilehua High School. Over three days, students met teachers from each pathway and spent time in each respective teacher's classroom. Over three days, students picked produce, prepped products, and learned how to pitch their handmade goods.
Day 1 - "Pick"
Students spent their first day of camp on a 3.5-acre farm with Mrs. Jackie Freitas, Leilehua High School's Natural Resources and Agriculture teacher. She exposed students to the many facets of agriculture in Oahu. Students learned of our local agriculture industry's importance and importance to our state's economy. Mrs. Freitas shared some upcoming and exciting ag-tech programs that will enable computer science and agriculture to come together in her curriculum very soon. With the help of ag-tech, the agricultural sector will only grow in the coming years. This camp allowed students to learn about this rapidly growing industry and see if it's something they might be interested in pursuing as a career.
Day 2 - "Pitch"
Students spent the day with Mr. Brandon Kon, the business pathway teacher. They learned about entrepreneurship and professionalism. Mr. Kon partnered with Cultivate Hawaii's very own Intermediary, Poni Askew, to teach students how to brand and pitch their products and what goes into creating unique packaging designs. This camp allowed students to explore their interest in business and see if it's something they might want to go into as rising entrepreneurs.
Day 3 - "Prep"
Mr. Brandon Hanagami spent the day sharing with students about his culinary program. He exposed students to the food manufacturing process from start to finish by teaching them to make from-scratch pasta and blends of teas made from locally sourced products grown by local farmers. Students received hands-on experience in the kitchen, creating products they bottled and packaged themselves. They also learned about food safety and how to create a product that appeals to customers. In addition, this camp allowed students to explore their interest in culinary arts and see if it's something they might want to pursue as a career.
At the end of Day 3, middle school students from Wahiawa Middle, Trinity Lutheran and Wheeler Middle schools pulled all their learnings together, named their products, and wrote a pitch they presented live to special guests and their parents. We were so impressed by each student's creativity and professionalism.
Connect. Collaborate. Excel.
Pick, Prep, Pitch 3-day camp is an excellent opportunity for middle schoolers interested in enrolling at Leilehua High School but unsure which pathway they want to choose. The camp exposes students to the Natural Resources & Ag-Tech, Culinary Arts & Value Added Food Manufacturing, and Business & Entrepreneurial careers. Over three days, students had the opportunity to spend time on their future high school campus, meet teachers, explore classrooms, and receive first-hand experience through excellent activities.
Interested in supporting?
Whether it is through our camps or engaging with community, industry, students or educators, we are on a mission to ensure the future of our keiki is bright!
We could not do this work without the support of our community and industry partners. If you would like to learn more about how you can support our work in Leilehua Complex or are interested in supporting Cultivate Hawaii's efforts, please email our Workforce Intermediary, Poni Askew, at poni@cultivatehawaii.org. Thank you for your continued engagement and support!