University of Hawaiʻi is expanding statewide its highly successful initiative originally launched in 2023 at University of Hawaiʻi-Maui College aimed at addressing the state’s critical teacher shortage by providing a clear and supported pathway for state residents to earn their elementary education teaching license — including tuition-free course.
Hoapili Teacher Pathways will now be offered at all 10 University of Hawaiʻi campuses.
The program successfully transitioned more than 60 students into teacher licensure and education fields during the past 3 years, proving the critical need for a flexible, community-focused approach to teacher education.
It served more than 360 students, attracting non-traditional students, long-term substitute teachers, educational assistants, emergency hires and parents in Hawaiian and English educational contexts.
University of Hawaiʻi is expanding the model to “grow our own” educators on every island.
It’s mission “I ulu nō ka lālā i ke kumu – Our keiki grow because of their kumu” removes financial and geographical barriers for aspiring educators. Classes are intentionally scheduled during after-work hours and delivered entirely online to accommodate full-time working adults balancing busy lifestyles.
The Hoapili Teacher Pathway
- Tuition-free online courses: Core courses toward teacher licensure offered online throughout University of Hawaiʻi campuses to maximize accessibility.
- Flexible enrollment: Students can attend full- or part-time with no prerequisites.
- Free entry-level certifications: Access to free substitute teaching certifications and free para-educator testing (ParaPro Assessment) for immediate entry into the workforce.
- Seamless 4-year degree path: Start at any University of Hawaiʻi community college and transfer seamlessly to a teacher licensure program at a University of Hawaiʻi 4-year campus to earn your bachelor of education in elementary education.
“The Hoapili program began as a way to provide a bridge to teacher licensure for individuals who are passionate about education but unable to attend college in the traditional sense,” said University of Hawaiʻi Community Colleges Interim Vice President Lui Ho koana in a release about the program’s expansion. “Expanding this proven, Maui-born solution to all 10 campuses allows us to scale our efforts and build a robust, sustainable pipeline of local teachers for schools across the state.”
No prerequisites required
The program is open to new and continuing University of Hawaiʻi community college students interested in pursuing an education career. There are no set prerequisites to join. A dedicated program coordinator and campus counselors work one-on-one with each student to identify their goals, evaluate existing credits and build a tailored academic plan.
How to apply
The application process is seamless and accommodates students at any stage of their journey.
- Continuing University of Hawaiʻi community college students: Need only to complete the Hoapili program application.
- New students: Complete the University of Hawaiʻi Community College application and Hoapili application.
Click here or email to kumuinfo@hawaii.edu for additional information.
