Kapa’a High School students experience college life at Chaminade University

Chaminade University on O’ahu welcomed more than 85 students from Kapaʻa High School on Kauaʻi, along with Sacred Hearts Academy and Saint Louis School in Honolulu, for an immersive, full-day campus visit last week as part of its Early College Program.

The event on Dec. 11 offered students a glimpse into college life through a variety of activities, including campus tours, hands-on workshops and discussions with faculty and student-athletes.

The students toured the university’s campus and dormitories, explored the nursing labs, and participated in a “Crime Scene” investigation with Carlos Gutierrez from the school’s Forensic Sciences program. Additionally, they attended sessions on college sports, nursing, criminology, data science, psychology and other academic disciplines.

Students from Kapaʻa High School participate in the program through online courses taught by Chaminade professors, while Sacred Hearts students complete their associate degrees on their campus. Saint Louis School students take dual-enrollment courses directly on the Chaminade campus.

A highlight of the day was meeting with Chaminade administration and faculty to learn about specific programs such as Environmental, Interior Design, Business, Education and Psychology, as well as to gain insights into college admissions.

Currently, 92 high school students are enrolled in Chaminade’s Early College Program, which allows them to earn both college and high school credits simultaneously.

The program, which serves a diverse group of Hawai‘i students, is designed to prepare young people for college and professional careers. Studies show that Early College participants typically have higher GPAs, higher graduation rates and better college retention rates.

Since its inception three years ago, Chaminade’s Early College Program has helped 17 students from Sacred Hearts Academy earn their Associate of Arts degrees, with 16 more set to graduate in May 2026.

The university’s Early College initiative reflects its mission to develop the next generation of leaders, equipping students with the academic and practical tools needed for success in both higher education and beyond.

Chaminade University in Honolulu offers more than 30 undergraduate and graduate programs, including doctoral degrees in education, psychology and nursing practice.

For more information or details on Chaminade University’s Early College Program, click here.