Ten GEAR UP graduates participated in an 8-night, 9-day Global Leadership Summit in Honolulu, Hawaii. Students encountered a wide range of experiences, from learning about the history and culture of Hawaii to gaining leadership skills during the Global Leadership Summit.

During this educational/leadership experience to Honolulu, Hawaii students toured the University of Hawaii, viewed the Halona Blowhole, hiked the Makapu’u Point Light House Trail and Diamond Head Monument, and much more. Students toured the NOAA Facility where they learned about different career opportunities along with visiting Pearl Harbor.

Next, they visited the Polynesian Cultural Center where they learned about the 6 different Pacific Islands and their culture. At the end they experienced an authentic Alii Luau.

Students also attended a Global Leadership Symposium with Zion Leadership Group where they gained leadership skills, learned how to become entrepreneurs, engaged in networking, and developed character-building skills.

The last stop in Hawaii was the Kakua Kalihi Valley where students volunteered their day to help give back to the community. They planted vegetables for the local organization, and they cleared weeds to keep the gardens healthy. This organization feeds local families in the community.

EOSC received a $17 million federal GEAR UP grant in 2017, and will serve more than 3,000 students in 39 area schools for seven years.