About Us
An Annual Exploration for Science-Minded Youth
The Hawaii International Science Experience (HISE) is an annual, student-led adventure that brings island and international students together for new discoveries, new inspirations, and new partnerships in science. At its core, HISE gathers Hawaii Island students and international guests to experience our island’s cutting edge science and the possibilities for STEM careers to blossom here. With respect to ‘Ike Kūpuna (ancestral experiences, insights, perspectives, knowledge and practices), we explore the application of indigenous wisdom to create modern solutions. All participating students and teachers are exposed to the real Hawaii—a tapestry of rich culture and wisdom and an island of tremendous science and potential. Inspired by a long relationship with the Japan Super Science Fair (JSSF), all HISE participants gain a broader global perspective while building relationships that spark collaboration as youth and into the future as professionals.
OBJECTIVES
The goals of HISE include benefits for participating students, educators, and Hawaii.
Hawaii Island & Visiting Students
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- Cultivate awareness and appreciation for Hawaii’s unique “living laboratory”
- Connect island science and STEM learning to career opportunities
- Develop confidence in international engagement
- Establish island and international collaborative networks
- Inspire focus on global improvements and understanding
- Ignite personal creativity, innovation, and courage
- Develop leaders through HISE’s student-driven program
Educators
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- Explore educational approaches to global challenges
- Learn and share effective teaching strategies
- Support continued collaborations beyond HISE
- Create opportunities for school-to-school interactions and exchanges
Hawaii’s Educational & Economic Health
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- Cultivate young leadership
- Create workforce pathways through career-connected learning
- Boost student, science, and community collaborations
- Showcase the real Hawaii’s culture and wisdom
- Enhance Hawaii’s image as a leader in science and sustainability
Our Mission
HISE helps youth embrace the challenges of an interconnected world by providing opportunities to broaden their perspective of the world, foster relationships, and cultivate leadership skills.
HISE also responds to students’ social, educational, and environmental needs through collaboration, cultural exchange, and nurturing innovation and creativity in science.
Our Vision
HISE aims to inspire students to form indigenous modern solutions by combining ʻIke Kūpuna (ancestral knowledge) with modern technology, and to inspire international collaboration among students and educators.
The work of HISE will redefine the mainstream media portrayal of our island culture as a tourist destination, to recognizing it as a place of higher STEM education—and a place full of STEM career opportunities.
Donate to Support HISE
Our work would not be possible without the generous support of businesses, organizations, and individuals like you. Donate today and join us in our mission of helping Hawaii students broaden their perspectives and cultivate science creativity and leadership. Hawaii International Science Experience is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit.