Hawaii is first model state for science education and civic engagement

University of Hawaiʻi
Contact:
Robert Franco, (808) 734-9514
Director, Office of Institutional Effectiveness
Denise Eby Konan, (808) 956-6570
Dean, College of Social Sciences
Posted: Oct 2, 2015

UH students in the Ka Holo Waa service-learning program host high school students at Kualoa.
UH students in the Ka Holo Waa service-learning program host high school students at Kualoa.

What do the economics of climate change, the upkeep of a Native Hawaiian fishpond and the removal of invasive algae have in common?  They are all part of what makes the University of Hawai‘i the leading institution in the nation in integrating science with civic responsibility. 

The National Center for Science and Civic Engagement (NCSCE) has identified Hawai‘i as the first model state for Science Education for New Civic Engagements and Responsibilities (SENCER).  The Hawai‘i SENCER Team was honored at the Washington symposium and national meeting held in late September 2015. U.S. Representative Mark Takai addressed the audience and spoke with pride about Hawai‘i's efforts to effectively integrate science with civic engagement and to prepare “citizen scientists.”

For more information about the University of Hawai‘i's SENCER programs read the UH News story:  http://www.hawaii.edu/news/2015/10/02/hawaii-recognized-as-first-model-state-for-science-education-and-civic-engagement/