More than 80 young wahine, grades 5–8, were part of this year’s Youth Impact Program (YIP) for girls, a free two-week STEM and leadership development program, held at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa and off-site locations in July.
Now in its 2nd year, YIP is hosted by UH Mānoa Wahine Basketball in partnership with the U.S. Army Pacific and many community volunteers throughout the state.
Related: Transformative development program for girls launched at UH, August 2022
YIP empowers youth, fosters personal growth and cultivates a sense of responsibility. The program is available at a number of universities across the nation with a mission to provide inclusion, equity and opportunity to at-risk middle school youth.
New experiences
Students participated in a STEM-based curriculum, provided with guidance from Hawaiʻi State Department of Education teachers, including guest speakers covering topics that inspired, educated and brought awareness. They heard from mentors with the U.S. Army Pacific and UH Mānoa’s Army ROTC Program, who led sessions on leadership development and life skills. In addition, working with the Rainbow Wahine student athletes, students took part in activities that focused on team building, work ethics and more.
“We hope we’ve inspired these young wahine to dream big and strive for greatness academically, athletically and in everything they do. We believe when someone is challenged, they grow, and this program provides a safe environment that supports participants in stepping out of their comfort zone,” said Jason Hill, director of operations for UH Mānoa Wahine Basketball and lead coordinator for this year’s YIP. “Last year laid the foundation for what this program can become, and this year built upon that foundation. We are grateful to take part in the first Youth Impact Program for Girls in the nation.”
Along with basketball and military education, lessons in yoga, hip-hop dance, Hawaiian culture and more were offered.
“The program is awesome because I got to play basketball with college players and met lots of new friends that don’t go to my school,” said Maggie Clason, a fifth grader from Mililani.
Turning dreams into reality
The closing ceremony held July 15, at UH Mānoa, was attended by parents and family of the students, Rainbow Wahine basketball players and staff, military, donors, teachers, special guests and more. Maj. Gen. Brian Gibson and Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi gave remarks, and the girls received personalized dream cards to encourage them to turn their dreams into reality.
“This emotional event was the culmination of 10 days of trust, leadership, effective guidance and life-changing engagement,” stated founder and Super Bowl champion (49ers: 1984, 1988, 1989) Riki Elison in a letter to supporters. “We were unified behind each and every young girl that participated in the 2023 Hawaiʻi Girls YIP program.”
Following the same principles, the Hawaiʻi Youth Impact Program for boys was held June 12—23, and hosted by UH Mānoa Football in partnership with the U.S. Army Pacific Command.
