University of Hawaiʻi–West Oʻahu students will gain firsthand experience in video production and content creation through an innovative partnership with ʻŌlelo Community Media—a nonprofit with a mission to create, collect, curate and share stories by Hawaiʻi, for Hawaiʻi, to Hawaiʻi.
A newly signed memorandum of agreement offers students internships in camera operations, editing and field production on ʻŌlelo projects, helping build a skilled local workforce. The collaboration includes training, mentorship and content creation, equipping participants with valuable media and communication skills aligned with community needs.
“This partnership with ʻŌlelo brings together our program’s strength in preparing students through a dynamic, industry-relevant curriculum with ʻŌlelo’s deep commitment to community storytelling—creating a pathway where students gain hands-on experience while both organizations stay responsive to the evolving needs of Hawaiʻi’s media landscape,” said UH West Oʻahu Academy for Creative Media (ACM) Director Sharla Hanaoka.
Alumnus advanced agreement
Student internships are scheduled to begin in 2026. Under the guidance of ʻŌlelo professionals, students will create projects ranging from health awareness PSAs to storytelling on sustainability, with access to both ʻŌlelo and ACM facilities and equipment.
The agreement was coordinated in part by UH West Oʻahu alumnus Gabriel Peters, now ʻŌlelo’s community engagement coordinator.
“As a proud graduate of UH West Oʻahu’s Creative Media program, I’ve always believed in its potential to shape the next generation of storytellers and content creators,” Peters said. “Reconnecting with (Hanaoka) at the new building’s grand opening in 2022 sparked the idea for this partnership. We saw a chance to create real-world opportunities for students—ones that not only help build their portfolios but also connect them with industry professionals and networks that are vital in any career path.”
The partners are also eyeing potential expansion across other ʻŌlelo Community Media enterprises.
