Undergraduate Research Opportunity with Kōkua Hawaiʻi Foundation

In collaboration with Kōkua Hawaiʻi Foundation (KHF) and University of Hawaiʻi-West Oʻahu this internship is made possible through the Partnership in Advancing Computational Thinking (PACT) project funded by the National Science Foundation (Award #: 2413982).

This Internship Program offers individuals a meaningful, hands-on learning opportunity while supporting environmental education, sustainability, and community resiliency in Hawaiʻi. Interns choose 1 of 3 primary focus tracks—Farm Focus, Social Enterprises, or Creative Contribution based on their interests, academic goals, and organizational capacity. Each track allows students to work directly with KHF staff to develop specialized knowledge and skills in their chosen area while also contributing to the broader mission of the organization. In addition, this internship focuses deeply on STEM related projects facilitated by KHF. 

Regardless of track, all interns gain cross-functional experience by participating in organization-wide activities such as farm workdays, community events, educational programming, and sustainability initiatives. Through this integrated approach, interns build a strong foundation in place-based learning, nonprofit operations, and the values of mālama ʻāina (care for the land), food justice, community engagement, and waste reduction. Interns are encouraged to explore the interconnections between people, place, food, and waste while learning how to lead and inspire change within their communities.

We encourage a strong commitment to sustainability, intersectional environmentalism, and growing a healthier future for Hawaiʻi. We also prioritize applicants with a strong connection to Hawaiʻi and its people, as well as a beginner level proficiency in ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi or interest and commitment to learning to apply.

Eligibility Criteria for UHWO Students
1. Must be a UHWO degree-seeking student pursuing a STEM (science, technology, engineering, or mathematics) or STEM-related fields. This includes social sciences with scientific methodologies and related fields focusing on Indigenous STEM (e.g., Hawaiian and Indigenous Health and Healing).
2. Must have completed at least one semester in a STEM or STEM-related field.
3. Must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75.

Program Requirements
* Engage in a faculty-mentored research experience;

* Complete 120 hours at internship site and submit a summary of the internship experience, including an evaluation (for NSF reporting purposes).

*Internship will begin in March and end the week of May 31st 2026.

The deadline to apply is Sunday, March 1st 2026.