Kamehameha Schools in Hawai’i partners with Accelerate ASU to boost college readiness

Students in Hawaii prepare for college readiness

Hawaiian high schoolers can pursue college credits through a collaboration with Arizona State University.

Kamehameha Schools Hawaiʻi Campus is redefining what it means to prepare students for college. Through its partnership with Arizona State University’s Accelerate ASU program, students can earn up to 60 college credits while still in high school. This approach not only gives students invaluable early exposure to higher education but reduces the time and cost required to complete a degree.

The program, called “Ke Ala I Ka Palapala Laepua” or “Pathway to Bachelor’s,” enables students to balance rigorous academics with their Hawaiian cultural identity. Since its inception, participation has grown by 300%, with nearly 100 of the school’s 585 students now taking part. 

The collaboration between Kamehameha Schools and ASU began during the pandemic, when ASU Prep Global, ASU’s virtual K-12 school, partnered with the school to create and launch KS Digital, an online learning platform designed to meet the unique needs of Hawaiian students.

“We provided an LMS, teacher training and our full catalog of content to help provide the infrastructure for KS Digital,” explains Julie Hester, director of strategic initiatives at ASU Prep Digital. “KS Digital is still going strong across all three campuses as an avenue for students who want to accelerate, or even to supplement their on-ground curriculum.”

Today, this partnership now extends far beyond the creation of KS Digital as ASU Prep remains actively involved in working with Kamehameha Schools to design and adapt solutions that fit the evolving needs of students and the broader school community.

One natural opportunity has included enabling students to earn college credit through Accelerate ASU. “We see [ASU Prep] as the model for guiding schools across the country towards meaningful solutions with cultural relevance,” shared Audrey Moreno, senior director of national bridge partnerships for ASU’s Learning Enterprise, which manages the Accelerate ASU program. “Their willingness to collaborate and share best practices has been invaluable. And, they’ve exemplified how Accelerate ASU can be adapted to meet the unique needs of each school.”

Since Kamehameha Schools started integrating Accelerate ASU’s dual enrollment opportunities, there have been clear benefits. With dual enrollment programs proving to be a powerful tool in increasing college readiness — 81% of dual enrollment students enroll in college within one year of high school graduation compared to ~70% of students overall — Kamehameha Schools saw an opportunity to expand access and empower its students.

Overhead view of Kamehameha Schools Hawaiʻi Campus

A program tailored to learner success

Having partnered with more than 500 schools worldwide, Accelerate ASU provides a proven model for expanding this access to higher education—one that is now empowering Kamehameha Schools students to achieve their academic and cultural goals. Students can enroll in part-time, full-time or over-time formats, replacing elective courses with college-level classes. This adaptability ensures that students can balance their academic responsibilities with extracurricular activities and family priorities.

Dr. Isaac Vigilla, Dean of Studies at Kamehameha Schools, values this approach, saying, “Our principal takes the approach of ‘many paths for many.’ We can’t have a cookie-cutter approach to education anymore.”

Dr. Isaac Vigilla speaking to students about college readiness

The Ke Ala I Ka Palapala Laepua program uses Accelerate ASU courses to offer four career-focused pathways: business, sciences, visual and performing arts and health. Customization is at the core, and Accelerate ASU’s team works closely with Kamehameha Schools to fit their needs.

“We’re in such good contact with the ASU crew that we really do feel supported,” Vigilla shares.

Blending culture with college readiness

What sets this dual enrollment program apart is its ability to be taught alongside a Hawaiian curriculum that values culture and identity. 

Vigilla, who oversees the school’s dual credit program, says, “Our campus and Kamehameha Schools in general have to answer to these larger Hawaiian cultural-based expectations of integrating Hawaiian culture values and knowledge histories.”

“We can kind of instill this reflection piece with our students, like okay–let’s take what you’ve learned now. What does it mean now to you personally as a Hawaiian student, a Kanaka student, and how are you going to use that information or knowledge to improve yourself and improve the community?”

This personalized approach reflects Kamehameha Schools’ belief that education should prepare students to make a meaningful impact in their communities. “Kamehameha stands out as a model of program success and implementation when other schools seek inspiration,” says Moreno. “Their intentional program design with Accelerate ASU courses, coupled with robust support initiatives and a strong college-going culture, has created an environment where students thrive.”

Families also play a vital role, both in the Hawaiian culture and school, and Vigilla has worked closely with them through the dual enrollment process. ʻOhana (family) sessions provide parents with opportunities to learn about the program and engage in their child’s academic journey. Vigilla notes that these sessions foster strong participation and meaningful dialogue: 

“Our ʻOhana sessions on Zoom are well attended, and the questions show strong engagement and interest in this college journey,” he says. 

Turning credits into college success

For many students, the dual enrollment program is a huge academic boost. It has not only given them a head start on earning college credits but also equipped them with skills like time management and self-discipline. 

Kamehameha students working on college readiness

Vigilla describes how the program has helped some seniors turn their academic performance around, sharing, “There are a lot of really great stories, especially with some of the seniors I’ve accepted this year who self-admitted to fooling around the last three years, but now want to buckle down.” 

The results are impressive. So far, most of Kamehameha’s graduating dual enrollment students transition to some form of higher education, with the possibility of entering college as sophomores thanks to their accumulated credits. Some of these students did not envision college as a future goal but gained the confidence over time to do so.

“I’ve seen a lot of growth from students who we’ve accepted into the program that have been like, ‘Wow, I really can do this. I did get an A in my ASU college course,’” says Vigilla. “It’s shifted the mindset.”