• Build a comprehensive work plan for the apprenticeship program,

• Engage in peer-to-peer learning and capacity building,

• Raise awareness of youth apprenticeship opportunities, and

• Identify shared policy and systems change needs to support long-term success.

In partnership with Nā Leo TV, Kealakehe High School, Hawaiʻi Community College, Hōʻike Kauaʻi Community Media, and Hawaiʻi Technology Academy Kauaʻi, the cohort will develop and launch CREATE Hawaiʻi — an innovative youth apprenticeship initiative.

CREATE stands for Creative Routes Empowering Apprentices Toward Employment, and is designed to prepare Hawaiʻi’s next generation of storytellers for careers in high-demand creative fields such as digital media, broadcast journalism, community storytelling, marketing, and design.

Through immersive, project-based learning, mentorship, and business leadership development, CREATE Hawaiʻi will offer high school students real-world experience in both traditional and freelance work environments — bridging the gap between education and industry.

“What excites me most about CREATE is the team's diversity of strengths, shared mentality, and student-centered belief that learning can and will be different for our students,” said Mathieu Williams, multimedia teacher at Kealakehe Intermediate School. “I can't wait to build out this design sprint to discover what's possible and scalable for students aspiring to pursue a career in the marketing and creative industry.”

“The CREATE Hawaiʻi youth apprenticeship is designed to offer students meaningful, project-based learning in both traditional and emerging work environments, supported by a team of professionals dedicated to hands-on learning,” added Alexis Ching, co-founder and president. “We are grateful for the Harold K.L. Castle Foundation's support of our goal to provide students the skills, confidence, and connections they need to succeed – and lead – in Hawaiʻi.”