It’s a fact: Getting local keiki interested in health sciences and careers involving STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) is vital to ensuring Hawaii has a thriving health care system for years to come. Not only is it essential for our community to have more doctors, physicians, nurses, and lab technicians, it’s also an exciting career opportunity for our youth.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, overall employment in health care occupations is projected to grow much faster than the average for all occupations from 2023 to 2033. The health care industry also generally offers higher salaries; in 2024, the median annual wage for health care practitioners and technical occupations was higher than most other occupations.
To help encourage more youth to explore STEM and health sciences, HMSA supports efforts and events aimed at instilling children and teens with a passion for scientific exploration, learning, and experimentation.
A day at the (science) fair
At the Hawaii State Science and Engineering Fair, student scientists of all ages competed in categories ranging from animal science to behavioral and social sciences to environmental engineering. Projects included an innovative wildfire flame suppression device, a method of turning banana waste into bioplastic, and research on how a traditional Hawaiian herb could be a safer treatment for lung cancer.
The annual event encourages keiki to foster critical thinking skills, showcase their ability to find innovative solutions, and potentially inspire them to pursue opportunities in the science field. “STEM is such an important field of study based on the kinds of problems we face, such as within the environment, with climate conditions changing over the time,” says Scott Robinson, chair of the board of directors for the Hawaii Academy of Science. “It’s an important contribution to our society and our community. We’re happy that children and adolescents are pursuing this, and that they may go on to college and university to study and provide more insights to help us live better lives.”
HMSA cares for our keiki and community
While efforts are ongoing to address Hawaii’s current physician shortage, focusing on the future of the health care industry and empowering diverse young minds is crucial to meeting our state’s growing health care needs. That’s why HMSA is proud to sponsor STEM-related programs, including the Hawaii State Science and Engineering Fair.
“We need to make sure there’s an adequate provider network out there for the people of Hawaii,” says Kenric Murayama, M.D., F.A.C.S., executive vice president and chief health officer at HMSA. “These science fields take bright young students and get them interested in science and potentially a career in health in the future.”
Scientific discoveries
Students across the state spent months researching and creating their projects for the Hawaii State Science and Engineering Fair. Watch below as keiki show off their scientific findings:
Supporting our youth
Our keiki are our future! Read below how equipping them with the right resources and support can help create a better Hawaii:
bonding keiki to kai
One of the most important lessons for keiki growing up in Hawaii is how to be good stewards of the ocean in a safe and sustainable way. That’s the mission of Na Kama Kai, a nonprofit organization that empowers youth through ocean education. Read about their free monthly clinics for children.
kaimana: a legacy in the making
When the HMSA Kaimana Awards & Scholarship Program started 20 years ago, the name “Kaimana,” or diamond in Hawaiian, was meant to represent the multifaceted talent of scholarship recipients who excelled in academics, athletics, community service, and sportsmanship. In celebration of this milestone anniversary, we caught up with seven scholarship recipients and asked them what receiving a Kaimana scholarship means to them.
hawaii’s rising stars
Making it in the entertainment industry may sound like a dream to most aspiring actors, but for three local talents, it could be reality thanks to the Hawaii Conservatory for Performing Arts. Meet Kekoa “Koa” Sharpe, Yasmin Kogake Glavis, and Kevin J. Molina, graduates of the conservatory. Learn how the conservatory helped nurture their talent and passion for acting and prepared them for show business.
hoomau fire academy: mentoring for the future
Hoomau Fire Academy is a nonprofit organization that provides mentorship and hands-on opportunities to Hawaii youth interested in public service, including the fire department. We talked to federal firefighters, instructors, and two of the founders, Reid Shimabukuro and Dale Alejandro, to find out more about the academy and how it’s helping shape the futures of young adults.
the inspiring power of role models
Celebrate the people who inspire you! Big Brothers Big Sisters Hawaii builds empowering relationships to create a better future for keiki. Former CEO Dennis Brown knows all about that – he was the state’s first Little Brother. He reflects on how his friendship with his Big shaped his life.
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