It’s not often elementary school teachers swap whiteboards for boardrooms, but that’s exactly what happened when educators from Honowai Elementary School stepped inside HMSA headquarters.
Organized by the Chamber of Commerce Hawaii in partnership with HMSA, the teacher externship gave educators a firsthand look at today’s workforce and demonstrated how local organizations can help shape future career conversations in the classroom.
Connecting mission, careers, and community
Externship participants got a behind-the-scenes look at how HMSA operates and the wide range of careers that support the health of the people of Hawaii. “I come to work every day thinking that I’m here to create a health care experience that’s worthy of my friends, families, and neighbors,” says HMSA VP and Chief Medical Officer Stefanie Park, M.D. “There are so many different career pathways within our organization.”
Dr. Park shares her expertise with Honowai educators.
The externship gives educators broader exposure to the kinds of careers available across the workforce, particularly in industries students may not immediately associate with the classroom.
“We want teachers to see that health care isn’t just about doctors and nurses,” says Sophia Wibholm, associate director of education for the Chamber of Commerce Hawaii. “When educators understand that, they can start introducing students to those possibilities early on.”
A wider view of health care
While health insurance careers may seem far removed from an elementary school classroom, the externship was intentionally forward‑looking, focused on widening perspectives and long‑term impact.
From information technology and data analytics to business operations and community outreach, HMSA leaders walked educators through some of the many roles that support Hawaii’s health ecosystem.
“It was an amazing experience,” said Lauren Abe, a fourth-grade teacher at Honowai. “We got to see every single part of HMSA, the different jobs, and the work that happens behind the scenes. I can take these job opportunities back to my fourth graders and help steer them toward their future.”
The health care industry includes a variety of careers.
Preparing students
The conversation also turned toward skills, especially as artificial intelligence continues to change the workplace.
Educators discussed how technology can be a powerful tool, but one that must be balanced with strong communication, collaboration, and social skills. Students will need these traits to use technology effectively and responsibly.
For Honowai Vice Principal Layne Tanaka, the experience reflected the Department of Education’s vision of preparing students to be both locally grounded and globally competitive.
“It really broadened my horizon,” Tanaka said. “We’re in charge of bringing up the next generation, and partnerships like this help accelerate that. It’s about creating more opportunities for our students and helping set their trajectories.”
Tanaka was especially impressed by the speakers’ deep connections to Hawaii and their commitment to building careers while giving back to the community they call home.
Building a lasting partnership
As the day wrapped up, the externship left more than impressions; it built connection.
From discussions about artificial intelligence to conversations about community impact, the experience laid the groundwork for a lasting partnership between education and business.
With educators returning to their classrooms with a clearer picture of Hawaii’s career landscape, Honowai students stand to benefit long before they ever step into a boardroom of their own.
Check out this video for highlights from the Honowai Elementary School teacher externship at HMSA:
Keep reading
From scholarships to school partnerships, HMSA continues to support learning and education across Hawaii. See how we’re working to help students and families connect with opportunities beyond the classroom:
- blue cross blue shield: supporting maui’s young leaders
- hawaii youth get mental health support
- hmsa sponsors award-winning play to raise mental health awareness
- hmsa supports keiki: the future of stem and health sciences
- kaimana: a legacy in the making
- teen health camp: supporting careers of hawaii's future health care heroes
