NALU Studies synergizes science, community service, and education, engaging under-represented youth through a Hawaiian cultural contextual lens.  Between NALU Studies' NALU Nature program and the rigorous NALU Academic program, we transform the lives of high-risk youth to see themselves as responsible leaders taking action in support of the unique environments on O'ahu, Kaua'i, and Maui Nui.

NALU Studies aims to redirect the lives of O'ahu, Kaua'i, and now Maui Nui (Maui, Moloka'i, and Lana'i Islands) high-risk youth by connecting them with caring and responsible mentors who work to reduce recidivism rates and increasing graduation rates from high school and college through intensive, hands-on service learning in a rigorous science, culture, and stewardship program. We see them as future environmental community leaders making responsible decisions. 

The NALU Studies program has been able to dismantle the incorrect perception that high-risk youth are not capable of accomplishments in science and education. One of our NALU students from Olomana School for at-risk youth won at the State Science Fair and became the Hawaii State champion, going on to compete at the national level in D.C. Others have gone on to pursue college degrees at Duke and UC Davis.  At-risk students are changing their lives and the lives of those around them to become responsible young adults and mentors. Significant cost savings to our community can result from our program- according to Judge R. Mark Browning, former head of Juvenile Drug Court, at a cost of merely 2K per student, we are very affordable as compared to the cost of over 180K per student to be maintained annually by the state in a correctional facility. All of our students complete high school and many are college educated and productive members of society. Their commitment to learning, Hawaiian culture, and environmental sustainability are having positive impacts upon their communities. Their collected scientific data is shared with local, state, and federal scientists, community leaders, and decision makers to implement changes in their region via the research and work in the NALU program. We have successfully replicated this program on Kaua'i and are in teh process of replicating teh NALU Studies program on Maui Nui (Maui, Moloka'i, and Lana'i Islands) with your support.  Covid was brutal on all us, but especially our at-risk youth.  The Maui wildfires in Kula and Lahaina were devastating with loss of homes and lives.  Our youth need our mentoring as positive, caring tole models, now, more than ever.  

Board Members

NALU Studies Education Center Advisory Board:

Dr. JoAnn Leong, retired, former director of Hawaii Institute for Marine Biology; Honorable Judge Karen Radius, retired, Hawaii Family Court and Girls Court; Dr. David Krupp, University of Hawaii Windward Community College Faculty in Science Dept; Mr. Herb Lee, Director of The Pacific American Foundation; Dr. Amber Sakuda, MD, Maui Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist