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Making known the world of water

Hawaiʻi Blue Schools Hui

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 What is the Hawaiʻi Blue School Hui

The Hawaiʻi Blue Schools Hui is part of the USA Blue Schools network—a nationwide project coordinated by Connecticut Sea Grant and Mercy University through funding from the Prada Group. Modeled on the National Oceanographic Atmospheric Association’s (NOAA) Ocean Guardian Schools and the international Blue Schools network, the USA Blue Schools network compels schools to make a commitment to the protection and conservation of local watersheds and our one global ocean. A school makes this commitment by proposing and implementing a school or community-based project and creating a plan to increase ocean literacy in their school community by engaging students, families, and community members.

Objectives

  1. Build ocean literacy through place-based action projects that celebrate Hawai‘iʻs unique marine biodiversity and rich cultural legacy.

  2. Prepare the next generation for ocean stewardship and leadership.

  3. Inspire, support, and cultivate a committed network of teachers, students, and community educators.

  4. Leverage the Blue Schools network to advance understanding, protection, and conservation of ocean ecosystems locally, nationally, and internationally.

Benefits

  • $1,000 stipend per lead teacher, per year over two school years

  • $7,500/school in mini-grants to implement schoolwide and community projects over two school years

  • Support from a network of like-minded educators 

  • Connections with scientists, community organizations, and stewardship sites 

  • Registration & travel to the National Marine Educators Association (NMEA) 2027 conference in Summer 2027 in Honolulu

2025 recipients— 10 Hawaiʻi Blue Schools selected!​

We are so excited to start our own Blue School Hui in Hawaiʻi, which is part of the wider USA Blue Schools network.

Oceania, funded by SEA BEYOND via National Marine Educators Association (NMEA) and with support from Sea Grant Hawai‘i will support 10 schools over the next 2 years. 

The 2025 Hawaiʻi Blue Schools are:

  1. Waimea Canyon Middle School (Kauaʻi, HI) 

  2. Namahana Middle School (Kauaʻi, HI) 

  3. Wailua High School (Oʻahu, HI)

  4. Mililani High School (Oʻahu, HI)

  5. Hawaiʻi Technology Academy (Oʻahu, HI)

  6. Waiāhole Elementary School (Oʻahu, HI)

  7. Kaʻōhao Elementary School (Oʻahu, HI)

  8. Lahainaluna High School (Maui, HI)

  9. Hawaiʻi Technology Academy (Big Island, HI) 

  10. Keaʻau High School (Big Island, HI)