Wai‘anae High School’s Marine Science program receives Ulupono Fund grant

Aug 28, 2025

The Ulupono Fund at the Hawai‘i Community Foundation has awarded a $5,000 grant to Wai‘anae High School's Marine Science Learning Center. The program is the only dedicated high school aquaculture center of its kind in Hawai‘i.

The grant will enable programs such as educational trips where students visit ocean mariculture and algae operations — the kind of work that could transform Hawai‘i’s food future. It’s hands-on learning with species that many believe will become essential to the state’s food resilience.

The Marine Science Learning Center has grown significantly in recent years. Students don't just study marine science — they cultivate and care for various species while learning sustainable food production. It’s practical work that connects directly to real career paths.

“This program gives local students direct exposure to innovative approaches in marine agriculture that align with Hawai‘i’s local food goals,” said Jesse Cooke, Ulupono’s vice president of investments and analytics.

Through the program, classroom lessons become real-world understanding.

Read more about Wai‘anae High School’s Marine Science Learning Center program.

Photo courtesy: Wai‘anae High School Marine Science Learning Center