What a revelation it was to me that individual teachers from many disciplines could join to sustain ecosystems of opportunity that expand outward to students and teachers from other schools, researchers, communities, and industry.

The framework of the current STEM Pre-Academy was created nearly 16 years ago with Dr. Magdy Iskander at the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa College of Engineering, with advanced wireless communication as a focus for STEM learning in middle schools. From the start, the distinguishing program idea was that every participant contributes to an ecosystem of opportunity. Judy Inouye was one of the first teacher participant and became the first teacher facilitator. As my mentor, she articulated the vision so vividly: “It’s more than having the stars shine brighter…the vision is for ALL to shine brightly!”   

Today, as part of the UH Office of the Vice President for Research and Innovation, Strategic Initiatives, STEM Pre-Academy strives to create opportunity by providing tools and support that promote the exchange of innovative ideas and projects amongst all of its participants and partners. The program, so much more than the sum of its shining parts, is fueled by energy from discoveries in research, technology, and collaboration.

In light of these many inspiring opportunities and achievements, I announce my upcoming retirement from the University of Hawai‘i to our many teachers, researchers, and industry and community collaborators. Our shared vision to advance opportunity for our youth will sustain STEM Pre-Academy well into the future. I step down with confidence that what comes next will be incredible. I will be watching with you.

With gratitude and warmest ALOHA,

Cheryl Sato Ishii
Program Director, STEM Pre-Academy