Lānaʻi students earn college degrees while still in high school

This article includes quotes and reporting from Lāna‘i Today originally reported by Anthony Kaauamo.

Seven Lānaʻi high school seniors crossed an uncommon milestone this year: completing their associate degrees before receiving their high school diplomas. The achievement reflects years of steady work from the students and the team at the Lānaʻi Education Center, a UH Maui College satellite campus with two distance-learning classrooms and a computer lab.

Lāna‘i Education Center Coordinator Natalie Ropa, who has supported the students from their first college classes to graduation, says the moment feels personal and communal. “I’ve known these students since kindergarten,” she says. “Seeing them now — confident, motivated, and ready for the next level — I couldn’t be more amazed or proud.”

On the path to college at 13

The dual enrollment track on Lānaʻi starts the summer after eighth grade, allowing students to try a UH Maui College class before taking on a full high school schedule. From there, they build credits steadily over four years, often reaching sophomore standing in college by the time they graduate high school.

Many students balance their college workload with athletics, which means regular travel to Maui and Molokaʻi during the school year. Coursework doesn’t pause for road games, so the Education Center equips students with laptop computers and Wi-Fi hot spots, scheduling regular check-ins to keep them on track.

Ropa sees her role as mentor, advisor and connector. Knowing many of the students since childhood helps her guide them toward classes aligned with their interests while they meet high school requirements and explore potential majors. She says, “I have also advised them on community service opportunities and programs available through other resources, so they also grow in leadership and volunteerism, and they understand that their education can lead to meaningful opportunities and careers.”

Myah Doolin and Hannah Mae Lee. Photo by Anthony Kaauamo, Lānaʻi Today

Community support makes it possible

“Lānaʻi is very fortunate to have the support of Pūlama Lānaʻi,” she says. “Their contribution provides the scholarships and the services allowing students to step into these courses and succeed.”

Kurt Matsumoto, Pūlama Lānaʻi President, says, “We’re proud to stand with our community in supporting these remarkable young people. Their achievements reflect what’s possible when Lānaʻi comes together to invest in its people — creating  opportunities that strengthen our island’s future and long-term sustainability. We’re grateful to be part of this shared effort, and we hope many of these students will one day bring their talents home to help lead and serve Lāna‘i.”

With this latest cohort, Lānaʻi High and Elementary School has now seen fourteen students complete UH Maui College associate degrees during high school.

Tomorrow, the world.

“Being a high achiever was always my thing going into high school,” says Lāna‘i High and Elementary School student Hannah Mae Lee, who has completed 71 credits. “As soon as I found out, I knew I wanted to challenge myself and branch out into new experiences and opportunities.”

Myah Doolin, another UH Maui alum at Lāna‘i High and Elementary School, says, “Working toward an associate’s degree feels like a powerful head start. I can transfer more smoothly to a four-year university or apply for better jobs in Hawaiʻi with a degree already completed.”

“The Dual Enrollment Program has definitely changed the college-going culture at our island’s only high school,” says Ropa. “Students research schools and costs, and they have a plan for where they want to go.” Athletes who have come through the program pursue college and sports with confidence, knowing they are ready for the challenge, especially when their credits transfer and they skip first-year courses like English and history.

Ropa says, “I couldn't be more amazed and proud at the same time. They all have very different dreams, but they are all very confident college students, ready for the next level of academics and life.”