The CANOE Academy

The CANOE - Pre-Health Academy is a four-week statewide intensive program designed to provide skills and resources to help students excel in academia and later graduate from a health professions program. Graduating high school seniors, and college students considering to transfer to University in Hawaiʻi interested in health careers coming from an economically disadvantaged background, first generation college student, or underrepresented minority group are encouraged to apply.

Curriculum Overview

• 3 College Credit in collaboration with UH West O'ahu
• Asynchronous online modules focused in college and career success
• One-Week Residential Program for the Pre-College experience! Students will experience one week of university life at the UH Hilo dormitories on Hawai'i/Big Island
• Problem Based Learning (PBL) Demo (learning process practiced at JABSOM)
• Certification in Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), CPR-First Aid, and Seizure Recognition and First-Aid.
• Pre-Health Advising
• Networking Opportunities
• Stop The Bleed

The Hawaiʻi/Pacific Basin Area Health Education Center (AHEC), a department of the John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawaii, in collaboration with the Univeristy of Hawai'i West O'ahu, and Mānoa Health Careers Opportunity Programs (HCOP) will oversee operations including student supervision, activities, and curriculum. Health and safety are our priorities while ensuring that students receive an immersive learning experience.

Important Dates/Timeline (Subject to Change)

• Deadline: April 15, 2026, 11:59PM
• UH Hilo Residential Program: July 19 - July 24, 2026

Academic Status Upon Applying

• Graduating High School Seniors (Must be a resident in the State of Hawaii)
• College Students considering transferring to University of Hawaii
• Non-traditional students
• Must provide the most recent transcript (unofficial accepted)
• 2.5 GPA or Above

Eligibility (must meet one of the following)

• First-generation college student
• Economically disadvantaged student
• Underrepresented group

Cost

• There is NO admissions fee or tuition to enroll
• FULL SCHOLARSHIP for meals, flights, and boarding (housing at UH HILO)
• $1,000 STIPEND upon the successful completion of the program

LIMITED TO 40 STUDENTS!

Due to limited spots, students' GPA, personal statement, and references will be highly weighed as part of the admissions process. If you have any questions, please contact canoepha@hawaii.edu