On May 27, senior leaders from the U.S. Department of Education visited the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa. Their goal was to learn about the university’s innovative research, student success strategies, and efforts in workforce development.
Leading the delegation was Under Secretary Nicholas Kent, along with his team, which included Deputy Under Secretary James Bergeron. The group met with UH President Wendy Hensel and other key leaders. Hensel emphasized the importance of collaboration between higher education and K-12 systems. “When we work together, we can truly help our students thrive,” she stated.
The delegation toured notable facilities on campus, including the Hawaiʻi Space Flight Laboratory and the Hawaiʻi Institute of Marine Biology. At the Hawaiʻi Space Flight Laboratory, researchers focus on designing and launching small satellites for various missions. Meanwhile, the Hawaiʻi Institute of Marine Biology is renowned for its research on coral reefs and marine ecosystems.
During their time at UH, the visitors discussed the university’s achievements, including its record-breaking $734 million in extramural awards for the fiscal year 2025. Notably, over $60 million came from the U.S. Department of Education for 115 projects. Hensel shared how the university is actively working on making education more affordable and ensuring students have clear pathways to good-paying jobs.
“Hawaiʻi has unique challenges when it comes to education,” Kent noted. “But it’s great to see how the leadership is focused on improving costs and developing strong connections with local communities.”
This visit highlights a growing trend in education — federal officials are increasingly keen to understand regional issues. For instance, recent studies show that many students in Hawaiʻi face unique hurdles, including high living costs and limited access to certain programs. Addressing these challenges is vital for the future of education in the state.
The discussions also touched on leveraging technology and data to enhance student achievement. As education evolves, using tools that provide insights into student progress may play a pivotal role in improving outcomes.
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