WAHIAWĀ – State and local leaders gathered to break ground on a new permanent facility for the Hawaiʻi State Department of Education’s (HIDOE) High Core/Storefront program which will provide classroom spaces and educational support services for at-risk secondary students in Central Oʻahu’s Leilehua-Mililani-Waialua complex area schools.
The High Core/Storefront program in Wahiawā is an alternative learning center for students at risk of dropping out of school. For nearly 60 years, the program has provided specialized support designed to meet the needs of individual students who can benefit from non-traditional classroom settings.
“We know that not everyone is going to follow one path and college isn’t the only answer to be successful,” Hawai‘i State Senate President Ronald Kouchi said at the event. “We want to see all students succeed and if they receive the kind of support our communities and teachers give, they will succeed.”
“Many people are lucky and don’t have to work as hard, but that’s an opportunity for others to learn grit, persistence, resilience and toughness,” Senator Donovan Dela Cruz said, addressing a group of current High Core program students. “One day you’ll lead our community because you have the strength and endurance, and that’s what Storefront is all about.”
Over 15,000 students have been impacted by the program, helping them to get their high school diplomas, begin careers and set them on paths toward more positive futures.
“High Core and its staff create supportive learning environments that focus on personalized instruction, strong relationships, mentoring and the development of real-world skills,” HIDOE Deputy Superintendent Heidi Armstrong said at the event. “This meets students where they are academically and emotionally, to build confidence, engagement and a sense of belonging in school at a pace that meets their individual needs.”
The new 6,235-square foot facility will support approximately 65 students and 15 employees. The design-build contract for the project is approximately $19.4 million and construction is anticipated to be completed in May 2027.
