Step Up Hawai‘i

DID YOU KNOW?

Almost half of "Hawai'i's Hot 50 Demand Occupations" require more post-secondary education, and those jobs pay an average of 230% higher than jobs that do not require post-secondary education ($53,000 vs. $23,000)

(Hawai'i Workforce Informer, 2007)

For your child to be successful in work or college after high school, they need to prepare early.

You've always wanted what's best for your child, and their high school education should be the best, because it gives them more choices for careers and colleges after graduation.

The high school classes your child needs to take to get a good job or go to college have changed since you were in school. Planning for your teen’s success in high school and after graduation starts early – no later than the 9th grade.

Step Up to the challenge!

Encourage your child to take challenging courses in high school and earn the BOE Step Up Diploma, Hawai‘i’s rigorous high school curriculum designed to prepare students for success in college and career.

Taking challenging courses in high school will give your child more choices after graduation.

More choices of good jobs that pay a living wage and can support a family
More colleges to choose from
More opportunities for scholarships and other sources of financial aid

Your child receives more benefits with the BOE Step Up Diploma.

Eligibility for general admission into select Hawai‘i colleges
Opportunities for scholarships and financial aid
Special consideration and test-exam waivers when applying for jobs at select Hawai‘i companies or entering select apprenticeship programs

Encourage your child to choose the math, science and English courses that will prepare them for success after high school, starting in the ninth grade.

For more information on the Board of Education Step Up Diploma go to the Hawai’i State Department of Education website: http://graduation.k12.hi.us. Click on “Graduation Requirements for the Class of 2013”.

How Can YOU Step Up:

If your child will graduate in 2013 or 2014, help them commit to earning the BOE Step Up diploma by signing, together with them, a pledge form for Project Step Up. Signing will not only help your child earn the diploma, it will also help them receive important information about college, careers, and scholarships.
Pledge forms are available at your child’s high school or click here. Turn the forms into your school’s front office, counseling department, or put them in the mail.
Speak with your child, encourage them to prepare for career and college readiness and to earn the BOE Step Up Diploma.
Do it now! If your child is in the 9th grade they must pledge their commitment to the Board of Education Step Up diploma by March 15, 2010. If your child is in the 8th grade the deadline is May 31, 2010.