Hawaiʻi students showcase a new vision for education
By Reid Fowler
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HONOLULU (KITV) — A growing movement in education is challenging the traditional classroom model by placing less focus on memorization and more emphasis on leadership, entrepreneurship, and real-world experience.
Recently, several Hawaiʻi student-athletes helped showcase that vision on a national stage through the Elite Performance Prep Academy — a program designed to prepare students for life beyond the classroom.
For generations, success in school often followed the same path: study hard, pass tests, graduate, and figure out the real world later. But educators behind the academy say that model no longer reflects the fast-changing world students are entering today.
Tasha Su‘a, CEO and Founder of Elite Performance Prep Academy, says the goal is to help students become confident leaders and contributors in every part of life.
The program combines academics with entrepreneurship, financial literacy, leadership development, and communication skills. Students are encouraged to start real businesses while still in middle and high school, gaining hands-on experience in areas like branding, digital media, and clothing resale.
Organizers say the focus goes far beyond simply creating young business owners. They believe students must also learn how to think critically, solve problems, and adapt to a future shaped by technology, artificial intelligence, and rapidly changing careers.
The academy uses a more project-based learning environment, where students are encouraged to ask questions, think creatively, and work through real-world challenges.
Supporters say that message is especially meaningful in Hawaiʻi, where many young people often feel they need to leave the islands in order to succeed. Programs like Elite Performance Prep Academy aim to show students they can create opportunities for themselves right here at home.
Earlier this month, three Hawaiʻi student-athletes traveled to Las Vegas during National Small Business Week to compete in a national Shark Tank-style business competition alongside young entrepreneurs from across the country.
Organizers say experiences like that are part of a larger national movement focused on redefining what education — and success — can look like for the next generation.
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