Press Release: Hawaii Chamber of Commerce Foundation Summer High School Internship Program Provides Students with More Than 1,600 Hours of Real-World Experience

Sept. 2, 2026

HONOLULU, HI – The Hawaii Chamber of Commerce Foundation‘s Summer High School Internship Program concluded in July, with 25 high school students completing internships and contributing a combined 1,607+ hours of hands-on work experience both here in Hawaii and virtually. The program was made possible through collaboration with the Campbell-Kapolei, Pearl City-Waipahu, and Nanakuli-Waianae Complex Areas, which helped connect students with meaningful internship opportunities and career experiences.

Representing Campbell, Nanakuli, Pearl City, and Waianae high schools, students applied classroom learning to real-world projects in healthcare, education, government, technology, media, nonprofit organizations, and more. The Summer High School Internship Program is part of the Chamber’s broader Work-Based Learning initiative, which connects students with local employers to develop workplace skills, explore career pathways, and build professional experience before graduation.

“Work-based learning is one of the most direct ways we can connect what students are learning in school to the workforce they will enter after graduation,” says Lord Ryan Lizardo, Vice President of Education and Workforce Development at Chamber of Commerce Hawaii. “Students are able to take the knowledge and skills they’ve developed in the classroom and apply them to real projects, real workplaces, and real challenges. That hands-on experience helps students build confidence, understand how their education connects to different career paths, and see how they can contribute to Hawaii’s workforce. At the same time, employers have an opportunity to invest in and develop the next generation of local talent.”

Several internship projects left a lasting impact on participating organizations. At Waianae Coast Comprehensive Health Center, for example, three interns developed a pilot program for U.S. veterans that included health education materials, an interactive activity, and healthy meal planning resources. The health center plans to expand the program through its full-time staff and continue building upon it with future interns.

The program also created opportunities beyond the internship itself. Several employer partners are exploring part-time employment opportunities for their interns, reflecting the value students brought to their organizations and the lasting relationships developed throughout the summer.

“The most meaningful experience for me was watching our intern gain confidence and discover new possibilities for their future,” says Mary de la Torre, Proposal Manager, Pacific Region, Hensel Phelps. “Seeing them take ownership of projects, develop new skills and recognize the value of their contributions was incredibly rewarding. It’s a great reminder of the impact we can have by investing in the next generation of professionals in the workplace.”

The Hawaii Chamber of Commerce Foundation extends its sincere mahalo to this year’s employer partners for their commitment to developing our state’s future workforce: