Native Hawaiian resource management practices and community stewardship rest upon a unique geoscientific expertise. Prior to European contact, this remarkable cultural heritage sustained more than 500,000 island inhabitants with few or none of the environmental issues that the islands face today. Hawaiian cultural heritage is now increasingly rejuvenated through the growth of various non-profit organizations revitalizing traditional Hawaiian land and water management practices. However, in spite of their unique cultural heritage and geoscience knowledge, Native Hawaiians are still vastly

underrepresented in STEM baccalaureate degree programs. In 2016, the University of Hawaii system was awarded a NSF-TCUP grant to increase the retention of Native Hawaiian community college students and facilitate their transition to baccalaureate degree programs in STEM fields. To that end, a six-week summer bridge program was developed with a combination of hands-on, inquiry-based lab and field exercises utilizing state-of-the-art geoscientific equipment, and

community-led, place-based service learning experiences aimed at a more holistic, culturally relevant understanding of geosciences.

The curriculum consists of 34 lectures covering fundamental oceanography and environmental science concepts, 32 labs

and tutorials, 10 field trips in two distinct watersheds and coastal systems, and five service learning activities with community groups involved in the restoration and promotion of traditional Hawaiian resource management practices on the island of Oahu. A key aspect of the curriculum is to combine indigenous knowledge with state-of-the-art concepts and practices in oceanography and environmental science. To this end, students will survey two watersheds impacted by

human activities to different degrees from the Mountains (Mauka) to the Sea (Makai). In each watershed, students will gain experience with state-of-the-art water quality and oceanographic techniques and work alongside community groups involved in the restoration of traditional Hawaiian fishponds and irrigated taro ponds, which are an essential component of Hawaiian cultural heritage. The course will culminate with NH students sharing their newly acquired knowledge with local communities through a community symposium.