
Families often face challenges that affect the inter-generational support that youth have during adolescence. This can leave them without role models or mentors to support their transition from youth to adult. The Creating a Village program (Funded by USDA/NIFA Children, Youth and Families At-Risk (2015-41520-30101)) offers practice in life skills such as financial literacy, self-care, maintenance, and healthy living in an environment supported by teen mentors, youth-adult partners, and content experts. The small, selective cohorts allow youth to develop relationships with the support team and each other, and strengthens social, leadership, and resiliency skills and knowledge.
Summer 2023
UH Extension
Kahului, Maui
Youth use two-way radios for disaster communication.
Spring 2023
Ewa Beach Middle
Ewa Beach, Oahu
Youth practice good hygiene including dental care.
Fall 2022
Lokelani Intermediate
Kihei, Maui 
Youth learn mindfuless through self-defense by practicing jijitsu.
Summer 2022
UH Extension
Kahului, Maui
Youth learn safety and nutrition while preparing a meal.
Spring 2022
King & Washington
Central Oahu
Youth practice budgeting and making spending choices.
Spring 2021
Kalama Intermediate
Makawao, Maui
The program was delivered virtually due to COVID.
Summer 2021
PACT Hawaii
Kalihi, Oahu
Gardening expert Josh talks about seeds and soil health.
Expertise
Community experts share skills knowledge.

Mentorship
Teens
mentor middle schoolers and work with adults.

Skill Mastery
Youth
learn through hands-on learning.

Learn More
Listen to a short PSA for the Maui Summer 2023 Cohort to learn more about the program.
Our Process
To represent progress in learning skills, knowledge, and information club members work together to complete a puzzle based on learning objectives composed of 4 areas:
Head (Learning & Investing),
Heart (Engaging & Grounding),
Hands (Working & Exploring), and
Health (Thriving & Building). Youth also collect
Harmony cards for completing acts of
Bravery,
Cleverness,
Loyalty, and
Patience. Learn more on the
How it Works page.
We would like to acknowledge and thank our funder, the United States Department of Agriculture, National Institute of Food and Agriculture - Children, Youth and Families At- Risk Sustainable Community Projects for their support of the Creating a Village project.