NexTech Hawai’i has run tuition-free programs for Hawai’i Island students since 2017.

In 2025, 49 students from 13 schools competed in FishTank, our sustainability design challenge. 1,030 people attended Science Nights events where we ran drone stations. 114 participated in our 6-week 3D printer program and finished designs of their own. Every program was free.

Older students teach younger ones. Eighteen Waiākea High School mentors gave 81 volunteer hours at our 2025 drone events. Local engineers, scientists, and farmers coach our teams. Students leave with a finished project, a new skill, and an adult in their field they can call.

We rely on the generosity of many professional partnerships and community relationships to source volunteers and mentor support. Our extracurricular camps and competitions are designed to inspire creative, collaborative, real-world problem-solving through STEM.

We envision engaging every child in Hawai'i through meaningful STEM education opportunities to grow tomorrow's leaders and create a brighter and sustainable future for our islands.

What we are working toward

• Hands-on STEM education and experiences for students who have the least access to it.

• Programs that tie to real local problems: energy, food, water, and environment.

• A local workforce for meaningful technical careers.

Learn about our programs.