808-934-2700 edvance@hawaii.edu

Summer Youth Academy

June 15 - July 10, 2026

Testimonials

“Our own kids participated in the SYA a while ago and we are happy that we discovered this for our grandkids. Thank you staff and teachers.” ~ Anonymous

“Both my girls were excited to go to class and learned to make LEGO projects and science projects. They both liked their teachers.” ~ Maxelyn

 “You guys do an amazing job running this program! I really appreciated how well run and organized the program was. All of the communications were clear and I knew exactly what to expect on campus and how the day would go. The signs posted on campus made it easy to find things. It’s awesome how you guys plan for the snack break & lunch and have escorts for the kids. I didn’t worry about my child being there all day in a new environment. The weekly newsletters were also so nice to see with the pictures.” ~ Kathy

Kindergarten – 1st

Completing Kindergarten or 1st grade in AY 25-26

Mini Disney Chefs (K-1)

Instructor: Nanea Fukuda

8:00AM – 9:50AM
Course Description

Step into a world of magic, movies, and mouthwatering treats! Disney isn’t just about unforgettable adventures—it’s also home to some of the most enchanting snacks. From buttery popcorn and sweet cookies to movie-themed gummies and other delicious delights, we’ll bring the flavors of Disney to life! Join me as we watch some of my all-time favorite Disney films and recreate the iconic snacks that make every Disney moment extra special. Get ready to mix, bake, and taste the magic—because in this class, dreams (and desserts) come true!

Course Code: ENR1520-002
Materials Fee: $40
Materials requested for
students to bring:
A pencil box of leftover school supplies to include crayons and pencils. A composition tablet/notebook and water bottle.

Cartoon Character Drawing Lab (K-1)

Instructor: Cassie Lee

8:00AM – 9:50AM
Course Description

In Cartoon Character Drawing Lab, students will learn to draw fun, kid-friendly cartoon characters inspired by popular animated movies and television shows such as Bluey, Stitch, and Mickey Mouse. Each day focuses on one character theme and one art medium, including colored pencils, markers, crayons, and pastels. Young artists will practice facial expressions, shapes, and different coloring techniques.

Course Code: ENR1015-002
Materials Fee: $5
Materials requested for
students to bring:
A school box with leftover school supplies to include crayons and pencils.

Master Builder Academy: Create, Innovate, and Build with LEGO! (K-1)

Instructor: Nanea Fukuda

10:20AM – 12:10PM
Course Description

Get ready to unleash your inner master builder! In this hands-on LEGO adventure, you’ll take on daily creative challenges that put your imagination and problem-solving skills to the test. We’ll start by designing your name in LEGO, then level up to inventing your own amazing creations—maybe even a futuristic gadget or a brand-new form of transportation! There are no limits to what you can build when creativity and innovation collide.

Are you up for the challenge? Let’s get building! 🚀🧱

Course Code: ENR1524-002
Materials Fee: $40 (student will have their own LEGO Creator Box Set)
Materials requested for
students to bring:
A pencil box of leftover school supplies to include crayons and pencils. A composition tablet/notebook and water bottle.

ʻAina art Lab (K-1)

Instructor: Cassie Lee

10:20AM – 12:10PM
Course Description

In ʻAina Art Lab, young artists will explore Native Hawaiian plants and animals while learning beginner drawing and watercolor techniques inspired by Hawaiʻi’s environment. Students will use colored pencils and watercolor paints to create detailed island-themed artwork. Throughout the course, children will practice basic drawing skills, color blending, light shading, and watercolor layering techniques. Weekly projects will feature island animals, tropical plants, ocean life, and landscapes. This class builds creativity, fine motor skills, and artistic confidence while strengthening students’ connection to our ʻaina.

Course Code: ENR1151-002
Materials Fee: $10
Materials requested for
students to bring:
A school box with leftover supplies to include crayons and pencils.

Young Masters Painting Lab (K-1)

Instructor: Cassie Lee

1:00PM -2:50PM
Course Description

In Young Masters Painting Lab, students will explore famous artists and learn to paint in their unique styles. Each class begins with a short, age-appropriate introduction to a featured artist such as Claude Monet, Jackson Pollock, and Pablo Picasso. Students will look at real artwork, talk about colors and techniques, then create their own original painting inspired by that artist’s style. This class builds creativity, cultural awareness, and painting skills while making art history fun and hands-on.

Course Code: ENR1022-002
Materials Fee: $20
Materials requested for
students to bring: A school box with leftover supplies to include crayons and pencils.

Grades 2 – 3

Completing 2nd or 3rd grade in AY 25-26

Future Engineers Academy (2-3)

Instructor: Wenona Correa

8:00AM -9:50AM
Course Description

Young innovators will transform popular picture books into real-world engineering feats as they build bridges, skyscrapers, and wind-harnessing inventions. By pairing literary adventures with hands-on challenges like egg drops and Rube Goldberg machines, students learn to view “the perfect failure” as an essential step toward success. This course nurtures critical thinking and perseverance while guiding makers through the complete design process, from their first journal entry to a final creative showcase.

Course Code: ENR1526-002
Materials Fee: $0
Materials requested for
students to bring:
A School box with leftover supplies to include pencils, crayons, and scissors. Recyclable materials from home (cardboard and plastic food packaging, cardboard tubes of all sizes, boxes, jars, newspapers, magazines, plastic bottles, etc.)

Shine On: Finding your Voice Through the Arts- Writing & Art (2-3)

Instructor: Beth Becker

8:00AM – 9:50AM
Course Description

In this imaginative course, students explore the power of self-expression through a blend of multi-media art and creative writing. Young creators will experiment with collage, textures, and doodling while finding their unique voices through poetry and journaling. By focusing on mental and creative stimulation, this class helps children build lasting self-confidence as they turn their big ideas into beautiful masterpieces and stories. It is the perfect space for young artists to celebrate their talents in a supportive, hands-on environment.

Course Code: ENR1021-002
Materials Fee: $20
Materials requested for
students to bring:
School box with leftover supplies.

Disney Snacktastic (2-3)

Instructor: Chelsea Yagi

10:20AM -12:10PM
Course Description

Step into a world of magic and munchies! In our magical kitchen you’ll recreate famous Disney-inspired snacks, watch movies while enjoying delicious creations, and even dream up your own Disney-worthy treat! Through hands-on snack-making and a creativity challenge, use your imagination to design a brand-new snack fit for the Disney parks. This fun-filled course encourages creativity, teamwork, and the joy of making (and eating!) simple, tasty snacks. Get ready for a delicious adventure where food and fun come together! 🍿✨

Course Code: ENR1525-002
Materials Fee: $25
Materials requested for
students to bring:
A school box with leftover supplies and a container daily for any leftovers.

Art Explorers: A Mixed Media Adventure (2-3)

Instructor: Wenona Correa

10:20AM -12:10PM
Course Description

Get ready to get your hands messy and your creativity flowing! In Art Explorers, students will act as studio artists, testing out a brand-new art medium daily. From the squish of modeling clay to the dusty glow of chalk pastels and the bold colors of tempera paint, we will discover how different tools change the way we make art. Each class includes a ‘Draw-Along’ skill builder followed by open studio time for the independent creation. By the end of the program, you’ll have a professional artist portfolio to take home.

Course Code: ENR1147-002
Materials Fee: $10
Materials requested for
students to bring:
Recycled magazines or printed pictures for a collage project. School box with leftover school supplies.

Shine on: Finding your voice through the arts- Music & Movement (2-3)

Instructor: Beth Becker

1:00PM – 2:50PM
Course Description

Get ready to move and groove in this high-energy class that explores modern dance, hula, and the joy of singing in harmony. Students will develop physical fitness and coordination while learning how to use their voices through songs, rounds, and vocal play. This course nurtures self-confidence by encouraging kids to express themselves boldly through performance and rhythmic movement. Join us for a musical adventure where every child can discover the “spark” of performing and celebrate their hidden talents.

Course Code: ENR1022-002
Materials Fee: $25
Materials requested for
students to bring: A yoga mat if you have one available. Otherwise bring a beach towel. 

Pokémon® Masters: Designers & 3D Makers Unite! (2-3)

Instructor: Nanea Fukuda

1:00PM – 2:50PM
Course Description

Calling all PokéMasters who want to be the designers of the future! Use your Pokémon® imagination and bring your ideas to life. Begin by creating your own digital, Pokémon®-style custom-playing card game. Progress to designing action figures, jewelry, and toys in professional-level modeling software. Learn how to prepare a model for 3D printing and create a design portfolio to showcase your work! No prior experience is necessary, and 3D designs will be available on a password-protected Black Rocket website to share with friends and family. Students will work in pairs or teams for most of the program.

Course Code: ENR1103-002
Tuition: $345 ($325 until April 29)
Materials requested for
students to bring: N/A

Grades 4 – 6

Completing 4th, 5th or 6th grade in AY 25-26

Canvas & Concept: The Master's Studio (4-6)

Instructor: Ting Lee

8:00AM – 9:50AM
Course Description

In this studio-style course, students will bridge the gap between imagination and technique by mastering over 21 essential painting principles. Through guided, step-by-step instruction, young artists develop a sophisticated “visual language” that allows them to express their unique ideas with clarity and confidence. The curriculum emphasizes both technical discipline and creative brainstorming, providing students with a professional toolkit to bring their personal visions to life. It’s the perfect blend of foundational skill-building and high-level creative freedom.

Course Code: ENR1154-002
Materials Fee: $30
Materials requested for
students to bring:
A reusable bag to keep your supplies in and a one gallon Ziploc bag.

Unplugged! (4-6)

Instructor: Gerrie Morishita

8:00AM – 9:50AM
Course Description

Ditch the devices, and step into the ultimate gaming arena! In Unplugged!, we’re bringing back the fun of face-to-face competition through high-stakes board games, classic card games, and team challenges. You’ll master new strategies, face off against friends in live tournaments, and discover games you can’t find in an app store. It’s time to power down the screens and level up your real-life social skills!

Course Code: ENR1153-002
Materials Fee: $5
Materials requested for
students to bring:
A school box with leftover supplies to include pencils, crayons, and markers. One deck of playing cards.

The Sketch Society: Beyond the Doodle (4-6)

Instructor: Ting Lee

10:20AM – 12:10PM
Course Description

In this dynamic drawing course, students sharpen their technical abilities by exploring three distinct perspectives: still-life observation, outdoor landscapes, and their own vivid imaginations. Through guided practice and choice-based projects, young artists will master core concepts such as line quality, value-based shading, and the fundamentals of perspective. This curriculum empowers students to build a strong “visual vocabulary,” giving them the confidence to translate the world around them—or the world in their heads—expertly onto paper.

Course Code: ENR1126-002
Materials Fee: $22
Materials requested for
students to bring:
A reusable bag to keep your supplies in and a one gallon Ziploc bag.

The Math Thinking Lab (4-6)

Instructor: Gerri Morishita

10:20AM -12:10PM
Course Description

Get ready to think fast, work together, and play smart! In this class, students will tackle brain teasers and math games that build critical thinking, teamwork, and communication skills. Ditch the worksheet burnout and participate in activities that are designed to make math feel active, social, and fun.

Course Code: ENR1176-002
Materials Fee: $5
Materials requested for
students to bring:
Pencil or pen to write with and a notebook (can be a leftover one from school).

Stitch & Stuff: The Custom Plushie Workshop (4-6)

Instructor: Ting Lee

1:00PM – 2:50PM
Course Description

Master the fundamentals of hand sewing as you design and build your very own custom stuffed animals and toys from scratch. Through guided instruction in essential stitch techniques and construction principles, young makers will learn how to transform fabric and thread into unique three-dimensional characters. This course blends creative problem-solving with fine motor skill development, empowering students to take their projects from an initial sketch to a finished handmade treasure.

Course Code: ENR1038-002
Materials Fee: $20
Materials requested for
students to bring: Fabric scissors. A reusable bag to keep your supplies in. One gallon Ziploc bag.

*[Please note that the image used is solely for marketing purposes and not a true replication of what your child will create in class.]

 

Pokémon® Masters: Designers & 3D Makers Unite! (4-6)

Instructor: Nanea Fukuda

1:00PM -2:50PM
Course Description

Calling all PokéMasters who want to be the designers of the future! Use your Pokémon® imagination and bring your ideas to life. Begin by creating your own digital, Pokémon®-style custom-playing card game. Progress to designing action figures, jewelry, and toys in professional-level modeling software. Learn how to prepare a model for 3D printing and create a design portfolio to showcase your work! No prior experience is necessary, and 3D designs will be available on a password-protected Black Rocket website to share with friends and family. Students will work in pairs or teams for most of the program.

Course Code: ENR1103-002
Tuition: $345 ($325 until April 29)
Materials requested for
students to bring: N/A

“SYA met our expectations once again. The enrichment classes that are offered are unmatched! My daughter loves taking classes year after year because they are classes that meet her interests and they’re absolutely fun! Thank you, SYA for putting together a fun enrichment program year after year for our keiki!” ~ Anonymous

Beyond SYA: Black Rocket Courses

For Students Completing Grades 2-6

 June 29 – July 10, 2026 | In-Person Tech Camp

Last day to register: June 19, 2026

Early Bird Rate $325 available until May 29, 2026.

Minecraft Designers

Instructor: Nanea Fukuda

8:00AM – 9:30AM
Course Description

If you love the game Minecraft and always wanted to design your own world, this class is for you! Learn how to create a custom map, design structures to share between worlds, build with Redstone and Command blocks, and create custom textures for you to import at home or share with friends. Projects from this class require the Java version of Minecraft. Tablet, phone, and game console versions of Minecraft are not compatible. Returning students can create more advanced projects that build on previous years. Students will work in pairs or teams for most of the program.

Course Code: ENR1092-002
Tuition: $325 (Early Bird) $345 after May 29, 2026

Minecraft modders

Instructor: Nanea Fukuda

10:00AM – 11:30AM
Course Description

Customize your own Minecraft world and mod the classic game in this one-of-a-kind class. Learn scripting and logic statements as you create your first mods. Students will create a wide variety of new elements, gameplay mechanics, and world-generating mods to change the way you play Minecraft. Projects will be available on a password-protected Black Rocket website to share with friends and family. Projects from this class require the Java version of Minecraft. Tablet, phone, and game console versions of Minecraft are not compatible. Returning students can create more advanced projects that build on previous years. Students will work in pairs or teams for most of the program.

Course Code: ENR1094-002
Tuition: $325 (Early Bird) $345 after May 29, 2026

Make Your First Video Game!

Instructor: Nanea Fukuda

12:30PM – 2:00PM
Course Description

Our classic game design camp reimagined to include even more of what you love! Make your first video game in this one-of-a-kind class that gives you the keys to designing your first 2D platformer game. Conceptualization, level design, graphics, sounds, and simple coding are just some of the concepts that we’ll explore. No prior experience is necessary, just a desire to have fun! Student projects will be available on a password-protected Black Rocket website to share with friends and family. Students will work in pairs or teams for most of the program.

Course Code: ENR1095-002
Tuition: $325 (Early Bird) $345 after May 29, 2026

Online Virtual Tech Camps with Black Rocket

Join our partner, Black Rocket, online with courses for students grades 2-8 starting June 22 through July 31, 2026. Various one-week camps covering topics like; Python Programmers, Roblox Makers, A.I. Designers & Developers, and more.

Full Course List

How To Register

Online

hawaii.hawaii.edu/edvance

**Preferred Browsers – Google Chrome or Firefox to avoid registration errors**

Phone

Phone: (808) 934-2700
Fax: (808) 934-2701

FAMILY CHECKOUT OPTION AVAILABLE

Our online registration system has a new Family Login option where you can create or add your child(rens) profile(s) under a Family Account. This allows you to enroll multiple children in one transaction. Get started by going to https://ce.uhcc.hawaii.edu/index.jsp and select Family Login in the upper right corner. You will need to Create a New Family Account.  PLEASE NOTE: if using an iPhone and Safari as your browser you will receive an error message.

EARLY BIRD DISCOUNT 

Reduced tuition rates available

For courses starting June 15 the discount ($215) applies until April 30, 2026.

For courses starting June 29 the discount ($325) applies until May 29, 2026.

Be sure to apply the discount during checkout.

 

AVOID REGISTRATION ERRORS

We recommend using Chrome or Firefox

If you’re registering from an iPhone or using Safari as your browser you will receive an error at checkout. We highly recommend using Firefox or Google Chrome browsers to register and make payment online. Please feel free to call our office at (808) 934-2700 to pay with a credit card over the phone during business hours (M-F, 8:00AM – 4:00PM). You may also submit a follow up request with us to assist you with your registration during business hours.

Mail-in (Check only)

Hawaii Community College
EDvance
1175 Manono St.
Hilo, HI 96720

FILLED COURSES

Space is limited – early registration is advised. If a course is filled when we receive your registration, we will contact you; you may cancel your registration at no charge, select an alternate course or place your name on a wait list. There is no fee to be placed on a waiting list.

CANCELED COURSES

We don’t like to cancel courses, but each one must meet its minimum enrollment. Don’t be disappointed – register early and bring a friend! If a course is canceled, registrants will be contacted immediately and offered to transfer to an available course or issued a full refund.

Walk-in

Hawaii Community College
EDvance
1175 Manono St.
Bldg. 381A, Rm. 1
Hilo, HI 96720
8:00 am – 4:00 pm (M-F)

SIGN-IN & SIGN-OUT PROCESS

Parent, guardian or authorized person must sign K-6 students in & out each day. Written authorization must be provided if a student leaves early.

REFUNDS

You are entitled to a full refund for complete withdrawal if made on or before June 6, 2025. Thereafter refunds will not be allowed and tuition will be forfeit.

2026 SYA Instructors

Wenona Correa has been a teacher at Hilo Union for 10 years. She goes above and beyond to create a rigorous and engaging learning environment for all of her students. Her elementary experience spans from 2nd through 4th grade. She has proven herself to embrace diversity and build strong relationships with all of her students and colleagues.

Nanea Fukuda has been a teacher for 5 years, she has four years of experience in first grade and one year in kindergarten. Nanea has a love of integrating science into any and all other subjects. She looks forward to teacher her robotics course and share an exciting introduction into the world of roboticsfor you through storytelling, math and grammar too!

Cassie Lee is a Kindergarten teacher at Waiakeawaena Elementary School. Cassie is a returning SYA teacher, she enjoys creating art, and can’t wait to do some amazing things with her SYA students this Summer!

Tinghong Lee (just call her Ting!) was born in Taiwan and grew up in the US. She has worked with K-4 and primary grade special education students for 20 years. During the past 10 years, she has been working with middle school students in the Keaʻau School’s afterschool program. Ting developed a passion for painting at 5 years old and hasn’t looked back since! Painting is a way to express herself along with the three languages that she speaks. She loves sharing her work process with others and learning how to use images and colors to bring out the beauty from within. In her free time she loves to paint, cook, practice Taiji and be with her cats.

Gerri Morishita is a 6th grade teacher at Hilo Union School. She enjoys incorporating games and movement in her lessons and looks forward to her first year as a SYA instructor!

Beth Becker is a multimedia artist, singer, songwriter, and dancer. She has performed in and choreographed shows in Waikiki and Las Vegas. Beth has worked at Las Vegas resort art departments and has taught children and adults creative and performing art classes.

Chelsea Yagi has been teaching for 6 years. She has taught Kindergarten and First grade. Chelsea earned her Master’s of Arts in Teaching degree at the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo. When she was in elementary school, she attended SYA for a couple of years and she’s happy to come back to this program and now teaching the littles. Chelsea is excited to meet you and have fun during summer.

Contact Us

If you have questions or need any assistance, please feel free to contact us.