Filipinos are the largest Asian ethnic group and non-white group in the state of Hawaiʻi. More than 25% of the population in Hawaiʻi identify as Filipino. In addition, 23% of the state's public school students are Filipino. Despite being a majority, there is a clear lack of Filipino representation in Hawaiʻi's public and private education.  Filipino students want their history and culture to be seen and celebrated by their schools. Having representation is critical in strengthening students' ethnic identities, connections, awareness about the diversity of the community, and self-worth.

For the first time in the US, a high school social studies course dedicated to Filipino Studies was adopted in a statewide education system. Students from Farrington High School and Waipahu High School will be able to register for the course in the Fall of 2023, which will be taught in the Fall of 2024. Since this is approved for ALL Hawaiʻi public schools, we aim to offer it as widely as possible, and we need YOUR help!

The course, CHR 2300, or Filipino History Culture, is eligible for all Hawaiʻi public schools but is still unavailable everywhere. However, the actual offering of the course is influenced by demand and capacity, including student interest and teacher availability. To support the course, professional development will be offered to teachers.