A Day of Discovery: Nā Pua Noʻeau Students Experience USC Through JEP’s Lens
When twenty middle school students from Hawaii stepped into the JEP House this fall, they weren’t just visiting another stop on their Los Angeles educational tour — they were embarking on a day of connections, culture sharing, and hands-on learning that showcased the best of what USC and JEP have to offer.
The students, part of Nā Pua Noʻeau (NPN), a University of Hawaii program dedicated to supporting Native Hawaiian students, experienced a carefully crafted day that wove together academic exploration, cultural exchange, and glimpses of college life. Since 1989, NPN has worked to nurture the inherited gifts of Native Hawaiian children, helping them reach their full potential through programs grounded in Hawaiian culture and language.
Their USC journey began with a warm welcome at the JEP House, followed by a campus tour led by JEP Associate Director Tina Koneazny.
She also led the group in their first hands-on experience: A Little Yoginis lesson, where they participated in both storytelling and yoga practice in the Physical Education building — a perfect blend of mind and body engagement to start their day off right.
Over lunch featuring local Mexican cuisine, conversations flourished as JEP student leaders, including some from Hawaii themselves, shared their own college experiences with the visiting students. The exchange deepened as NPN participants introduced themselves in their native languages, bringing a meaningful cultural dimension to the gathering.
The afternoon transformed into a science adventure under the guidance of STEM Education Programs Assistant Director Jess Stellmann. Students examined sand samples under microscopes, learning how different characteristics reveal environmental origins. This exploration continued in a Marine Biology lab, where USC faculty member Cerly Kenkel offered students hands-on experience with marine organisms from her research.
Innovation took center stage next as the students joined a sustainability workshop, a collaboration between JEP’s STEM Education Programs and Genesis automotive. They explored concepts of sustainable product development, even examining one of Genesis’ newest models while learning from Brandon Ramirez about real-world applications in the automotive industry. (Photo by Ryan Miller/Capture Imaging)
The day concluded meaningfully in JEP Executive Director Susan Harris’ Freshman Seminar, where USC Freshmen and local college seniors learn together. This particular session began with a guest lecture from two USC admissions team members who shared insights about college applications and first-year success. The visiting students, who had spent the day experiencing various aspects of university life, received practical advice about potentially pursuing their own college journeys.
Before departing, the Hawaiian students offered a beautiful gesture of gratitude — a traditional Hawaiian song that filled the atmosphere with warmth and appreciation. Though their next adventure took them to Trader Joe’s for sought-after snacks, they left behind a trail of connections that continue through social media, where JEP followed their ongoing Los Angeles adventures and beyond. (Photo by @napuanoeau)
This visit exemplified JEP’s ability to create meaningful educational experiences that transcend traditional boundaries. From yoga to marine biology, from automotive engineering to college preparation, the day showcased how learning comes alive when it combines hands-on experiences with cultural exchange and personal connection. For both the visiting students and the JEP community, this day represented more than just a campus tour—it was a celebration of learning, culture, and the possibilities that emerge when educational communities connect across oceans to share experiences and inspire future generations.
(Photo by @napuanoeau)