Hawaii Leaders Core to host Alaka‘i Youth Leadership Academy
June 16, 2021
Leading others to dream on campus and off
June 16, 2021
The Maui News
Students from Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Florida will be traveling to Maui for a youth leadership program this summer to help manage their trauma from the school shooting that left 17 people dead earlier this year.
The Alaka’i Youth Leadership Academy is a six-day program hosted by Alexander D. Muto and the Maui nonprofit Ignite A Life, which is focused on youth engagement, character growth and leadership development, according to a news release Tuesday from the group.
The academy will be held from June 18 to 24 and is welcoming 250 students, with the majority from Maui and the rest from the Mainland and other countries. Students will work with 75 speakers, trainers and facilitators, “who are the best in their fields and have a passion for transforming the lives of our youth,” according to Ignite A Life.
The cost to attend is $2,600 per student, but local companies and private donors provide scholarships. Marvin Peake, a philanthropist and businessman from North Carolina, sponsored the Parkland, Fla., students to attend the residential workshop.
“Alaka’i is a Hawaiian word for trailblazer, those who go first, creator of the new path or the leader,” the news release said. “We have a vision for Hawaii with strong youth leaders today and even stronger leaders for tomorrow.”
The academy has two tracks designed for high-schoolers ages 14 to 18, and graduates ages 18 to 24. The program is designed for youths seeking to be leaders, getting more out of life or unsure what steps to take next.
The high school track focuses on topics, such as building self-confidence, turning ideas into reality, leadership, communication, relationships and emotional resilience. The graduate track focuses on handling stress; finding or refining purpose and mission; the psychology of success; creating opportunities; and building rapport, leadership skills and relationships.
To donate toward scholarships, visit IgniteALife.org/donate. People also can donate airline miles, event materials (backpacks, water bottles and T-shirts), meals, speaker/trainer fees and professional services.
For more information, visit www.ignitealife.org/ayla, call Robin Muto at 250-2550 or email IgniteALife@gmail.com.
* This article includes a correction from the original published on Friday, April 20, 2018. The number of Parkland, Fla., students who will be traveling to Maui for a youth leadership program this summer remained unconfirmed as of Friday, according to an event organizer. A story reported a specific number of students that had been provided to The Maui News.
