By Caitlyn Resurreccion
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In late August, Senior Keri Shigeta and Junior Dion Houston joined the Project Twice Exceptional Achieving Matriculating Students (TEAMS) in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) program. Project TEAMS is a section of the research and training branch under the University of Hawaii and is offered to secondary schools located in Iowa, New York, American Samoa, Hawaii and internationally in the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. The program was created for students who show possible potential in STEM and facilitates their knowledge to achieve more academic wise. By taking on the program Project TEAMS, Shigeta and Houston are given the opportunity to cement any future academic plans and broaden their post college choices.
“For me, Project TEAMS helps kids with college. Some people don’t take college seriously in the beginning so TEAMS is here to help get us ready and show us some science stuff from college,” said Shigeta. Houston added, “It’s a way to help you get ready for college so you’re able to go into college already knowing the expectations the teacher has for you.”
Project TEAMS provides study exercises that are structured based on STEM. Biology, health and various other science lessons are taught during first quarter, while technology, mathematics and engineering are incorporated into the curriculum as the school year goes by. The semiweekly lessons include worksheet packets, videos, reports and computer generated tests to measure the exile growth in which the student has learned. “There’s about seven or eight subjects in total. But the main purpose is basically preparing the kids for college. Not only with the academic side, but with the attitude and work ethic side. To be prepared; that’s the intent of the lessons and program,” stated adviser Timothy Pregana.
The process of participating in Project TEAMS began in late August. Students who showed interested in the program filled out a questionnaire survey and from it, 40 students were selected. Students then wrote an essay on the topic of, “Why you should be apart of TEAM?” and the field of 40 students narrowed down to a mere eight. Of the eight, those who were able to meet the requirements were given the option to join Project TEAMS. “Originally, we had the eight students, but it was difficult having the eight take part of TEAMS because the schedules did not align so there was only two (that joined)” said Pregana. Maintaining a high science grade is also an requirement. “In order to be selected, you have to be getting a 80 percent or higher in your science class,” added Shigeta. “Being selected out of 40 people was an honor so I thought, ‘Why not?’ and decided to carry on with Project TEAMS.”
Although the University of Hawaii has pitched Project TEAMS to MHS before, this is MHS’ first year presenting Project TEAMS to students. The program not only provides college preparation for students, but also a higher possibility of the student being accepted into one of their top three college choices. “From my past students, many do not take college to heart. TEAMS helps improve work ethic and enables students to be exposed to essentially a college classroom setting even if it is just for two days and for three hours,” said Pregana. Shigeta added, “Being as this is my senior year, I was looking to apply to UH for one of my colleges. Already knowing the foundation and having an idea of the work expectations, I know I’m going to have an easier time getting in (to UH).”
Opening the door to college, Project TEAMS gives students an idea of the field they wish to further their studies in. “As of right now, I’m not so certain. But I took the class to see if this would help me show interest in being a teacher,” said Shigeta. Houston added, “I’m not exactly sure what I want to be yet. But I was thinking of the Biology field because of a video (Pregana) showed us of genes and genetics and stuff.”
Should Project TEAMS return to MHS next year, Pregana hopes for more students to join Project TEAMS to experience an exposure to the college academics and atmosphere.
