The University of Hawai'i- Manoa, Kapolei High School, isisHawaii and Ainoa Inc. are teaming up to launch UHM SEED Academy, a new "bricks and clicks" public high school offering a blended curriculum of core, advanced placement, and world language courses taken online and hands-on electives in science, technology, engineering and math taught on-campus at Kapolei High School.

The SEED — Student Equity, Excellence, Diversity — academy aims to offer an alternative to the traditional school experience and is enrolling students tuition-free for the 2008-09 school year, which begins Aug. 11.

Courses will be taught by teachers providing small-group instruction and one-on-one feedback. The academy also offers interaction with teachers and peers via online and on-campus lessons and face-to-face lab and field activities.

Ainoa is a Hawai'i company bringing online educational content to the secondary-level classroom, and isisHawaii is a nonprofit organization linked to exploration of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) careers.

Graduates of UHM SEED Academy will receive a Kapolei High School diploma. UHM SEED Academy at Kapolei High School also provides students with access to extracurricular activities, such as service/volunteer programs, academic and special interest clubs, as well as participation in Kapolei High School sports teams for students residing in the Kapolei school district.

For more information on enrollment, visit www.UHMSeedAcademy.org or call 808-285-6956.

FUTURE DOCTORS SYMPOSIUM SET

High school juniors and seniors are invited to attend a Hawaii Future Physicians Symposium set for Sept. 20 at The Queen's Medical Center.

The symposium will features several of Hawai'i physicians who discuss their particular medical specialty. Also, several medical students will also talk about getting into medical school and what to expect once accepted.

All attending students are invited to submit an essay of 200 words or less describing why they want to become a doctor. A scholarship award of $500 will be presented for the top essay. The deadline to submit an essay is Sept. 5, and the winner will be announced at the symposium.

This event is free but seating is limited and participants must register by Sept. 12. For more information or to register, call 735-1935.

TRAINING FOCUSES ON AP SUBJECTS

The 14th annual Hawaii International Advanced Placement Program Summer Institute is being held this week at Kamehameha Schools-Kapalama High School campus.

The AP Institute offers intensive training for teachers of AP courses. There are 15 courses being offered in the content areas of English, math, science, and social studies.

The Hawai'i Department of Education has sponsored 100 public school teachers from all islands to participate in this intensive training. The College Board offers the summer institute to enable Hawai'i teachers to explore ways to introduce analytic skills fundamental to academic success.

Other objectives of the institute include examining successful models for teaching both content and analytical skills; understanding how to apply the themes and concepts of AP curriculum; identifying textbooks, Web sites, videos, and other instructional materials used to support AP curriculum; and understanding and applying selected AP activities, labs, and demonstrations.