Across our community, Fellows are doing the hard, hopeful work of helping people build lives and careers right here in Hawaiʻi. In our latest issue of Taking on Tomorrow, we asked several of them to share what workforce development looks like and this is what they had to share.

By: Ed Barnabas

What is your organization doing to help create meaningful career pathways that allow people to build a life in Hawaiʻi?

Booz Allen is committed to strengthening Hawai‘i’s future by investing in programs that inspire local students, build STEM proficiency, and create meaningful pathways into the region’s growing innovation and national security workforce. Through sustained engagement in youth STEM initiatives and summer development opportunities, Booz Allen helps cultivate the next generation of Hawai‘i’s technologists, engineers, and community leaders.

Summer Games – Booz Allen’s Flagship Innovation Internship 

Booz Allen’s “Summer Games” is one of its premier workforce‑development engines: a 10‑week, project‑based innovation accelerator that brings together some of Hawaiʻi’s top college STEM students to tackle real‑world challenges through teamwork, mentorship, and hands‑on prototyping. The program is intentionally immersive, simulating a startup‑accelerator environment where interns work in cross‑functional teams guided by senior leaders to develop breakthrough solutions for mission‑focused problems. 

FIRST Robotics Hawai‘i

A cornerstone of our community efforts is Booz Allen’s long-standing support for FIRST Robotics across the state. Booz Allen serves as the head judge advisor for Hawai‘i’s middle and high school FIRST Robotics competitions, ensuring a high‑quality, inclusive, and inspiring experience for students statewide. We directly support thousands of students each season, providing mentorship, fostering teamwork, and helping young people explore robotics, engineering, and problem‑solving skills. This reflects Booz Allen’s commitment to building STEM access and opportunity for youth across the islands.

Workforce Development & STEM Exposure Programs

In addition, Booz Allen supports workforce development and STEM exposure efforts that connect students to real mission challenges and emerging technologies. These programs (workshops, field trips, etc.) introduce young talent to innovation, analytics, national security problem‑solving, and the broad range of career opportunities available within Hawai‘i’s defense ecosystem. Booz Allen collaborates with organizations like University of Hawaiʻi College of Engineering and Chamber of Commerce Hawaiʻi.

Community Impact

Together, these efforts demonstrate Booz Allen’s sustained commitment to Hawai‘i’s youth and future workforce. By investing in accessible programs that nurture STEM talent and empower local students, Booz Allen helps ensure the islands continue to cultivate leaders who will shape Hawai‘i’s technological, civic, and economic future.