A Support Program for Under-represented Nursing Students
The IKE AO PONO program is designed to advance the healthcare and well being of all peoples throughout Hawaii nei. We will also increase the number of culturally informed and sensitive nursing professionals committed to improving health and healthcare in Hawaii and beyond.
This historic program is a 2010 recipient of the American Association of Colleges of Nurses Award in recognition of unprecedented success in Innovations in Professional Nursing Education. IKE AO PONO has also been recognized in the U.S. Congressional Record for these achievements by U.S. Senator Daniel Inouye. In 2024, the IKE AO PONO Director was awarded the UH Presidential Award for Outstanding Service. She was also awarded the Empowering Oiwi Leadership Award, E OLA in 2022 by CNHA and Kamehameha Schools.
Vision
Improving Health and Wellness for the Whole Community
- IKE … a shared vision held and nurtured by all
- AO … the everlasting quality of continuation
- PONO … well being in life
Goal
IKE AO PONO strives to create a lasting advancement, and promotion of health within the individual, family and the whole community with special attention to at-risk, under-represented and under-served communities. The goal of IKE AO PONO is to provide nursing students with access to quality nursing education at the baccalaureate, master’s and doctoral level, including both PhD and DNP degrees
Student Services
IKE AO PONO focuses on:
- Providing support to undergraduate and graduate nursing students enrolled at the University of Hawaii at Manoa through: academic tutoring; study group sessions; scholarships and community service.
- Working with community and UH partnerships to expand clinical learning sites, scholarship and employment opportunities.
- Advocacy for students from admission to graduation and endeavor to improve the nursing workforce and improve health and healthcare for Hawaii and beyond.
- Providing positive support for student empowerment and academic achievement.
Contact
IKE AO PONO Director & Assistant Specialist
School of Nursing and Dental Hygiene
University of Hawaii at Manoa
2528 McCarthy Mall, Webster Hall 222
Honolulu, Hawaii 96822
Phone: 808-956-5504
Fax: 808-956-3257
Email: bminton@hawaii.edu
Nalani Minton Receives the 2022 Empowering ʻŌiwi Leadership Award, E OLA
Nālani Minton, MA, MA, BS, Director of the ʻIKE AO PONO program and Assistant Specialist III at SONDH/UH Mānoa has been awarded the Empowering ʻŌiwi Leadership Award (E OLA). E…