Have you ever wondered about organizations that truly make a difference, especially those rooted deeply in their community? So, it's almost a given that you might be curious about Alaka`ina. This isn't just any group; it's a vibrant Native Hawaiian Organization, or NHO, that has been quietly but powerfully shaping futures since its certification back in 2004. They are, in a way, a cornerstone for positive change, especially for the young people of Hawai`i.
What makes Alaka`ina so special, you ask? Well, it's more or less about their unique approach. They combine a strong sense of purpose with practical, real-world solutions. From innovative educational programs that truly blend leadership with the exciting worlds of science and technology, to environmental care, they are, you know, making a tangible impact. It's a rather comprehensive vision for community betterment.
This group, the Alaka`ina Foundation family of companies, or FOCs as they are often called, represents a truly remarkable effort. They are, quite simply, a network of businesses working to support a greater mission. This blog post will, as a matter of fact, take a closer look at what Alaka`ina is all about, their important work, and how they contribute to both the nation and the local community in Hawai`i. You will, I mean, get a good sense of their broad reach and deep commitment.
Table of Contents
- The Alaka`ina Foundation at Its Heart
- A Family of Companies Making an Impact
- Supporting Our Nation Through Government Solutions
- Empowering Hawai`i's Youth Through STEM and Leadership
- Career Paths and Joining the Alaka`ina Team
- Frequently Asked Questions About Alaka`ina
The Alaka`ina Foundation at Its Heart
The Alaka`ina Foundation, established in October 2004, is, for example, a private charitable foundation with a very clear mission. It operates as a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, which means its focus is entirely on developing and supporting programs that meet the goals of its charter. This charter, you know, really emphasizes creating opportunities and helping young people.
Being certified as a Native Hawaiian Organization, or NHO, in 2004 gives the Alaka`ina Foundation a special connection to the Hawaiian community. This designation is, in fact, quite important. It helps guide their charitable efforts and ensures that their activities principally benefit the youth of Hawai`i. They are, essentially, a community-driven organization with a broad reach.
The foundation's primary goal is, in some respects, to ensure that the young men and women of Hawai`i have pathways to success. This is done through various charitable initiatives and programs. It's about, you know, giving back in a meaningful way, truly embodying the spirit of aloha. This focus on the next generation is, I mean, central to everything they do.
Their work involves, as a matter of fact, building leadership programs and creating opportunities specifically for the youth of Hawai`i. This commitment to leadership development is, arguably, a key part of their strategy for long-term community strength. They believe in fostering the skills and confidence young people need to thrive. So, it's about more than just education; it's about holistic growth.
A Family of Companies Making an Impact
The Alaka`ina Foundation isn't alone in its mission; it has a whole family of companies, the FOCs, that work together. These companies are, basically, the engine that helps fund and support the foundation's charitable activities. It's a pretty smart model, really, allowing for sustainable impact. This structure, you know, makes them quite unique in the non-profit space.
Certified in 2004 as a Native Hawaiian Organization, the Alaka`ina Foundation family of companies includes several distinct entities. Each company, in a way, brings its own specialized capabilities to the table. This diversity allows them to tackle a broad range of projects and support various sectors. They are, in fact, quite versatile.
Ke`aki Technologies and Laulima Government Solutions
Among the founding members of this family are Ke`aki Technologies and Laulima Government Solutions. These companies are, you know, key players in the government contracting space. Their work often involves providing important services and solutions to federal agencies. It's a big part of how the overall enterprise functions.
Ke`aki Technologies, for example, is known for its technical capabilities. They contribute to various projects that require scientific and technological expertise. Similarly, Laulima Government Solutions plays a vital role in delivering government services. These two, basically, set a strong foundation for the FOCs' operational reach. They are, in a way, the original pillars.
Kūpono Government Services and Kāpili Services
The family also includes Kūpono Government Services, which, as its name suggests, focuses on government support. They are, in fact, an important part of the FOCs' ability to provide comprehensive solutions. Their work helps ensure that government operations run smoothly and effectively. This, you know, is a big responsibility.
Kāpili Services, certified in 2016, is the fourth company established under the Alaka`ina Foundation FOCs. Kāpili, in some respects, expands the family's capacity even further. Through their "total solutions" approach, Kāpili can perform on a broad range of contractor services and delivery solutions. They are, quite simply, a versatile addition, capable of handling diverse requirements.
The newest addition, Po`okela, also contributes to the family's collective strength. While the text doesn't go into extensive detail about Po`okela, its inclusion means the Alaka`ina Foundation FOCs continue to grow and diversify their capabilities. This expansion, you know, allows them to support more projects and, ultimately, generate more resources for the foundation's charitable work. They are, literally, always looking for ways to improve.
Supporting Our Nation Through Government Solutions
The Alaka`ina Foundation family of companies is, actually, a significant player in the federal government contracting arena. They offer multiple mechanisms to streamline the procurement process for critical requirements. This means they can help government agencies get the services and products they need more efficiently. It's a rather important role they play.
One of the key advantages they offer is the NHO 8(a) direct award, or sole-source, mechanism. This allows government customers to procure services directly from Alaka`ina FOCs, which can significantly speed up the contracting process. This is, you know, a valuable tool for agencies with urgent needs. It's a direct way to work with them.
The FOCs are, in fact, positioned to support almost any acquisition strategy. Whether it's as a prime offeror through full and open competitions, or through 8(a) competitions released via FedBizOpps, they are ready. This flexibility means they can adapt to various government procurement methods. They are, basically, very adaptable partners.
Their work in the federal government space covers a wide array of services, including STEM-related projects. This focus on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics across the Alaka`ina Foundation FOCs for the federal government highlights their commitment to innovation and technical excellence. It's a pretty strong combination of skills and purpose.
Joining their team means becoming a part of a growing and winning group that does important work in support of our nation and its citizens. They are, in a way, contributing to national security and progress through their various contracts. With locations situated throughout the United States, they offer a broad range of career opportunities in diverse fields. So, there are many ways to get involved.
Empowering Hawai`i's Youth Through STEM and Leadership
The heart of the FOCs truly lies in furthering the awareness and mission of the Alaka`ina Foundation. This means that the profits generated by the companies are, basically, reinvested into the foundation's charitable activities. These activities, you know, principally benefit the youth of Hawai`i, which is their core focus. It's a clear cycle of support and giving.
Alaka`ina is making a significant reality by developing innovative educational programs that combine leadership, science and technology, and environmental stewardship. This integrated approach is, in fact, quite forward-thinking. It helps young people develop a wide range of skills that are valuable for their future and for their community. They are, essentially, building well-rounded individuals.
A major part of their charter goals is helping build leadership programs and opportunities for the youth of Hawai`i. This includes creating opportunities for Hawai`i's youth in STEM education programs. They understand that science, technology, engineering, and mathematics are, you know, crucial fields for future success. It's about preparing them for the modern world.
The Alaka`ina Foundation has, in fact, increased its philanthropic investment in University of Hawai`i programs and students. They have made innovative gifts totaling $540,000 that create partnerships with community groups to promote education. This demonstrates their deep commitment to higher education and local collaboration. It's a really substantial contribution.
This commitment to giving back is, honestly, second nature in the Aloha State. Aid from the community helps keep people fed, lifts them out of poverty, and gives young people a better chance for a brighter future. The Alaka`ina Foundation, in a way, embodies this spirit of collective responsibility and care. They are, quite simply, making a difference where it counts.
Scholarship Opportunities and Community Partnerships
A prime example of their dedication to education is the Alaka`ina Foundation UH Community College Technical Education Scholarship. The native Hawaiian organization Alaka`ina Foundation recently contributed a significant $500,000 to establish this scholarship. This fund's purpose is, in fact, to provide scholarship support to students pursuing a degree or certificate in vocational/technical education studies at any community college within the University of Hawai`i system. It's a direct investment in practical skills.
For those interested, awardees must reply to the scholarship offer by May 1, 2025. This deadline is, you know, important for prospective students to keep in mind. It shows a concrete, ongoing commitment to financial aid for education. This scholarship, basically, opens doors for many young Hawaiians seeking technical skills. Learn more about educational support initiatives on our site.
The emphasis on vocational and technical education is, in some respects, very practical. It addresses the need for skilled workers in various industries, helping students gain employable skills quickly. This approach, you know, aligns with current economic demands and provides clear career paths. It's a thoughtful way to support the community's needs.
Career Paths and Joining the Alaka`ina Team
For those looking for a meaningful career, the Alaka`ina Foundation family of companies offers numerous opportunities. You can, for instance, search job openings at Alaka`ina Foundation. There are, apparently, 184 Alaka`ina Foundation jobs listed, complete with salaries, ratings, and reviews, posted by Alaka`ina Foundation employees. This gives you a pretty good idea of what to expect.
The range of positions is, in fact, quite broad. For example, the average annual Alaka`ina Foundation family of companies salary for a Program Manager is estimated to be approximately $135,212 per year. The majority pay for this role is between $85,936 to $112,611 per year, showing a good salary range. This is, you know, a competitive compensation.
An Information Assurance Specialist at Alaka`ina Foundation family of companies, for instance, has an average hourly pay of $60 per hour. The location, department, and specific job description all have an impact on the exact pay. So, it's worth checking the details for each listing. This shows their commitment to fair compensation for specialized skills.
For Business Development Managers, the average annual salary is estimated to be approximately $123,299 per year. And for Administrative Assistants, the average annual salary is estimated to be approximately $48,032 per year. These figures, you know, provide a good overview of the compensation structure across different roles. You can explore current job openings on this page.
Overall, the average annual salary of Alaka`ina is estimated to be approximately $95,850 per year. The majority pay is between $83,773 to $109,745 per year. For more detailed salary information, you can visit Salary.com to find out about Alaka`ina compensation. This transparency is, in a way, very helpful for job seekers. They are, basically, open about their pay scales.
There are, in fact, 189 Alaka`ina Foundation family of companies jobs currently available. To get a job at Alaka`ina Foundation, you can browse currently open positions and apply for a job near you. Once you get a positive response, make sure to find out about the interview process at Alaka`ina. This is, you know, a pretty straightforward application process.
A specific example of a current opening is for a Network Manager IV to support a government customer located in Fort Eustis, Virginia. This highlights that their career opportunities extend beyond Hawai`i, covering various locations throughout the United States. This geographical spread means, basically, more chances for diverse talent to join their mission. They are, literally, a nationwide employer.
It's also worth noting that preference is given to applicants of Native Hawaiian ancestry. This is, in fact, part of their commitment as a Native Hawaiian Organization to support their community. This preference is, you know, an important aspect of their hiring practices. It helps fulfill their charter's goals.
Frequently Asked Questions About Alaka`ina
People often have questions about organizations like Alaka`ina, especially given their unique structure and mission. Here are some common inquiries:
What is the Alaka`ina Foundation and what does it do?
The Alaka`ina Foundation is a Native Hawaiian Organization (NHO) certified in 2004, operating as a 501(c)3 private charitable foundation. Its core mission is to develop and support programs that principally benefit the youth of Hawai`i. This includes fostering leadership, providing STEM education opportunities, and promoting environmental stewardship. The foundation is supported by a family of companies (FOCs) whose profits are reinvested into these charitable efforts. They are, basically, a self-sustaining model for community good.
What kind of job opportunities are available at Alaka`ina Foundation Family of Companies?
The Alaka`ina Foundation family of companies offers a broad range of career opportunities across various locations in the United States. These include roles in government contracting, technology, administration, and business development. You can find positions like Program Manager, Information Assurance Specialist, Network Manager, Business Development Manager, and Administrative Assistant. There are, you know, often over 180 job openings listed at any given time, with competitive salaries and benefits. They are, in fact, a growing team.
How does Alaka`ina Foundation support education and community in Hawai`i?
Alaka`ina Foundation supports education and the community in Hawai`i through innovative programs and significant philanthropic investments. They create opportunities for youth in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education and build leadership programs. A notable contribution includes establishing the Alaka`ina Foundation UH Community College Technical Education Scholarship with a $500,000 investment, and further innovative gifts totaling $540,000 to promote partnerships with community groups. This is, you know, a very direct way they give back.
For more information on NHOs and their impact, you might find resources from the Small Business Administration (SBA) helpful. They are, in a way, the governing body for these designations. Learn more about NHOs and the 8(a) program.
