Windward Community College
Windward Community College: Education Rooted in Aloha and Innovation
Nestled on the lush windward side of Oʻahu, Hawaii, Windward Community College (WCC) stands as a beacon of accessible, culturally grounded, and innovative higher education. As one of the ten campuses of the University of Hawaiʻi system, WCC is dedicated to offering students a high-quality education while honoring the rich traditions, environment, and communities of Hawaiʻi.
Founded in 1972 and located in Kāneʻohe, Windward Community College serves as a gateway to academic advancement, workforce readiness, personal enrichment, and cultural preservation. Whether a student is seeking a two-year degree, preparing for university transfer, or pursuing a passion for the arts or natural sciences, WCC offers a nurturing, inclusive, and intellectually stimulating environment.
1. Location and Campus Atmosphere
The WCC campus is arguably one of the most picturesque community college campuses in the United States. Located at the foot of the majestic Koʻolau Mountains, it is surrounded by tropical greenery and infused with the essence of aloha ʻāina—a love for the land. This natural beauty contributes to a tranquil and inspiring learning atmosphere.
The campus reflects a deep respect for Hawaiian culture and heritage. Art installations, native plants, and architectural elements honor the island’s traditions, while also fostering a strong connection between the academic experience and local culture.
2. Academic Mission and Philosophy
Windward Community College is committed to student-centered learning, community engagement, and academic excellence. The college’s mission is to provide open access to higher education and to empower learners through programs that are relevant, forward-thinking, and grounded in Hawaiian values.
Core Values:
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Aloha (compassion and respect)
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Kuleana (responsibility)
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Mālama (care and stewardship)
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Laulima (cooperation)
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ʻIke pono (right knowledge and insight)
These principles shape interactions between faculty, staff, and students, cultivating a learning environment that is welcoming, inclusive, and respectful.
3. Academic Programs and Degrees: Windward Community College
WCC offers a wide range of associate degrees, certificates, and transfer pathways, with emphasis on liberal arts, natural sciences, Hawaiian studies, and creative arts. Programs are designed to be flexible and career-aligned, allowing students to either enter the workforce or transfer to four-year institutions.
A. Associate in Arts (AA) – Liberal Arts
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Designed for students planning to transfer to a four-year college
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Covers general education requirements
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Strong focus on critical thinking, writing, and interdisciplinary study
B. Associate in Science (AS) Degrees
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Veterinary Technology
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These programs offer hands-on learning and direct job preparation
C. Certificates of Achievement and Competence
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Agripharmatech
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Information and Computer Science
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Business Core
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Hawaiian Language and Hawaiian Studies
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Digital Media Arts
These credentials allow students to gain practical, workforce-ready skills in just one or two semesters.
4. The Hawaiian Studies Program
A signature offering at Windward Community College is its robust Hawaiian Studies program, which connects students with the language, culture, and traditions of Hawaiʻi’s indigenous people.
Key Components:
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Hawaiian language courses (beginner to advanced)
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Hawaiian history, mythology, and politics
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Hula and traditional music
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Sustainability and indigenous land stewardship
The program contributes to the preservation and revitalization of Hawaiian culture while fostering pride and identity among Native Hawaiian students.
5. Transfer Opportunities: Windward Community College
Many WCC students use the college as a stepping stone to a four-year university, especially the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa and other UH campuses.
Benefits of Transfer Pathways:
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Affordable tuition during the first two years
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Smaller class sizes and personalized instruction
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Articulation agreements with UH Mānoa, UH West Oʻahu, and UH Hilo
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Dedicated counselors for transfer planning
WCC students are well-prepared for upper-division coursework thanks to strong academic advising and support services.
6. Veterinary Technology Program
Windward Community College is home to the only accredited veterinary technician program in the state of Hawaiʻi. This program is highly competitive and well-regarded, offering students hands-on training in animal care.
Highlights:
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Two-year Associate in Science degree
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Clinical practice with small and large animals
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On-campus veterinary laboratory and teaching farm
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Preparation for Veterinary Technician National Exam (VTNE)
Graduates go on to work in veterinary clinics, animal hospitals, zoos, and research facilities throughout Hawaiʻi and beyond.
7. The Pacific Center for Environmental Studies
With Hawaiʻi's biodiversity and ecosystems as a living laboratory, students gain firsthand experience in conservation and ecological research.
Features:
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Field trips to native forests, reefs, and watersheds
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Data collection and analysis
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Coral reef monitoring and marine research
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Emphasis on climate change, sustainability, and indigenous knowledge
This program connects science with cultural practices, making it unique to Hawaiʻi and crucial in today’s global environmental landscape.
8. The Arts and Humanities: Windward Community College
Key Offerings:
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Fine arts: painting, ceramics, sculpture
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Theatre and performing arts
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Creative writing and English literature
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Philosophy, religion, and multicultural studies
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Music: Hawaiian slack key guitar, piano, and vocal performance
WCC hosts performances, art exhibits, and poetry readings that engage both the campus and local community.
9. Hōkūlani Imaginarium
A unique feature of WCC is the Hōkūlani Imaginarium, a state-of-the-art planetarium that provides immersive educational experiences in astronomy, space science, and Hawaiian navigation.
Programs and Features:
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Public star shows and school visits
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Astronomical simulations and planet tracking
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Courses on traditional Polynesian navigation (wayfinding)
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Integration with environmental and cultural studies
The Imaginarium serves as both an academic tool and a public science education center, enriching the local and global understanding of the cosmos.
10. Support Services and Student Success: Windward Community College
Windward Community College places a strong emphasis on student support and success, ensuring that learners from all backgrounds are equipped to thrive.
Services Include:
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Academic advising and counseling
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Free tutoring and writing labs
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Native Hawaiian support programs
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Disability access services
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Veterans support and services
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Mental health and wellness counseling
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Financial aid and scholarship assistance
First-year students benefit from the First-Year Experience (FYE) program, which introduces them to college life, study skills, and support resources.
11. Distance Learning and Online Education: Windward Community College
WCC is a leader in distance education, offering a growing number of courses online to meet the needs of working adults, military families, and rural students.
Online Opportunities:
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Full AA degree online
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Hybrid classes combining in-person and online learning
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Flexible scheduling for asynchronous learning
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Online tutoring and academic advising
This flexibility supports students in balancing education with work and family commitments.
12. Student Life and Extracurricular Activities
Though WCC is a commuter campus, student life is rich with clubs, events, and opportunities for leadership and community engagement.
Clubs and Organizations:
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Hawaiian Club
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Phi Theta Kappa (honor society)
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Environmental Action Club
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Student Government
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Cultural and Diversity Groups
Events such as campus concerts, cultural festivals, sustainability fairs, and service days foster a sense of community and pride.
13. Community Engagement and Lifelong Learning
WCC is deeply embedded in the Kāneʻohe and broader windward Oʻahu communities. The college offers non-credit programs, community workshops, and partnerships with local schools, businesses, and nonprofit organizations.
Community Programs:
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Continuing education for adults
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Parenting and early childhood education workshops
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Small business development training
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Art and music classes for all ages
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Community garden and agricultural training
This commitment to lifelong learning and civic engagement is a core part of WCC’s identity.
14. Indigenous Knowledge and Cultural Integration: Windward Community College
At Windward Community College, education is deeply enriched by indigenous knowledge systems. Hawaiian perspectives are integrated into science, history, language, and sustainability curricula.
Initiatives Include:
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Courses on Hawaiian ethnobotany
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Cultural protocols for working on sacred lands
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Partnerships with kūpuna (elders) and Hawaiian practitioners
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Ceremonies and language immersion activities
This approach ensures students develop cultural competence and respect for Native traditions, vital to thriving in Hawaiʻi’s multicultural society.
15. Sustainability and Environmental Stewardship
WCC leads in green campus initiatives and education about climate resilience. The college incorporates sustainable practices in campus operations and offers specialized coursework.
Examples:
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Native plant gardens and food forests
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Solar panels and energy conservation
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Zero-waste events and recycling
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Sustainability-themed degree pathways
These efforts reflect a deep commitment to ecological balance and community well-being.
16. Faculty and Teaching Excellence
The faculty at WCC are passionate educators, scholars, artists, and community leaders. Many are also researchers or cultural practitioners, bringing real-world experience and deep cultural insight into the classroom.
Class sizes are small, typically 20 students or fewer, allowing for personalized attention and mentorship. Faculty often go above and beyond to support student success, both academically and personally.
17. Alumni and Career Outcomes: Windward Community College
Graduates of Windward Community College move on to four-year universities, careers in science and technology, veterinary medicine, education, media, business, and more.
Alumni Pathways:
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Transfer to UH Mānoa, UH West Oʻahu, or mainland universities
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Careers in environmental science, cultural preservation, and health care
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Continued involvement in local community development
WCC alumni often speak of their time at the college as a turning point—where they found purpose, confidence, and direction.
18. Admissions and Affordability
Windward Community College maintains an open admissions policy, welcoming all students with a high school diploma or equivalent. The application process is simple and student-friendly.
Affordability:
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Lower tuition compared to four-year institutions
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In-state rates for Hawaiʻi residents
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Financial aid, grants, and scholarships available
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Work-study and veteran support programs
The college is committed to equity in access to education, ensuring cost is not a barrier.
Conclusion
Windward Community College is more than a place of learning—it is a catalyst for transformation, rooted in Hawaiian values, academic innovation, and community service. Whether you are beginning your educational journey, changing careers, or pursuing lifelong interests, WCC offers an environment that is inclusive, enriching, and deeply connected to the land and culture of Hawaiʻi.
For students seeking affordable, high-quality education in a supportive and culturally vibrant setting, Windward Community College offers the ideal foundation. It is a place where students are not only educated—but empowered.
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