Assets High School's Mentorship Program is thriving, thanks to the support of our K-8 parents and a unique cross-campus collaboration. This year, two K-8 parents who own local businesses are hosting high school students, providing them with hands-on experience in various industries. Additionally, some high school students are completing their mentorships while gaining valuable experience assisting in K-8 classrooms. Every Wednesday, from September to April, all Assets High School students participate in the Mentorship Program.

Kai '33's parents, Lorie and Arnold Manzano, own Hawaii Marine Solutions in Kaneohe, where Ian '26 is an apprentice for his mentorship. Their company sells, installs, and repairs Suzuki engines and electrical repairs on boats. The family-owned business' customers include The Nature Conservancy, the University of Hawaii Marine Biology Department, the City and County of Honolulu, and the state.​

"What we love most about being a mentor besides supporting Assets students is offering a unique perspective that challenges the student to think differently and creatively about situations," said Lorie and Arnold Manzano. "Their encouragement and insight can be a source of inspiration to help them further their education and career fields."

Ian shared that, along with learning a lot, he's also gaining hands-on experience wiring boats to ensure they operate smoothly.

"Every day, there is something new to do," Ian shared. "There are new boats and new things to work on. There are a lot of parts to replace. Even when not many things happen, I can watch and learn how to do something."

Ian's mentorship last year was at Island Metal Works next door to Hawaii Marine Solutions. Before that, he was in the on-campus photography mentorship. 

Derrick '32's dad, Kent Izuka, has been involved with the mentorship for about 10 years and owns two Honolulu businesses in the same place on Beretania Street. FAB Works Hawaii creates customized gift items and many other products using specialized machines, including a 3D printer and lasers. Evan '26 is a production assistant with FabWorks where he will learn how to use the machines to design and create using the CNC laser and CNC router. Spencer '26 is a car audio installation intern at Security & Sound Systems, where he has been learning about installing different electronics available at the shop.

"Every student is different in many ways," Kent Izuka said." We teach them new skills, learn about ideas that the students are passionate about, and try to incorporate that into their experience here."

Sydnee ‘25 did her mentorship last year with Fabworks Hawaii. She is an architectural intern at Bowers + Kubota's architectural and engineering company this year. Assets alumnus and Architect Landon Hamada '06 oversees her mentorship. 

"It's been great to have Sydnee here in the office," Landon Hamada '06 said. "I know architecture may not be her dream career, but with the wide range of engineering disciplines our firm offers, we can introduce her to the different types of engineering. Sydnee is taking charge of revamping all the as-built drawings in our office. She is actively collaborating with team members to establish a streamlined system that will enable everyone to navigate these resources effortlessly, significantly improving our office's efficiency. Sydnee is also assisting my team in conducting ADA assessments for PreK classrooms for the School Facilities Authority (SFA). We are preparing to open several PreK classrooms for the upcoming school year through the Executive Office of Early Learning (EOEL)."

Ben '27 and Sean '26 are doing their mentorship at the K-8 campus.

Ben is a performing arts assistant with drama teacher Ms. Shannon Patalano.

"I have always loved acting," said Ben. "Now, I have a chance to teach it to everyone else. I look forward to coming up with some activities for the students." 

Ben performed in "The Somewhat True Tale of Robin Hood" at the Paliku Theatre in eighth grade. He performed in the "Mysterious Murder at the Murder Mystery" at Assets High School's Damon Hall last year.

Sean, '26, is gaining classroom experience as a teacher's aide working with kindergarten to second-grade students in B1 with Mrs. Shahna Bridgman. 

"The children build a strong rapport with him and trust him to help with their work," said Mrs. Bridgman. "I'm giving more responsibility. It's great to have him."

The High School students will present what they learned at the Mentorship Expo in April at the Alewa Heights campus.