Leilehua High School Agriculture Learning Center Native Hawaiian Plant Propagation Project
Mentor: Aleka Orris
*Leilehua High School Students only*
STEM Fields: Biology, Horticulture, Agriculture Technology, and Environmental Studies
Internship Research Goal: We aim to get one of our 40-foot tunnel houses up and running for our Native Hawaiian plant propagation project!
About the Internship Site
This site is located on the backside of Leilehua High School. This agriculture facility has three lush acres of productive farmland. This site offers a diverse range of farming practices ranging from traditional farming, agriculture technology, greenhouse operations, and raising livestock.
Meet Our Internship Mentor 
Hello! My name is Aleka, and I grew up in Wahiawa, spending much of my childhood on the North Shore of Oahu. Through my upbringing, I learned the importance of giving back and showing aloha, especially to our land. I have an extensive background in agriculture, including greenhouse operations that involve planting, propagating, maintaining, and harvesting crops from hydroponic and ornamental greenhouses, as well as setting up and maintaining irrigation systems. I have also worked in nurseries specializing in hybridizing hibiscus and participated in field and lab work for various seed companies. These experiences, along with public events, have enriched my love for agriculture and mentoring. I am passionate about sharing my knowledge and love for this field. I’m excited to be a part of this team and look forward to meeting all of you!
Internship duties and responsibilities
Students will learn the ins and outs of greenhouse operations, including setting up tables, planting, propagating, fertilizing, building water tables, setting up irrigation, and maintaining. Interns will learn about pest management in a greenhouse setting and how to inspect and diagnose pests and find solutions.
Interns should be able to:
- Follow all safety protocols and guidelines by OSHA.
- Working outdoors (rain or shine)
- Are comfortable working in an enclosed shade house.
- Please note it may become hot and humid sometimes, especially during the summer months.
- Interns must be able to navigate through uneven grounds.
- Must be comfortable using tools such as cutting sheers, shovels, wheelbarrows, and other farm tools.
- Students must be able to lift at least 25 lbs comfortably
Tentative 2025 Internship Schedule:
- Spring 2025:
- March 17 & 18: 8:00am – 12:00 noon
- Summer 2025:
- June 2 – 17: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday at 8:00am – 12:00 pm
- Internship wrap-up (Virtual):
- Thursday, June 19 at 8:00am – 12:00 pm
*Schedules are tentative and are subject to change. Interns will be required to work 8 hours in the Spring 2025. Interns will be required to work 40 hours in the Summer 2025.
Internship Meeting Locations:
- Leilehua High School parking lot (Mauka Gate)