This presentation explores challenges, and benefits experienced by the teachers, students, Upward Bound administrators, research coordinator, community members, and STEM industry partners in implementation of a PBL program grounded in interdisciplinary real-world problem-solving skills. With a well-defined goal of creating a transparent dynamic environment where the presenters will share successful teaching and learning strategies and processes relevant to underrepresented youth populations that is not offered in typical high schools to increase their participation in the STEM study and career trajectory, something all too often out of mind and scope of these students.

STEMS² Pillars: Aʻo, Makawalu, Sense of Place