March 30, 2024 – Hawaii News Now reports that students from Kealakehe High School have advanced to the "Sweet 16" round of a global competition sponsored by the Brewer Foundation and New York University. If the students advance to the next round of the International Public Policy Forum (IPPF), they'll win an all-expenses-paid trip to compete in the finals in New York City.
According to the report, the high school has been participating in the IPPF for the last twelve years. Coach Justin Brown said he has always encouraged his students to sign up because the competition instills valuable skills that transfer to other academic programs.
“It’s kind of our fall practice because they have to do a lot of research and understand argumentation. It’s very detailed writing using precise language,” he said.
“Being a lifelong learner has always been my goal and I think the research aspect of IPPF…in general encompasses that value," said student Mei Kanada. "Knowing how to research different topics and perspectives you don’t necessarily agree with or know about is valuable because it teaches you and opens you up to so many different things."
The IPPF's advancing "Elite Eight" teams will be announced on April 1, 2024. The IPPF World Champion is awarded a $10,000 grand prize from the Brewer Foundation.
Read the report (subscription required).