Mission
The Chaminade Economic Education Center for Excellence (EECE) advances prosperity and economic justice in Hawaii and the US-affiliated Pacific through integrated economic education, training, and research.
Vision
The EECE develops and implements educational programs for educators, students, and the community in support of K-through-Kupuna economic empowerment in Hawaii and the US-affiliated Pacific. EECE research activities focus on economic justice and social mobility to inform data-driven decisions and policy-making. EECE nucleates a diverse community of stakeholders in support of Hawaii’s resilient, diversified, and just future economy.
What is economic education?
Economic education is the endeavor to study and improve the current economic curriculum materials and pedagogical techniques at all educational levels. It involves research on the effectiveness of various instructional methods, factors influencing the level of economic literacy, and educational equity in economic and personal finance of various groups.
Why is economic education a priority in Hawaii and the US-affiliated Pacific?
A recent United Way ALICE report shows that more than 42% of the families in Hawaii are struggling to make ends meet. This number is continuously increasing, giving the reality of the high cost of living and widening wealth gaps in the state, as well as the global challenges affecting Hawaii and the Pacific regions disproportionally, including climate change and rising sea levels. Building economic resilience and financial stability for our kamaaina in post-COVID-19 economic restoration are needed, now more than ever.
Chaminade EECE and the economic education landscape in Hawaii
EECE promotes economic empowerment for families and communities in Hawaii and the US-affiliated Pacific through accessible and sustained economic and personal financial literacy training that is culturally responsive. Our research projects improve understanding of barriers to economic empowerment which shed light on policies and practical interventions to overcome these barriers in Hawaii and beyond. At EECE, we are committed to educate for adaptation and change and serve to build a just and peaceful society.
