Joyce Miyamoto, who has been a culinary teacher at Baldwin High School on Maui for more than 25 years, encourages her students to be creative and not settle for a regular job.
“Instead of working a 9-to-5 job, a lot of students are starting their own business, to help supplement their family income and afford to stay here in Hawaiʻi,” she said in an interview with Aloha State Daily.
Miyamoto, a former farmer in Kula who now lives in Kahului, facilitates the Hawaiʻi Agricultural Foundationʻs Young Entrepreneurs Program – where middle and high school students can gain real-life experience developing and selling their own local products – at Baldwin and her alma mater Maui High School. Across both schools, she oversees about 115 students enrolled in the program.
YEP started on Maui a few years ago, she said, “which helps students work together as business partners and communicate with others, while teaching them how to cook and source local ingredients.”
The 2025 YEP Marketplace, a shop for student-run businesses statewide, is online for the month of March. Miyamoto said sales have reached global customers and the Adobo Kalo Chips are the most popular product so far.
“The requirements for the products were a six-week shelf life, within a certain price point and that is could be sent overseas and,” she said. “We're working on releasing macnut brittle and ling hing mui dried pineapple snacks.”
This year’s program is funded by sponsors including American Savings Bank, Atherton Family Foundation, County of Maui – Office of Economic Development, Hawaiʻi Community Foundation and Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority, among others.
"YEP is about empowering students with real-world business experience while supporting Hawai‘i’s agricultural economy," said Denise Yamaguchi, executive director of Hawaiʻi Agricultural Foundation, in a statement. "By shopping the marketplace, you’re not just purchasing unique, locally made products—you’re investing in the future of Hawai‘i’s food systems and the success of these young entrepreneurs."
Students do receive start-up capital and net revenue proceeds from sales. Miyamoto said additional funds raised go toward travel to Oʻahu, where students will sell their product at Kapiʻolani Community College’s Farmers Market on April 12, as well as national food innovator competitions hosted by Family Career & Community Leaders of America.
Community members and local farmers also help provide students with free or discounted product, which Miyamoto said has come in the form of 100 pounds of taro.
“I think the most important thing about being an entrepreneur is to recognize the opportunity that exists here in our Islands. I let the kids know they can use the leaf from the sweet potato plant as a garnish or replacement for luau leaf – to use whatever you have around your environment and make something that is creative for people to consume.”
She told ASD, one thing keeping her from retiring is the fun she has in the classroom. "We tested recipes three times to figure out why the taffy wasn’t pulling, or why our lollipops werenʻt hardening. As a food maker, creating your own signature is key.”
Miyamoto said that building a strong network of educational organizations in Maui County will continue to drive well-rounded curriculums and job opportunities for the next generation.
“I want to make sure my students get into higher education and try to keep our Hawaiʻi kids here instead of going away to the Mainland because I don’t want the brain drain to happen. I want to keep them here where they have community, family and financial support.
“My mission before I retire is to empower students to be the best they can be,” she said.
For more information about the Young Entrepreneurs Program, click here.
Kelsey Kukaua Medeiros can be reached at kelsey@alohastatedaily.com.
