Connection Catalyst: Sparking Learner Engagement Through Intentional Design

Abstract: The Hawai‘i Positive Engagement Project (H-PEP) addresses critical social and emotional needs of educators and parents of young students. Grounded in research on well-being, Positive Psychology Interventions (PPIS), and Adaptive Leadership, this program aims to empower Native Hawaiian adults to increase their well-being and flourishing, thus enhancing their effectiveness in supporting youth. Through synchronous online retreats and asynchronous weekly well-being Calls to Action, H-PEP has served 225 participants throughout the state of Hawai‘i via six 10-week cohorts. H-PEP works to spark learner engagement through intentional program design. This paper will further discuss our key lessons learned: 1) integration of adaptive work is a must in order to foster sustainable participant growth and shifts, 2) designing engaging retreats is possible even if they are online synchronous meetings, and 3) using a creative blend of strategies for effective learning supplementation is key.