MBA Students Deepen Understanding of Service Learning Through Community Partnerships in Kauai
Service learning and community engagement are central to Cal Poly Pomona’s polytechnic approach to education, connecting classroom knowledge with real-world experiences that deepen student learning.
MBA students enrolled in a study away course had the opportunity to visit Kauai and engage directly with community partners while exploring how business practices intersect with sustainability, cultural preservation, and environmental stewardship. The immersive experience allowed students to apply concepts discussed in the classroom while working alongside local organizations dedicated to protecting Kauai’s land and community resources.
Led by IBM lecturer, Lydia Chen Shah, the five-day program was designed to help students understand how responsible business practices can support communities and ecosystems.
“Study Away on Kauaʻi is an experience that opens the mind to how we explore, travel, and use business skills for benefitting the common good,” said Chen Shah. “It’s polytechnic learning through volunteerism, protecting environmental infrastructure, and sharing unique cultural exchanges. Students also describe it as transformational learning.”
During the trip, students partnered with several community organizations, including the Waipa Foundation, where they supported land restoration efforts by removing invasive silver oak trees. Students also visited sustainable farms and participated in a beach cleanup with Friends of Kamalani and Lydgate Park to remove trash and microplastics from the shoreline.
By working alongside community members, students gained a deeper understanding of how sustainability, tourism and economic development affect local communities.
For MBA student Andy Panameno, the experience reinforced the value of learning directly from the communities students aim to support.
“The Kauai Study Away experience deepened my understanding of service learning by showing how meaningful impact comes from working alongside a community rather than trying to help from the outside,” Panameno said. “Engaging directly with the Kauai community gave me a deeper appreciation for their values, culture and commitment to sustainability and reinforced how ethical business practices should prioritize respect, strong partnerships and long-term sustainability.”
MBA student Patricia Martinez said the program helped transform concepts from the classroom into tangible learning experiences.
“Participating in the Kauai Study Away program broadened my understanding of what service learning truly means by transforming abstract concepts into real-life experiences,” Martinez said. “Seeing how sustainability, culture, and business intersect in everyday practice helped me understand that meaningful service comes from observation, respect and willingness to learn from the community.”
Visits to local farms also provided insight into how sustainability can function as a practical business model.
“Hearing farmers speak about their commitment to the land their communities gave me a deeper appreciation for sustainable agriculture and the values that guide ethical business practices,” Martinez said. “It showed me that sustainability isn’t just an idea—it's a long-term commitment rooted in environmental responsibility, cultural respect and community well-being.”
For MBA student Jessica Rojas-Avellaneda, the experience also served as a reminder of the importance of giving back through service.
“Our Kauai trip reminded me how important service learning is for the soul,” Rojas-Avellaneda said. “It’s not just about making ourselves feel better for helping others, but about the real impact we can make in people’s lives.”
Students also reflected on how engaging with the community reshaped their understanding of tourism and sustainability.
“It reminded me that tourism isn’t just about visiting amazing places—it's about learning from them and helping take care of them,” Rojas-Avellaneda said. “When we travel, we should remember that we are guests who should respect and protect the places we visit.”
Experiences like the Kauai Study Away program demonstrate how service learning and community engagement enhance student learning by connecting academic theory and living experience. By collaborating with community partners, students gain practical insight into how business decisions can influence environmental stewardship, cultural preservation, and long-term community wellbeing.
MBA students interested in participating in the Kauai Study Away experience can register for the course offered in Winter 2027.
To learn more about service-learning opportunities, visit the Center for Community Engagement website or contact them directly at cce@cpp.edu.