Kamehameha Schools is funding a new Kapiolani Community College program designed to encourage Native Hawaiians to become interested in fields involving science and technology.

The community college says first-year college students will research and compare the active ingredients of Hawaiian medicinal plants as part of the program. Students will use their knowledge of chemistry to study the potential healing properties of traditional medicinal plants.

The University of Hawaii Foundation said Friday Kamehameha Schools is awarding the community college $50,000 for the program.

Keolani Noa of KCC says the program will help students enhance their knowledge of Hawaiian culture and science. She says it will help them link traditional Hawaiian practices to contemporary science.

Participating students will have opportunities to work alongside experts in ethnobotany and chemistry.