HCR 11 Summary

• Urges the Department of Education to implement brown-bag lunch sessions at middle schools and high schools on at least a weekly basis as informal learning environments guided by counselors, teachers, volunteers, or guest speakers.

• Requires student counselors, faculty, and students to be engaged in the implementation and content selection of the program.

• Directs the Department of Education to collaborate with community-based organizations, such as those funded by AmeriCorps and Vista, to support program implementation.

• Mandates that student attendance of the program shall be voluntary.

• Cites Hawaii's high teen suicide rate and bullying as public health concerns that these lunch sessions could help address by fostering inclusion, belonging, and community among students.