NAPILI — Maui Preparatory Academy announced the launch of a new speaker series that is free and open to the public.

As part of Maui Prep’s “Schools of the Future” initiative, the series is intended to connect students and teachers with experts and community leaders in a variety of fields to discuss the changing global culture and economy in the 21st century.

Central to the discussions will be two questions: “What skills will best prepare today’s students to meet the challenges and opportunities of tomorrow?” and “How can teachers and schools create a dynamic curriculum that remains current and relevant to the world outside of school?”

The first of three forums is scheduled for Wednesday, Oct. 27, at 8 a.m. in the dining hall at Maui Prep. The topic is alternative energy, and the professionals who will be sharing their expertise in the field are Kent Smith of Makani Nui Associates, Cliff Smith of S&B Energy and Walter Havekorst of Hawaii Pacific Solar.

Maui Prep is grateful to the Hawaii Community Foundation for funding the “Schools of the Future” initiative.

For information, contact Program Coordinator Branden Hazlet at bhazlet@mauiprep.org.