Kim Bennett Younger: A Leader in Educational Engagement and College Consulting

Among the professionals shaping the landscape of student development, educational consulting, and school advancement, Kim Bennett Younger stands out as a uniquely experienced and community-rooted leader. Her career spans more than three decades across education, college consulting, nonprofit administration, and strategic engagement. Today, she plays a pivotal role as the Advancement Strategic Engagement Coordinator at Hawaii Preparatory Academy, while also bringing years of expertise from her long-running independent practice, Kim Bennett College Consulting.

With a background that blends academic counseling, school support services, donor relations, and research administration, Kim’s professional journey reflects her commitment to helping students thrive and strengthening the institutions that serve them.

Early Life and Educational Foundation

Growing Up in Hawai‘i

Before her career began, Kim Bennett Younger spent her formative years in Hilo, Hawaiʻi, developing a deep connection with the people and culture of the island. She attended Hawaii Preparatory Academy (HPA) during middle school, a place that planted early values of community, service, and academic excellence—principles that would later guide her contributions back to the same institution.

Academic Background

Kim pursued higher education at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology from 1987 to 1992. Her academic training in social behavior, human development, and community dynamics laid the foundation for her later work supporting students, families, and organizations.

Years later, recognizing her passion for guiding students through higher-education pathways, she completed a Professional Certificate in College Admissions Counseling at the University of California, Riverside (2019–2020). This specialized training equipped her with advanced skills in admissions strategy, procedural understanding, and counseling techniques essential for today’s competitive college environment.

Career Journey of Kim Bennett Younger

Professional Growth Across Education and Nonprofit Sectors

The career of Kim Bennett Younger spans diverse roles that reflect her versatility and commitment to service.

Donor Database and Administrative Manager – JF Kapnek Family Trust (2013–2015)

Kim’s early professional years involved leadership in nonprofit administration. In this role, she supported donor relations, managed organizational data systems, and ensured smooth operations for a foundation committed to international health initiatives. This experience sharpened her organizational, communication, and engagement skills.

Research Administration – Children’s Hospital Oakland Research Institute / Ames Lab (2015–2021)

For nearly six years, Kim contributed to a prestigious research institution, supporting administrative operations within the medical and scientific community. Her work strengthened her ability to handle complex information, maintain accuracy, and support large-scale initiatives.

Special Education Instructional Assistant – Acalanes Union High School District (2021–2022)

Kim’s return to direct school-based student support came through her work at Miramonte High School within the Acalanes Union High School District. Here, she worked closely with students requiring additional academic and behavioral support, reinforcing her understanding of diverse learning needs and inclusive education practices.

Independent Educational Consultant

Founding Kim Bennett College Consulting

In 2017, Kim Bennett Younger launched her own practice, Kim Bennett College Consulting, where she has spent more than nine years helping students navigate the complex world of college admissions.

Her consulting services include:

• Personalized college application planning

• Academic and extracurricular strategy

• Essay development and editing

• College list building based on student strengths and goals

• Guidance for students with unique learning needs

• Support for families seeking clarity in the admissions process

Through her consulting work, Kim has earned a reputation for her compassionate guidance, structured planning, and ability to bring out the best in each student’s story.

Return to Hawaiʻi and Role at Hawaii Preparatory Academy

Advancement Strategic Engagement Coordinator (2023–Present)

In 2023, Kim Bennett Younger returned to Hawaiʻi Island to rejoin the institution that shaped her early years—Hawaii Preparatory Academy (HPA), located in Waimea. She currently serves as the Advancement Strategic Engagement Coordinator, a role focused on strengthening relationships within the school’s community.

Her responsibilities include:

• Strategic engagement and communication efforts

• Supporting advancement initiatives

• Building meaningful connections with donors and alumni

• Enhancing community outreach and school visibility

• Supporting the long-term mission and values of HPA

Her deep personal connection to Hawaiʻi, combined with her extensive experience in education and nonprofit engagement, makes her a valuable asset to the academy.

Professional Skills and Strengths of Kim Bennett Younger

Student Advocacy and Educational Support

Years spent in special education support and college consulting highlight Kim’s dedication to meeting students where they are and guiding them toward their fullest potential.

Strategic Engagement and Relationship Building

Her nonprofit and advancement experience allows her to foster strong connections with community members, donors, partners, and families.

Organizational Leadership and Communication

Whether coordinating engagement strategies or managing complex data systems, Kim Bennett Younger brings exceptional organizational skills and a keen attention to detail to every role.

Impact on Students and the Educational Community

Helping Students Navigate Their Futures

Through Kim Bennett College Consulting and her school-based roles, Kim has shaped the academic journeys of countless students. She provides clarity during a stressful process, instills confidence, and helps students find their path toward higher education.

Strengthening Institutions Through Engagement

At Hawaii Preparatory Academy, she plays an essential role in building relationships that sustain the school’s mission, programs, and long-term goals.

A Leader Rooted in Community and Purpose

Living and Working in Waimea

After years of serving schools and organizations across California, Kim Bennett Younger has returned to Waimea, where her personal and professional story began. Her journey coming full circle reflects her ongoing commitment to education, community service, and supporting the next generation of leaders.

Quick Info

Conclusion

Kim Bennett Younger is more than an educational professional—she is a connector, a guide, and a strategic thinker with a deep passion for serving students and strengthening learning communities. From her early years at Hawaii Preparatory Academy to her leadership role at the same institution today, her path demonstrates dedication, compassion, and impact. Through college consulting, school engagement, and educational support, she continues to shape opportunities and build meaningful connections that enrich both individuals and institutions.

FAQs

1. Who is Kim Bennett Younger?

Kim Bennett Younger is an educational professional and college admissions consultant with more than nine years of experience guiding students through the application process. She currently serves as the Advancement Strategic Engagement Coordinator at Hawaii Preparatory Academy in Waimea, Hawaiʻi.

2. What is Kim Bennett College Consulting?

Kim Bennett College Consulting is Kim’s independent practice, founded in 2017. Through this service, she provides personalized college admissions counseling, including application planning, essay support, college list development, and guidance for students with varying academic needs.

3. What is Kim Bennett Younger’s educational background?

Kim holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology from UCLA and a Professional Certificate in College Admissions Counseling from the University of California, Riverside. Her education equips her with deep insight into student behavior, academic pathways, and admissions strategy.

4. What roles has Kim held before joining Hawaii Preparatory Academy?

Kim previously worked as:

• Independent Educational Consultant

• Special Education Instructional Assistant at Miramonte High School (Acalanes Union High School District)

• Research administration professional with the Children’s Hospital Oakland Research Institute / Ames Lab

• Donor Database & Administrative Manager at the JF Kapnek Family Trust

These roles helped her develop expertise in student support, data management, and community engagement.

5. Where does Kim Bennett Younger work now?

As of 2023, Kim works at Hawaii Preparatory Academy as the Advancement Strategic Engagement Coordinator, where she supports community relations, donor engagement, and strategic advancement initiatives for the school.

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