A table filled with colorful woven bracelets is set up just as you walk into Ke’eaumokupāpāiaheahe Dining Hall. A sign exclaims, “EMPOWER YOUNG NICARAGUAN ARTISANS.” This is all for junior Carolynn Krueger’s senior product.

Krueger is enlisting her fellow students’ help. From April 28-May 2, she will have these bracelets on sale in the dining hall for $5. All money made from this will go to the Pulsera Project, which is a non-profit organization that educates, empowers, and connects Nicaraguan youth.

“When I went to [the Health Occupational Students of America National competition], there was a booth like this set up. I learned all about how people sold these bracelets to help Nicaraguans with education and schools and supporting fair trade marketing. I just thought that such a simple product can help people in need so much, and it inspired me.”

So far, Krueger has sold around 40 bracelets, and the number is climbing still. However, supplies won’t run out anytime soon. She ordered about 400.

The Pulsera Project began in 2009 when a group of 13 Americans traveled to Nicaragua and saw the Nicaraguans in deep economic poverty. Pulseras (the woven bracelets) were made for fun by the locals and given to the Americans to take back home, which is what inspired the entire project when students began to sell them around their own school campuses.

Each bracelet also comes with a tag that bears the photo and signature of the artist.

“If you want to ‘color the world’ and help a good cause for cheap, come buy some bracelets,” Krueger said.

The bracelets come in a variety of color combinations and patterns, so if you don’t have money on you and want to reserve a specific bracelet, Krueger said she can reserve your bracelet of choice for a short time.