WASHINGTON — The University of Hawai‘i’s Community Colleges will receive $24.6 million to partner with local businesses to create and continue workforce development programs designed to create jobs for agriculture, energy and healthcare industries in Hawai‘i, according to a joint
WASHINGTON — The University of Hawai‘i’s Community Colleges will receive $24.6 million to partner with local businesses to create and continue workforce development programs designed to create jobs for agriculture, energy and healthcare industries in Hawai‘i, according to a joint press-release Monday from Hawai‘i’s four federal representatives.
The money for Hawai‘i is provided by a grant from the Trade Adjustment Assistance Community College and Career Training initiative.
“By helping Hawai‘i’s community colleges partner with local businesses to develop programs that end with a job we are giving our students a very real opportunity to succeed,” Sen. Daniel Inouye, D-Hawai‘i, said.
The federal funds are part of $500 million in grants to community colleges around the country announced Monday by the U.S. Department of Labor and U.S. Department of Education.
“Grants like these make it possible for our community colleges to provide Hawai‘i residents with the skills and training necessary to find good jobs in essential industries like healthcare, agriculture, and energy,” Sen. Daniel Akaka, D-Hawai‘i, said.
The grants support partnerships between community colleges and employers to develop programs that provide pathways to good jobs, including curriculum that meets specific industry needs.
“In this economy, job creation and workforce development should be our highest priorities,” said U.S. Rep. Mazie Hirono, D-Hawai‘i, a member of the U.S. House Committee on Education and the Workforce, and an original co-sponsor of the legislation supporting this initiative. “Through partnerships with local businesses and its innovative training programs, the UH Community Colleges Consortium will create opportunities for Hawai‘i’s workers, helping our state move toward a sustainable and secure future.”
“These programs ensure our students receive the education and job training they need to secure a quality job,” U.S. Rep. Colleen Hanabusa, D-Hawai‘i, said.
The University of Hawai‘i Community College Consortium includes Hawai‘i Community College; Kapiolani Community College, Kaua‘i Community College, Leeward Community College, University of Hawai‘i Maui College and Windward Community College.
