Hirono Announces Over $13 Million in CARES Act Funding for Workforce Training Programs at the University of Hawaii

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-Hawaii) announced the University of Hawaii (UH) has been awarded nearly $13.4 million from the U.S. Department of Education (ED) to develop workforce training programs focused on high-paying, in-demand jobs within the health care, technology, and skilled trades industries. The funding, created by the CARES Act, will be administered through ED’s Education Stabilization Fund (ESF).

“During this time of great uncertainty for our community, we should be doing everything we can to support workers—including those who decide to seek new careers in resilient industries like health care, technology, and the skilled trades,” Senator Hirono said. “This funding will provide much-needed support for workforce training programs to help workers throughout the state.”

The funding will support Hana Career Pathways, which UH will develop with the Hawaii Workforce Development Council to:

·       Increase short-term training that leads to industry-valued credentials,

·       Increase employment opportunities within high-paying, in-demand jobs, 

·       Expand high-quality apprenticeship opportunities throughout Hawaii, and

·       Develop post-apprenticeship career pathways and advancement opportunities. 

Key partners include UH Community Colleges, Chaminade University, Hawaii ED Community School for Adults, Castle Foundation, the Healthcare Association of Hawaii, Hawaii P-20, Chamber of Commerce Hawaii, Elemental Excelerator, and CIO Council of Hawaii.

Senator Hirono has strongly supported additional funding for the ESF. Earlier this year, she cosponsored the Coronavirus Child Care and Education Relief Act (S. 4112), which would provide additional substantial funding for education programs through the ESF—including $175 billion for K-12 schools, $132 billion for colleges and universities, and $33 billion for states.

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