KAHULUI, HI — The Kā‘anapali Ocean Resort Foundation (KORF) has made a $25,000 donation to the UH Maui College workforce development initiative known as Ka Holu. This is KORF's third gift to the college to support career and technical education training, certification testing fees and travel for certification tests only available off-island.
“Supporting Maui workforce development is a top priority for both the property owners who contribute to the Kā‘anapali Ocean Resort Foundation and all its trustees,” says KORF executive director Melissa Pavlicek.
“We've seen firsthand how UH Maui College improves the lives of graduates, resulting in increased job skills and higher paying jobs,” she says.
The previous two KORF gifts were used for HVAC training (heating, venting and air conditioning) certification training. In June, the third check presentation took place in the Community Services Building classroom where students installed air conditioning as part of a course that KORF funded.
“There is nothing more powerful than helping people fulfill their potential,” says Kā‘anapali Ocean Resort Villas general manager Ryan Nobriga.
“The Ka Holu initiative increases the number of people who are qualified to fill skilled trades positions right here on Maui,” he adds. “That makes a huge impact on our economy.”
About the initiative
Ka Holu: Developing a resilient workforce
Visionary companies and philanthropists are partnering with UHMC to take the lead in solving Maui Nui’s workforce shortage while providing career pathways in living wage jobs for Maui Nui’s youth.
The Ka Holu program offers accelerated career pathways for residents to move from minimum-wage jobs to living-wage jobs while responding to the in-demand workforce needs of local employers. The program integrates on-the-job and professional skills training with industry-recognized certifications to better prepare trainees for securing and keeping jobs.
Ka Holu programs are tuition-free and supported by Hawai‘i businesses and philanthropists. Their accelerated hybrid training programs include online courses, hands-on lab workshops, and work readiness training for industry certification, internships and job placement, ideally within three months.
The program has now become the basis for Hana Career Pathways, a statewide grant funded by the U.S. Department of Education that builds on the momentum of statewide industry, workforce development, and educational planning toward a thriving, diverse and resilient Hawai‘i. UHMC is partnering with this program to extend the reach of our donors even further.
Questions? / More Information
If you would like to learn how you can support UH students and programs like this, please contact us at 808-376-7800 or send us a message.
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The University of Hawai‘i Foundation, a nonprofit organization, raises private funds to support the University of Hawai‘i System. The mission of the University of Hawai‘i Foundation is to unite donors’ passions with the University of Hawai‘i’s aspirations by raising philanthropic support and managing private investments to benefit UH, the people of Hawai‘i and our future generations. www.uhfoundation.org
