MEDIA RELEASE

Beginning this August, Hawaii Community College (Hawaii CC) will offer a new set of accelerated, online, for-credit classes that will lead to credential certificates.

Students will be able to study a variety of topics, including Business Foundations, Retail Foundations, Business Essentials, Entrepreneurship, and Geographic Information Systems (GIS).

Classes are accelerated eight-week sessions that begin in the Fall 2014 semester. Students will receive support services that include tutoring, academic counseling, internships, and job development.

Hawaii CC was one of four University of Hawaii campuses to receive a Trade Adjustment Assistance Community College and Career Training grant (TAACCCT) to develop the classes.

The grant aims to align academic programs with industry needs and increase the number of adults who attain certificates, degrees and other industry-recognized certificates.

Hawaii Island businesses are seeking work-ready individuals that have acquired critical skills to make operations run more efficiently. These certificates will enhance work-readiness and provide valuable knowledge to current and future employees.

Grant director Jessica Yamamoto is spearheading this program and has been meeting with business leaders and Hawaii CC faculty.

“We have joined forces with industry to put in place a series of classes that will result in work-ready individuals,” said Yamamoto. “We have a great team of faculty and instructional designers, and all of their hard work will soon come to fruition. These courses have the potential to change lives on our island.”

“This grant provides a tremendous win-win opportunity,” said Hawaii CC Chancellor Noreen Yamane. “These new programs will provide valuable skills and college credentials to community members while giving the business community access to a more skilled workforce.”

In addition, the grant has also accelerated Hawaii CC’s Prior Leaning Assessment (PLA) program, and adults can now earn credit for work experience. If awarded credit, students will shorten their time in school as they get on the fast-track to degree completion.

The application deadline is Aug. 1, 2014. Apply soon, because classes may fill quickly.

For more information, contact William Tehero Jr., Business Program Coordinator, at myfuture@hawaii.edu.

This project is 100 percent funded, in the amount of $12,665,892, by the U.S. Department of Labor and Training Administration and administered by the University of Hawaii, Hawaii Community College.

Hawaii Community College is committed to E Imi Pono, or Seeking Excellence. The college is piloting innovative approaches to online classes that aim to improve accessibility to education for Hawaii Island residents.

Hawaii Community College is an equal opportunity employer/program and auxiliary aids are available to individuals with disabilities upon request.

For more information, call (808) 934-2688.