University of Hawaiʻi Maui College secured $178,424 in federal funding for the 2026–27 academic year to modernize classroom technology and expand hands-on training.

Under the direction of Interim Dean of Career and Technical Education Lorelle Peros, the grant will support six campus initiatives aimed at strengthening high-wage workforce pipelines for local students.

“This funding allows us to create meaningful opportunities and connections for our students through hands-on training, modern technology and industry-relevant skills that prepare them for success in the workforce,” Peros said.

High-tech and health upgrades

The funding brings artificial intelligence (AI) into classroom settings and expands equipment across medical programs.

• Generative artificial intelligence (AI) and high-tech curriculum: Led by Professor Debasis Bhattacharya, the project funds NVIDIA DGX Spark equipment (a compact desktop AI supercomputer designed for developers, researchers and data scientists to build, test and fine-tune large AI models) and faculty AI certification, impacting up to 1,250 STEM and business students.
• Dental hygiene training: Led by Dental Program Coordinator Leanne Higa, the initiative supports accreditation by Commission on Dental Accreditation, an autonomous body associated with the American Dental Association, and faculty laser therapy certification.
• Nursing lab upgrades: Led by Anne Scharnhorst, funds will purchase multiuse task-trainer manikins for realistic clinical simulations.

Skilled trades and career pathways

The remaining projects focus on automotive tech, trade partnerships and broad workforce development.

• Molokaʻi Skilled Trades Pathway: Led by the Molokaʻi Education Center鈥檚 ʻOlelo Schonely and Kelley Dudoit, the initiative creates an agricultural construction and carpentry pathway with Molokaʻi High School, including Early College courses and internships.
• Automotive technology enhancement: Led by Instructor Lawrence Martinson, funds provide modern steering and suspension lab equipment alongside Automotive Service Excellence certification exams for 50 students.
• Multi-sector workforce project: Led by Peros, the effort broadens access to industry credentials and professional development across healthcare, technology and trades.

The federal investment through the Perkins V funding (supporting career and technical education) ensures 糖心视频 Maui College students gain industry-validated skills to meet evolving local workforce demands.

At least 150 students are expected to apply artificial intelligence (AI) and data science concepts to real-world challenges through a new Kapiʻolani Community College and University of Hawaiʻi Maui College project, which received $657,000 from the National Science Foundation (NSF).

Transforming Two-Year College Information Technology, Applied AI, and Data Science Programs, is a collaboration with the Institute for Future Intelligence and will combine new and revised credit-bearing courses with industry-informed projects, hands-on learning and AI-supported learning tools鈥攊ntegrating into the colleges鈥� associate degree information technology programs. An industry advisory structure and industry-supported learning experiences will help connect classroom instruction with workforce needs.

“This initiative will equip students with practical AI and data science skills for today鈥檚 evolving workforce while strengthening their abilities in problem-solving, data analysis, collaboration and technology application,” said Principal Investigator Dale Nakasone, a Kapiʻolani CC assistant professor of IT.

Cross-campus opportunities

Students from both campuses will also participate in annual cross-campus project showcases and collaborative applied learning opportunities.

“By embedding AI, data literacy, and hands-on experiential learning into existing IT associate degree programs, we are strengthening workforce-relevant technical skills in applied AI, industry-informed learning experiences, stronger transfer and career pathways,” said Co-principal Investigator Thomas Blamey, an assistant professor of math at 糖心视频 Maui College.

The project will also provide professional development opportunities for working professionals and educators, and foster faculty collaboration across campuses. It will also examine effective approaches for teaching applied AI and data science in hybrid and online learning environments.

Curricular resources, findings and implementation models developed through the project will be shared with other two-year colleges seeking to expand AI education. The goal is to contribute scalable approaches for preparing technicians for increasingly data-driven and AI-enabled workplaces.

To help solve a national shortage of certified secondary STEM teachers, the University of Hawaiʻi–West Oʻahu has been awarded $302,487 from the National Science Foundation. The three-year project, “Shaping Pathways, Hands-on Engagement, and Reflective Experiences (SPHERE) to Enhance Mathematics Teacher Preparation,” runs through 2029.

SPHERE creates a streamlined five-year dual-degree pathway combining applied mathematics and pedagogy, while using agreements with 糖心视频 community colleges to smooth transfer routes and lower barriers for prospective educators.

“I’m excited about what this award means for our students and future students,” said Veny Liu, SPHERE principal investigator and associate professor of mathematics. “SPHERE will create a more streamlined pathway for students interested in becoming secondary mathematics teachers and expand access through scholarship opportunities.”

Building the mathematics educator pipeline

“SPHERE will help build a stronger pipeline of mathematics educators who can inspire students, support STEM learning and contribute to the long-term educational and economic well-being of Hawaiʻi,” said Professor Laurie James, co-principal investigator.

This award marks more than $2 million in NSF funding secured by Liu and James for multiple related projects, including a $1.2-million grant in 2024 to support secondary mathematics teachers serving Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander students.

”I see SPHERE as an opportunity to connect coursework across the 糖心视频 System and create a smoother, more sustainable pathway for students pursuing teaching, while supporting broader efforts to strengthen Hawaiʻi鈥檚 educator workforce,” Liu said.

James added, “For future 糖心视频 West Oʻahu teachers, this award represents more than an academic opportunity. It is an investment in their potential to become educators who shape the next generation of learners across Hawaiʻi.“

For more visit .

—By Zenaida Serrano Arvman

As demand for medical laboratory scientists grows, the University of Hawaiʻi at M膩noa is preparing students for the critical health care profession through a program that reports a 100% employment rate within one year of graduation.

The Medical Technology Program has trained medical laboratory scientists since 1946. Their behind-the-scenes work helps physicians diagnose patients and determine treatment.

“Our students work in labs, and they run the tests that assist physicians with diagnosing patients. They actually look at cells, look at bacteria under a microscope, and a whole host of other things,” said program director Rhena Singh. “About 70% of medical decisions rely on test results produced by medical labs and the people that run medical labs are our students, our alumni.”

Singh said career prospects are strong as medical laboratory scientists nationwide continue to retire.

“The job outlook for our students is excellent,” Singh said. “We have a 100% employment rate so every single one of our students gets a job within one year of graduating.”

Small program, strong connections

The program also connects students with local industry leaders and alumni, including through its annual open house, to encourage networking and mentorship.

For student Sandy Liang, a 2025 糖心视频 M膩noa graduate, working as a lab assistant introduced her to the profession.

“I鈥檝e always known that I wanted to work in the medical field and I knew I loved the lab but honestly, I did not know about med tech until I started working as a lab assistant,” Liang said.

The two-year bachelor鈥檚 degree program currently has 30 students, is accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences and is the only medical technology program in the state. Enrollment is expected to expand with the relaunch of an online program in fall 2027.

Liang hopes to use her training to build a career in Hawaiʻi.

“It鈥檚 home, you know? I don’t want to have to leave. I want to live here. I want to stay here. I want to help the people here,” Liang said.

Hawaiʻi Island teens transformed fabric into handmade garments while building sewing, fashion and photography skills at the Hawaiʻi 4-H Fashion Camp at Honokaʻa High School. Organized by the University of Hawaiʻi at M膩noa鈥檚 (CTAHR), the camp brought them together with fashion professionals to keep traditional craftsmanship and practical skills alive.

Sewing is a life skill, but it is being lost at a rapid rate among younger generations. Through 4-H鈥檚 “learn by doing” approach, students learned to operate sewing machines, select and cut fabric, style outfits and photograph their finished creations.

Led by Honokaʻa High and Intermediate School teacher Lisa Anderson, volunteers from 贬辞苍辞办补ʻ补鈥檚 Sew Fun program helped youth learn how to use a sewing machine, pinning, cutting, and pressing as they brought their outfits to life.

One of the camp鈥檚 most important roles is highlighting the cultural importance of textile arts in Hawaiʻi. “It’s a great intergenerational program,” said CTAHR Extension Agent Marielle Hampton, emphasizing that island sewing traditions, such as Hawaiian quilt making, carry deep historical significance that risks fading if not passed down.

By completing their projects, the students who finished this year’s camp walked away with custom apparel, cost-saving practical abilities, and a renewed connection to an island tradition.

Mentorship and community connections

The camp connected young people with higher education and industry professionals:

• Professors Andrew Reilly and Minako McCarthy, faculty members in CTAHR鈥檚 Fashion Design and Merchandising program, shared insights on fashion design and academic pathways.
• Local fashion entrepreneur Mariah Toledo-Tavares of spoke about creative business opportunities
• A photoshoot led by local photographer Sarah Anderson captured students modeling their handmade garments.

The camp was funded through a Weinberg grant from the Hawaiʻi 4-H Foundation. Hawaiʻi 4-H is a CTAHR program serving youth across the state.

The University of Hawaiʻi has joined a national initiative to transform how students transition into the workforce. In partnership with the Hawaiʻi Workforce Funders Collaborative (HWFC), and supported by a $50,000 subgrant, the “Advancing Work-Based Learning Through Quality Coaching” project aims to ensure every resident has a clear path to a thriving local career.

The need is urgent. According to the , only 18% of four-year students receive timely labor market information. To bridge this gap, a cross-sector coalition鈥攊ncluding the State Workforce Development Council, Chamber of Commerce Hawaiʻi, Hawaiʻi P–20, and the Hawaiʻi Department of Education鈥攚ill streamline career coaching and employer engagement, and focus on removing barriers for rural, Native Hawaiian and first-generation learners.

Statewide action plan

“Work-based learning and quality career coaching sit right at the intersection of education, economic mobility and talent retention,” said Christine Beaule, 糖心视频 director of workforce development. “This initiative gives us the implementation structure and national expertise to move from a shared statewide vision to coordinated, scalable action.”

The initiative is led by the . Over two years, the coalition will develop a statewide action plan to remove systemic barriers and align education-to-career pathways with local economic needs.

“Hawaiʻi already has strong organizations doing important work in career navigation and work-based learning. This initiative gives us an opportunity to connect those efforts more intentionally as a system,” said HWFC Executive Director Matt Stevens. “HWFC can help convene partners, integrate workforce data and measurement into the process, and identify where targeted investment can strengthen the capacity needed to move a shared strategy forward.”

University of Hawaiʻi at M膩noa gerontologist Christy Nishita of the in the Thompson School of Social Work & Public Health has been selected as a by the Eisner Foundation, earning national recognition for her work advancing intergenerational connections and strengthening Hawaiʻi’s communities.

Nishita coordinates and co-founded the , a statewide network of more than 300 organizations dedicated to engaging older adults as contributors, mentors and community leaders. Her work focuses on aging, workforce development and intergenerational programs that strengthen Hawaiʻi‘s communities.

“I am deeply honored to join this inspiring cohort of Eisner Prize Fellows and look forward to creating meaningful intergenerational opportunities that make a lasting difference in Hawaiʻi‘s communities,” said Nishita.

Preparing Hawaiʻi’s future workforce

As part of the fellowship, Nishita will launch her project, Intergenerational Resilience Corps: Wisdom to Workforce, which will bring together k奴puna (older adults) and high school and university students to develop a curriculum and microcredential in aging and community resilience.

By combining the lived experiences of k奴puna with student learning, the initiative will prepare future professionals to better support k奴puna and Hawaiʻi’s communities before, during and after natural disasters.

The project builds on Nishita’s Youth Leaders in K奴puna Health (YLKH) microcredential program which gave seven high school students hands-on experience working with nursing and activities staff at Arcadia Senior Living this summer. Students learned about aging through a strengths-based approach, created service-learning projects that benefited k奴puna at Arcadia, and earned a 糖心视频 issued . YKLH provides early proof of concept for the intergenerational, workforce-building model Nishita will expand through her Eisner Prize project.

“This cohort reflects just how far the idea of intergenerational connection can stretch: into dance, radio, civic life, disaster resilience, and even role-playing games,” said Trent Stamp, CEO of The Eisner Foundation. “Each of these Fellows is building something rooted in their own community, and we’re proud to support their efforts to bring their vision to life.”

Nishita is one of six fellows selected from a highly competitive national applicant pool for yearlong fellowship, which supports leaders developing innovative approaches to fostering intergenerational connection. Each fellow receives a $10,000 stipend and up to $40,000 in project funding.

The Eisner Prize Fellowship recognizes leaders developing innovative, community-based solutions that foster meaningful connections across generations. Nishita’s project reflects that mission by helping equip the next generation of community professionals with the knowledge and skills to build a more resilient Hawaiʻi.

The (CIP) at Kapiʻolani Community College has opened applications for two advanced culinary courses focused on whole-animal butchery, smoking, curing and sausage making. The first-of-its-kind training is part of a Workforce Development Program partnership with the Culinary Institute of America (CIA).

Applications are open through August 21. To learn more or apply, visit .

These five-day, hands-on training sessions are offered at CIP, and were developed specifically for Hawaiʻi鈥檚 culinary industry using ingredients and resources available in the state. Full tuition scholarships are available to help upskill Hawaiʻi鈥檚 culinary professionals without leaving the islands.

“Hawaiʻi is home to incredible culinary talent, and our goal is to expand opportunities for chefs to continue learning and growing without leaving the islands,” said Grant Itomitsu, Kapiʻolani CC Culinary Arts Department chair. “By bringing nationally recognized instructors together with our local culinary community, we鈥檙e giving chefs the advanced skills to grow their careers and strengthen their kitchens. This program helps advance more sustainable and ethical practices while shaping the future of regional cuisine.”

Cohort 23: Butchery & Whole Animal Utilization (Part 1)

• September 14–18, 2026: Participants will develop essential knife and fabrication skills while learning primal and sub-primal breakdown, nose-to-tail cooking and methods for improving yield and reducing waste.

Cohort 24: Smoke & Sausage: The Craft and Science of Preserving Meat (Part 2)

• September 21–25, 2026: Participants will explore the techniques behind smoking, curing, dehydration and sausage production by preparing jerky, fresh and cured sausages, and smoked meats.

Both cohorts are led by CIA chef educator George Shannon and nationally recognized butcher Bryan Mayer, a staff member and instructor at Kapiʻolani CC.

Applications are open through August 21. To learn more or apply, visit .

Eligibility and scholarships

Applicants must be 18 or older, a Hawaiʻi resident or active military member stationed in Hawaiʻi, and have at least three years of professional culinary experience. Scholarships, valued at $1,500, are funded by the Hawaiʻi Ag & Culinary Alliance (HACA) CIP x CIA Workforce Development Scholarship Fund and the State of Hawaiʻi.

To support this initiative through a charitable gift to the scholarship fund, contact HACA Vice President Aya Leslie at aya@hawaiifoodandwinefestival.com.

The University of Hawaiʻi at M膩noa’s (JABSOM) is helping strengthen Guam’s future physician workforce by mentoring the next generation of aspiring doctors.

One of them is Eduardo Biala Jr., a recent graduate whose journey to medicine was inspired by watching family members travel off island to access specialty care.

“Seeing my family members navigate healthcare, having to go off-island to seek whatever specialty care they needed and being exposed to that is what kind of got me interested in medicine and I took a leap of faith,” Biala said.

That leap led him from the University of Guam to JABSOM through the ʻImi Hoʻōla Program. Now he mentors students on the same path through Chålan Åmte, a nonprofit founded by JABSOM students and alumni to support aspiring physicians from Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands.

Building Guam鈥檚 next healthcare generation

Current JABSOM student Mason Caldwell, Chålan Åmte’s executive director, said the organization has grown into a network of physicians, medical students and pre-medical students committed to strengthening Guam’s healthcare workforce.

“The direct translation of Chålan Åmte is ‘a pathway to healing’ and that鈥檚 one of the things that we鈥檙e trying to solidify and make sure it will continue after us,” Caldwell said.

Members mentor students through the medical school application process and regularly return home to connect with aspiring physicians.

For Caldwell, Chålan Åmte is creating the support system many of its members never had. Instead of relying on word-of-mouth or internet searches, today’s pre-medical students can connect with mentors early and receive guidance throughout the application process. He hopes Chålan Åmte will continue serving as a resource for future physicians while strengthening connections between Guam, the Marianas and JABSOM.

Biala noted that despite the physical distance, he remains deeply connected to the island and finds the work of Chålan Åmte highly rewarding.

“For me, when I hear that they got into JABSOM, I think ‘Yes! You鈥檙e going to love it there!’” he said.

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University of Hawaiʻi at M膩noa’s Chelsea Miller has received national recognition for expanding access to hands-on genomics education.

Miller, a PhD student in the Department of Molecular Biosciences and Bioengineering in the (CTAHR), earned the Outstanding Poster Award at the (NISBRE), held June 17 in North Bethesda, Maryland.

Breaking barriers in science education

Her award-winning poster, “Genome on the Go: Decentralizing Molecular Biology Education through Portable Genomics Tools and Near-Peer Mentorship,” highlights a training model designed to reduce barriers to advanced laboratory instruction for students in Hawaiʻi and other geographically isolated regions.

Developed through the (Hawaiʻi INBRE) program with support from U.S. Department of Agriculture workforce development initiatives, the project brings portable DNA sequencing tools and graduate student mentors directly to learners, enabling a full “sample-to-sequence” workflow in classroom and field settings.

Over the past year, Miller and her team conducted 11 workshops across Hawaiʻi, the Pacific and the continental U.S., training 72 participants using Bento Lab and Oxford Nanopore technologies.

Strengthening biomedical workforce development

The approach helps prepare the next generation of biomedical workforce while giving students access to modern molecular biology techniques typically limited to well-equipped research laboratories.

“This award reflects the incredible efforts of our graduate student instructors and the vision of making genomics accessible to every student, regardless of location,” said Jon-Paul Bingham, Hawaiʻi INBRE PATHways director and co-author of the project.

Miller was one of three Hawaiʻi INBRE-affiliated researchers recognized at the biennial NISBRE meeting, which highlights national research and training supported through the IDeA program. Also honored were Li Tao, professor at the , who received the Outstanding Mentorship and Teaching Award, and Natalie Graham, assistant professor at 糖心视频 Hilo, who earned the Scientific Merit Award.

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Four years after launching an effort to address Hawaiʻi鈥檚 rural healthcare needs, the first Kauaʻi Medical Training Track (KMTT) cohort has officially graduated from the University of Hawaiʻi at M膩noa (JABSOM).

The graduation marks a historic milestone for Kauaʻi and the state. Funded by a $10 million commitment from Dr. Priscilla Chan and Mark Zuckerberg, the multi-pronged program was established in 2022 to combat neighbor island physician shortages and improve the health and wellness of Kauaʻi鈥檚 families.

KMTT graduates will complete their residency programs before returning to Kauaʻi to practice medicine.

The trailblazing class of 2026

The 2026 graduating cohort includes five newly minted doctors who have deep ties to the neighbor islands and a dedicated focus on community health: Kirra Borrello (internal medicine, UCLA), (pediatrics, UC Irvine), Erin Evangelista (OBGYN, Loma Linda University), Brent Fujimoto (orthopedic surgery, 糖心视频) and Ivana Yoon (primary care, 糖心视频).

Through Chan and Zuckerberg鈥檚 gift, the program fully covered the cohort’s tuition, fees, transportation and lodging for all four years of medical school in exchange for a commitment to return to Kauaʻi after residency and serve the community as physicians for at least four years. This comprehensive support allowed the students to focus entirely on their rigorous training and hands-on clinical rotations at Kauaʻi鈥檚 local healthcare centers.

“When we started this journey in 2022, I was incredibly excited to learn medicine from the very people who inspired me—including my childhood pediatrician, who became my preceptor,” said Emoto, who was raised on Kauaʻi. “Today, that excitement has evolved into a deep sense of responsibility and gratitude. We have built strong relationships with our community clinics and patients, and we are ready to give back to the communities that shaped us.”

Related 糖心视频 News story: Medical training track have prolonged, impactful presence on Garden Isle

A focus on rural medicine

The program was designed to immerse these new doctors in the nuances of rural medicine. Over the past four years, the students worked alongside Kauaʻi‘s medical community, transforming from eager first-year students into confident, community-focused physicians.

Travis Hong, director of rural training at JABSOM, oversaw the cohort’s progression from their welcome reception at Gaylords in 2022 to their graduation stage today.

“It was wonderful to see our cohort start off as brand-new medical students, grow throughout the years, gain clinical skills. and integrate into the community,” said Hong. “To see them really get to know their preceptors, work alongside them and finally graduate as physicians has been an incredible thing to witness. This is exactly how we build a sustainable, compassionate healthcare workforce for Hawaiʻi.”

“The success of the Kauaʻi Medical Training Track serves as a powerful proof-of-concept for the rest of the state,” said Sam Shomaker, dean of JABSOM. “As Hawaiʻi‘s only medical school, JABSOM plays a vital and unique role in solving our statewide physician shortage. By proving we can successfully train and retain doctors directly within a rural setting, we now have a replicable model that we hope to expand to Maui, Hawaiʻi Island and Molokaʻi. This is how we ensure that all communities across our state have access to exceptional, locally rooted care.”

With subsequent cohorts already training behind them, the pipeline of locally tied, rural-focused doctors is officially flowing, promising a healthier future for Kauaʻi and all of Hawaiʻi.

Bringing healthcare directly to individuals experiencing homelessness, the University of Hawaiʻi at M膩noa (JABSOM) is expanding its street medicine efforts across the state thanks to a new $1.7 million grant.

Awarded by the (HRSA), the multi-year funding will support outreach and training on Oʻahu, Hawaiʻi Island and Kauaʻi through JABSOM‘s . The five-year grant begins with $362,140 in year one, and prepares the next generation of family medicine physicians to serve Hawaiʻi‘s most vulnerable populations.

“This is an absolute blessing,” said Robert Carlisle, project director and JABSOM associate professor. “This is good for the state. This is good for the family medicine physicians. This is good for the people of Hawaiʻi.”

Expanding outreach

The funding will launch new street medicine experiences for family medicine residents in Waiʻanae, Hawaiʻi Island, and JABSOM鈥檚 new Kauaʻi program, which will train the first cohort on Oʻahu in 2026.

Carlisle credited partners, including HRSA鈥檚 Steven Coulter, JABSOM鈥檚 Chip Hixon, and site leads Cynthia Ohata, Ellen Bell, Megan Martelly, Doug Rose and Thomas Quattlebaum, with support from various local organizations.

“As physicians and professionals, we have a duty to society and the community around us,” Carlisle said.

Integrating behavioral health

Program leaders also plan to expand behavioral health and addiction services.

“The really tough lift will be to integrate behavioral medicine and addiction care into our outreach on the street,” Carlisle said. “Make no mistake, this was a massive effort to bring together four different programs across the state on three different islands. There was a lot of coordination and enthusiasm from all of us to recognize the potential benefits of street medicine.”

Seed funding from the Hawaiʻi Academy of Family Physicians, JABSOM鈥檚 Office of Medical Education, and the Hawaiʻi Medical Association helped launch the project.

“The small seed grants grew this much larger investment in street medicine,” Carlisle said. “This experience should have a profound impact with influence lasting over the next 30 years of their careers.”

To help purchase basic supplies like bandages and footwear, consider supporting the JABSOM .

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Hawaiʻi is advancing its commitment to becoming the nation鈥檚 first trauma-informed state—a systemic shift that prioritizes government policies and services that recognize the pervasive impact of trauma. To support this effort, the State鈥檚 Office of Wellness and Resilience (OWR) worked with faculty from the University of Hawaiʻi at M膩noa鈥檚 to develop a new certification program.

In May, Gov. Josh Green recognized the inaugural cohort of more than 100 individuals who completed this training. Created following Green鈥檚 2024 executive order, the OWR鈥檚 program equips professionals with strategies to recognize trauma, respond effectively to stress, and build trust within state systems, helping integrate trauma-informed practices into workplace culture, policymaking and public services.

A collaborative model for governance

The curriculum was developed under the leadership of OWR Director Tia Hartsock, a Thompson School alumna and adjunct faculty member of the (DSW). Hartsock collaborated with a statewide team of experts, including DSW faculty members Aimee Chung and Michael DeMattos.

This training increases effectiveness, reduces harm and fosters long-term resilience across the state.
—Aimee Chung

“Our collaboration with the Office on Wellness and Resilience creates a partnership that will lead to systemic shifts needed to equip a workforce that is empathic, sustainable and trustworthy,” said Chung. “This training increases effectiveness, reduces harm and fosters long-term resilience across the state.”

In recognition of his contributions to the program, DeMattos served as a keynote speaker at the graduation ceremony. His remarks highlighted the essential role social workers play in community healing.

“Trauma-informed care offers a way of being that prioritizes care for those we love,” DeMattos said. “It teaches us not to ask, ‘What is wrong?’ but rather, ‘What happened?’ It helps us move beyond the belief that people are broken. Most importantly, it helps ensure that instead of suffering alone, we heal together.”

As the economy rapidly evolves through artificial intelligence (AI), the Pacific Center for Advanced Technology Training (PCATT) is bolstering local workforce readiness. The University of Hawaiʻi Community College consortium hosted the PCATT AI Summit 2026: AI for Action and Impact at the Ala Moana Hotel June 4–5, bringing together industry leaders, educators and 糖心视频 professionals to tackle the evolving technological landscape.

Celebrating PCATT‘s 25th anniversary, the summit focused on four core pillars: Trust in AI, AI & The Future of Work, Public/Social Interest in AI, and The Mechanics of AI. The event emphasized the necessity of collaboration between local businesses and schools to advance AI literacy and create stable economic pathways in the islands.

糖心视频 System Senior Advisor to the President Kim Siegenthaler opened the gathering, emphasizing how artificial intelligence is actively reshaping Hawaiʻi‘s economy and workforce alignment.

Keynote speakers included Chris Barton, creator of Shazam (a breakthrough music recognition mobile application), and Dave Free of the Cisco Networking Academy, who offered strategies for innovation and adapting education training to rapid technological change.

Building a resilient workforce

“I was inspired by the discussions on finding the balance between leveraging AI‘s power while maintaining ethical standards and human connection,” said attendee Alexi Drouin. “As AI continues to change how we learn and work, it’s clear that our adaptability and human insights are more valuable than ever.”

For industry experts, the summit highlighted the necessity of bridging the gap between classroom training and real-world application.

“Attending the PCATT AI Summit was an incredible opportunity to engage with Hawaiʻi‘s tech educators and industry leaders,” noted Branden Baker of Intech Hawaiʻi. “Discussing how we can safely leverage AI to build a resilient workforce and diversify Hawaiʻi‘s economy is vital to our collective future.”

Lakshanya Krishnarajan, a healthcare IT professional, added, “The sessions provided deep insights into how AI is transforming education, cybersecurity and workforce development. From learning about trust in AI models to seeing real-world demos of how we can build practical digital prototypes, this summit provided actionable steps to bring back to our community.”

As Hawaiʻi works to eliminate more than 83,000 cesspools by 2050, Hawaiʻi Community College and the University of Hawaiʻi Maui College are preparing the workforce needed to help make it happen. The colleges launched the Onsite Wastewater Treatment Systems Specialist Certificate, a one-year program preparing students for careers in cesspool conversion and sustainable wastewater installation.

The 23-credit certificate combines coursework in design, construction and sustainability with experiential learning. As demand grows, this program builds the local workforce vital for protecting 贬补飞补颈ʻ颈鈥檚 environment and public health.

“I really enjoy the mix of theoretical and practical information that the course provides. We’ve learned about how various wastewater treatment systems operate, and also have had many opportunities to learn from professionals in the field, and visit various facilities,” said student Marina Kukso. “I hope to join the wastewater industry after this program, so this certificate has been the perfect springboard to help me fulfill my goals.”

Flooding, aging infrastructure, need for professionals

Recent flooding events have highlighted the vulnerabilities of aging infrastructure, underscoring the urgent need for skilled professionals to replace systems and meet the 2050 mandate.

“The cesspool issue is complex, and will require a multitude of different stakeholders working together to find solutions,” said Charlotte Cheek, project coordinator and Hawaiʻi CC instructor. “The certificate was created in response to the growing need for more wastewater professionals in our communities. The courses educate students about the issues and solutions and connect them with wastewater professionals all over Hawaiʻi.”

Financial assistance is available. For more details, email Cheek at cheekc@hawaii.edu or visit the .

The University of Hawaiʻi is extending 糖心视频 Maui College鈥檚 successful statewide across all 10 糖心视频 campuses to combat the critical teacher shortage across the islands. This systemwide collaboration offers a clear and supported pathway for Hawaiʻi residents to earn their elementary education teacher license, including tuition-free courses.

The Hoapili program, launched in 2023, has already demonstrated its effectiveness by helping more than 60 students earn their teacher licensure and education fields. The initiative has served more than 360 students, attracting non-traditional students such as long-term substitute teachers, educational assistants, emergency hires, and parents in both Hawaiian and English educational contexts. 糖心视频 is scaling this proven model statewide to “grow our own” kumu (teachers) on every island.

A dedicated program coordinator and campus counselors work one-on-one with students to build a tailored academic plan. To learn more or apply, visit 糖心视频Kumu.org.

Eliminating financial barriers

Guided by the mission, “I ulu n艒 ka l膩l膩 i ke kumu”—Our keiki grow because of their kumu,” the pathways program is designed to eliminate common financial and geographical barriers. Core courses toward elementary education teacher licensure are offered tuition-free and delivered entirely online, with classes intentionally scheduled during after-work hours to accommodate full-time working adults balancing busy lifestyles.

Students can enroll full- or part-time, and there are no prerequisites required to join. The program also provides free substitute teaching certifications and free para-educator testing (ParaPro Assessment) for those seeking immediate entry into the workforce. Participants can start at any 糖心视频 Community College and seamlessly transfer to a four-year 糖心视频 campus”—including 糖心视频 Hilo, 糖心视频 M膩noa and 糖心视频 West Oʻahu—to complete a bachelor of education degree in elementary education.

“The Hoapili program began as a way to provide a bridge to teacher licensure for individuals who are passionate about education but unable to attend college in the traditional sense,” said Lui Hokoana, interim vice president for the 糖心视频 Community Colleges. “Expanding this proven, Maui-born solution to all 10 campuses allows us to scale our efforts and build a robust, sustainable pipeline of local teachers for schools across the state.”

Comprehensive data on Hawaiʻi鈥檚 social work workforce is essential to addressing staffing shortages and improving recruitment and retention efforts statewide. To fill this gap, the University of Hawaiʻi at M膩noa鈥檚 鈥檚 launched a through its . The initiative seeks to identify where social workers are employed, the roles they fill, barriers to licensure, and the critical services they provide.

Having a clearer picture of Hawaiʻi‘s social work workforce is essential to addressing shortages and preparing future social workers…
—Wendy Lum

“The survey aims to provide a more comprehensive understanding of Hawaiʻi‘s social work workforce so educators, policymakers, employers and community organizations can better respond to workforce shortages and strengthen pathways into the profession,” said Kristl Nakamura, the workforce hub鈥檚 data coordinator.

Respondents are asked about the most rewarding aspects of their work, job search experiences, and the variety of settings in which they practice—from hospitals and shelters to schools and government agencies.

Anyone with a social work degree who is connected to the profession in Hawaiʻi is encouraged to .

“Helping students attain their bachelor’s or master’s in social work is only one part of growing the workforce,” said Wendy Lum, director of the Workforce Development Hub. “Having a clearer picture of Hawaiʻi‘s social work workforce is essential to addressing shortages and preparing future social workers to meet community needs.”

Data to address critical shortages

The need for stronger data comes as Hawaiʻi continues to face severe social worker shortages. In 2024, the reported a 17% vacancy rate in healthcare settings. Additionally, a noted that shortages remain critical in rural communities, including Maui, Kauaʻi and Molokaʻi.

“As we learned during the Maui fires, social workers provide critical mental health support to families and individuals in moments when they need it most,” said Aimee Chung, state advisor of the . “Without accurate workforce data, it becomes harder to advocate for the resources, funding and training needed to sustain our mental health workforce.”

The Department of Social Work and Workforce Hub will share survey results through summary reports and infographics to help guide workforce development efforts, advocacy and future strategies to strengthen and support social workers statewide.

As artificial intelligence (AI) rapidly reshapes the global job market, the University of Hawaiʻi is taking a leading role in preparing the state’s workers for an evolving economy. 糖心视频 has officially partnered with the State Workforce Development Council and Imua ʻOnipaʻa (a Hawaiʻi-based non-profit) for a four-part symposium series titled, “The AI Transformation: Preparing Hawaiʻi鈥檚 Workforce for the Future.”

The second event of the series, “The AI transformation: Preparing Hawaiʻi鈥檚 workforce for the future ” is tentatively scheduled for June 25, 2026, at Honolulu Community College from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm. “Building an AI ready workforce in Hawaiʻi” will focus on the business case for responsible AI adoption, including industry-specific opportunities and risks, workforce impacts, and recommendations for Hawaiʻi鈥檚 education and training providers. Attendance is capped at 100 and 糖心视频 faculty, staff and administrators are encouraged to attend.

糖心视频‘s participation alongside partners such as the Hawaiʻi Department of Education, the Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism, and Department of Accounting and General Services underscores the university’s vital function as the engine of Hawaiʻi‘s workforce development.

“The University of Hawaiʻi is proud to partner with the State Workforce Development Council on this critical initiative,” 糖心视频 President Wendy Hensel said. “Preparing our local workforce for the rapid advancements in artificial intelligence is essential for Hawaiʻi鈥檚 economic resilience. As the state’s primary provider of higher education, 糖心视频 plays a central role in ensuring our training programs equip residents with the skills and AI literacy needed to thrive in an AI-driven economy.”

Bennette E. Misalucha, executive director of the State Workforce Development Council within the Hawaiʻi Department of Labor and Industrial Relations, highlighted the necessity of cross-agency collaboration.

“Hawaiʻi has an opportunity not simply to react to the AI transformation, but to thoughtfully prepare our workforce, institutions, and communities to harness AI in ways that strengthen economic resilience and preserve our shared values,” Misalucha said. “The AI Symposium Series was created to bring together our relevant stakeholders to better understand this moment of change, and to ensure that Hawaiʻi is prepared not only for the future of technology, but for the future of its people.”

The first session “Where is AI and where is it going” was held in April at the Hawaiʻi State Capitol. Experts from the guided attendees through the complex landscape of AI data and policy challenges, privacy frameworks, and AI‘s projected impacts on daily life, work, and sociopolitical power dynamics.

糖心视频 System Director of Workforce Development Christine Beaule said, “The State Workforce Development Council鈥檚 AI Workforce Readiness series addresses some of the most pressing challenges and promising opportunities to our communities and state. AI will impact us all in ways we can only imagine at the moment; it is our kuleana to prepare our students for the future of work, lifelong learning and ethical, engaged citizenship.”

Maui residents can now pursue careers in respiratory therapy and radiologic technology without having to relocate to Oʻahu. Maui Health and the University of Hawaiʻi Community Colleges have partnered to launch two Maui-based degree programs.

The dedicated Maui cohort programs, offered through Kapiʻolani Community College, are designed to create accessible pathways to high-demand, living wage careers.

“Kapiʻolani Community College is proud to expand healthcare workforce opportunities by offering the respiratory care practitioner and radiologic technologist programs beginning fall of 2026,” said Karen Boyer, dean of health academic programs. “These programs will help address critical healthcare workforce shortages in Hawaiʻi while providing students with accessible pathways to high-demand, living wage healthcare careers.”

Students in both programs will complete a combination of online, in-person and hybrid coursework, including hands-on clinical training conducted at Maui Memorial Medical Center. To further remove financial obstacles, the Maui Health Foundation is offering scholarships that may cover 100% of direct education costs, including tuition, fees, books and supplies for the professional program.

Applications for the Maui cohort are available through the website, with a deadline of May 31. Scholarship applications are due June 20, 2026. 糖心视频 , including links to program and scholarship applications.

‘Milestone moment’

“This is a milestone moment for Maui and an example of what can happen when community partners come together to invest in our people and our future,” said Wade Ebersole, interim CEO of Maui Health. “These programs open doors for local residents to pursue stable, well-paying healthcare careers, while also strengthening the pipeline of professionals who are committed to serving Maui鈥檚 community.”

Both pathways lead to a two-year associate in science degree. With minimal prerequisites often completed in one to two semesters, graduates can be prepared to enter the workforce in approximately 2.5 to 3 years. This rapid turnaround is essential to filling critical shortages in respiratory care and medical imaging roles across Maui. Graduates are positioned for strong earning potential, with starting wages for these roles exceeding $42 per hour.

The collaboration underscores a shared commitment to strengthening Maui鈥檚 healthcare workforce and ensuring high-quality care for its residents.

U.S. Department of Education Under Secretary Nicholas Kent visited the University of Hawaiʻi at M膩noa on May 27, meeting with 糖心视频 President Wendy Hensel and 糖心视频 leaders to learn more about the university鈥檚 student success initiatives, workforce development efforts and research enterprise.

The visit also included tours of two of 糖心视频 M膩noa鈥檚 world-class research facilities: the (HSFL) and the (HIMB).

Kent was joined by Deputy Under Secretary James Bergeron, Special Assistant Cristian Clementi, Press Secretary for Higher Education Ellen Keast and Special Advisor Ethan Good.

Hensel welcomed the delegation with Debora Halbert, 糖心视频 vice president for academic strategy; Chad Walton, 糖心视频 interim vice president for research and innovation; Vassilis Syrmos, 糖心视频 M膩noa interim provost; and Rob Wright, 糖心视频 M膩noa interim vice provost for research and scholarship.

“We are trying together to make it the best environment possible for student achievement, and wherever we can partner to make that happen, we are happy to do so,” said Hensel. “Higher education, K鈥�12, it all works together as an ecosystem, and when we collaborate and strengthen those connections, we succeed for our students. When it becomes fragmented, we lose the ability to reach their full potential.”

Showcasing innovation and student success

During the visit, university leaders provided an overview of the 糖心视频 system, including student success efforts, workforce development initiatives, affordability, financial aid, enrollment trends and the university鈥檚 role as Hawaiʻi鈥檚 sole public provider of higher education. The discussion also highlighted 糖心视频鈥檚 research enterprise, which secured a record $734 million in extramural awards in fiscal year 2025, including more than $60 million from the U.S. Department of Education across 115 projects.

“We鈥檙e very excited to be here talking with President Hensel and her leadership team about the opportunities for higher education in Hawaiʻi and how they are so distinct from those on the mainland,” said Kent. “We still see some of the same challenges here in Hawaiʻi with the affordability of higher education, but the president and her leadership team are focused on how to get costs down, how to ensure outcomes translate into earnings and workforce pathways, and how to work with local communities and employers to make sure students are getting good-paying jobs.”

The delegation toured the HSFL clean room at 糖心视频 惭腻苍辞补, where university researchers design and build SmallSats for science and educational missions. The tour was led by Wright and Lance Yoneshige, integration and launch specialist engineer. The clean room is primarily used for the integration, assembly and testing of satellites.

Federal officials also traveled to the HIMB on Moku o Loʻe (Coconut Island) in Kāneʻohe Bay for a tour led by HIMB Director Megan Donahue. An organized research unit of 糖心视频 惭腻苍辞补, HIMB is internationally recognized for research on coral reefs, marine ecosystems, climate resilience and ocean health.