HAWAI`I SELECTED FOR NATIONAL WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT PROJECT
For Immediate Release: November 25, 2003
HONOLULU – Hawai`i has been named one of eight states to participate in “Pathways to Advancement Policy Academy,” a National Governors Association (NGA) project designed to help working adults earn college and other post-high school degrees. The other seven states in the Pathways Academy are Arkansas, Kansas, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Ohio and Pennsylvania.
“The selection of Hawai`i to take part in this national program is a reflection of our commitment to ensuring our residents receive the proper training and education to obtain quality jobs,” said Governor Linda Lingle. “Our economic future depends on improving the education of our youth and expanding the skills of working adults to meet the needs of changing technology and Hawai`i’s emerging industries.”
During a series of meetings over the next year, a team of key Hawai`i agency representatives will evaluate education, workforce, welfare and economic development policies to promote adult student college access and success. The team will also look at strategies and institutional changes to encourage youth to obtain a college certificate or degree.
The NGA will provide technical support and $50,000 for staff support and expenses. The Governor’s Workforce Development Council will coordinate Hawai`i’s participation in the Pathways Academy, which is sponsored by the NGA’s Center for Best Practices.
According to Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism (DBEDT) statistics, only 37 percent of Hawai`i’s college graduates enroll in a post-secondary education program within four years. The proportion rises somewhat for adults age 23 to 24, but falls to just 3.6 percent for adults between 25 and 44. Moreover, only 44 percent of first-year Hawai`i community college students return for their second year compared with 63 percent nationwide. For university students only 37 percent of first-year students currently earn a baccalaureate degree within six years compared with 66 percent nationally.
A broad-based team will work with the NGA and seven other states on the project. Members of the Hawai`i team include:
Randy Roth, senior advisor for education, Office of the Governor
Raymond Jefferson, deputy director, Dept. of Business, Economic Development & Tourism (DBEDT)
Senator Norman Sakamoto, chair, Senate Committee on Education
Mike Fitzgerald, president and CEO, Enterprise Honolulu
Ramsey Pedersen, chancellor, Honolulu Community College
Kathy Kawaguchi, assistant superintendent, State Department of Education
Susan Doyle, vice president and chief operating officer, Aloha United Way
Micheal Boughton, president, Options Technology, Inc.
Michael Rota, associate vice president for academic affairs, University of Hawai`i
Mr. Neil Shim, administrator, Vocational Rehabilitation and Services for the Blind, State
Department of Human Services
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For more information, contact:
Lenny Klompus
Senior Advisor – Communications
Phone: 586-7705
Russell Pang
Chief of Media Relations
Phone: 586-0043
