How to Register
Financial Assistance
We apply a holistic approach to student support and financial assistance. OCEWD is able to partner with our community agencies to provide assistance with tuition, books, supplies, emergency housing, childcare, food assistance and more.
To inquire please contact us at 455-0477 or ocewd@hawaii.edu.
Hana Career Pathways
The University of Hawaii Community Colleges in partnership with the U.S. Department of Education Reimagining the Workforce Program provides tuition assistance for many of our workforce development programs for individuals that have been impacted by COVID-19.
Visit uhcc.hawaii.edu/reimagine to apply!
HINET: College and Workforce Training Funding and Support
Leeward Community College offers a program in partnership with the State of Hawaii and other service providers to deliver assistance and support for college and workforce training. HINET (Hawaii Nutrition, Education, and Training) program is a federally funded program designed to help remove barriers and provide students with access to education and skills training opportunities so they can earn a living wage and achieve financial independence.
HINET website: http://hinethawaii.org/
Students can save OVER $4,700 a year!
Eligible students who qualify may receive:
- Tuition assistance
- Assistance with books and mandatory fees (funds pending)
- Service Learning
- Workforce Training
- Educational advising, academic coaching and personal support
- Support services (transportation, tutoring, books, uniforms, job search assistance, resume writing, and more)
For information, eligibility, and applications, please contact JoAnn Cagasan, Program Officer: 808-455-0563 or HINET2@hawaii.edu
Alu Like, Inc.
The Hana Lima Scholarship provides financial assistance to students participating in a vocational or technical education program for occupations that can provide a “living wage.” This scholarship is available to students in vocational programs that lead to a specific segment of employment.
The Hana Lima Scholarship Program is a need-based award with preference given to non-traditional students: Single parents, disabled (meets ADA definition), houseless, sole-income providers, previously incarcerated and wards of the court. Special funding is also available for WEST HAWAI‘I ISLAND applicants. Students pursuing a major in Liberal Arts are not eligible for this scholarship as the Hana Lima Scholarship Program supports students who have declared and are committed to a specific program of study.
For information, and eligibility requirements, contact us at 808-535-6700, HanaLima@alulike.org, or visit https://www.alulike.org/hlsp/.
Employment & Training Fund (ETF) for Employers
Since 1991, the Employment & Training Fund (ETF) has provided assistance for employees to gain new skills for their jobs. Through professional development, they are able to seek out increased pay or promotions.
There are currently two types of ETF funding sources:
ETF MACRO
Provides grants for industry specific training where there are critical skill shortages in high growth occupational or industry areas. These funds are used as “seed” money to develop “cutting edge” education and training curricula and program design and activities where none exist in the state.
ETF Macro grants are made available on availability of funds. If your business/organization/consortium/employer group is interested in applying for an ETF grant, please call the Workforce Development Division, State Department of Labor and Industrial Relations, at 586-8877.
ETF MICRO
Is most popular among individual businesses that need to upgrade the job skills of their employees. Training courses that are available include, but not limited to: computer, business, management, health, medical training, or soft skills training. Employers are eligible to receive up to 50% (maximum $400 tuition cap) of tuition costs provided by approved vendors. To learn more about the ETF Micro program, visit: http://labor.hawaii.gov/wdd/home/ employers/etf/micro/.
Lifetime Learning Credit
The Taxpayer Relief Act of 1997 provides for Lifetime Learning Credits for qualified tuition and related expenses for eligible individuals seeking to acquire or improve job skills.
Learn more at https://www.irs.gov/Individuals/LLC.
American Job Center Hawaii
The American Job Center Hawaii (formerly O‘ahu WorkLinks) is a one-stop center that provides free employment training services to job seekers and assists employers who are looking to hire or train employees. The AJC is a operated by the City and County of Honolulu and overseen by the O‘ahu Workforce Development Board. For more information, call 808-768-5701 or visit http://www.honolulu.gov/dcs/workforce.html.
Services for Job Seekers
- Computer Resource Center
– Free computer and internet access
– Search online and apply directly for hundreds of jobs on https://www.hirenethawaii.com
– Create or update your resume
– File an unemployment insurance claim
General and Individualized Career Services
- Assistance with job searching and resume building
- Referrals to community resources for support services such as financial assistance, medical benefits, child care, therapeutic counseling and credit counseling
- Intensive case management which includes skills assessments, career planning, and one-on-one job counseling
- Work-based training opportunities and financial assistance for employment-related skills training for in-demand occupations to eligible participants
- Learn and earn through pre-apprenticeship/apprenticeship programs
Services for Employers
- Employer and Industry Partnerships
– The AJC provides free business services:Recruiting, retaining, and developing highly skilled workers
– Employer and industry benefits: Subsidized training for existing and potential employees, customized hiring, and training strategies
Employment Readiness Program (ERP)
Where Career Success Begins…
The Employment Readiness Program offers information and referral services and assistance to military spouses; active duty military; retired military; active Guard and Reserve; DoD civilians; and all immediate family members in the areas of employment, training and volunteer opportunities. The services are designed to give you the competitive edge necessary to secure employment and advance your career. Services include hiring events, career counseling and training, employment and education information, volunteer opportunities, internet job search and assistance in resume writing and goal setting.
Office of Hawaiian Affairs (OHA)
A higher education opens up a world of possibilities. OHA is committed to ensuring Native Hawaiians and their ‘ohana are aware of existing resources to assist them in pursuing their education and training goals. Each year OHA provides funding for scholarships through its Higher Education Scholarship Programs.
In addition, OHA has created He Ipu Kā‘eo, a resource booklet created for Native Hawaiian students seeking post-secondary education; both college
and career training programs. It includes information on scholarships, financial aid resources, and student support services.
For information and a list of OHA Scholarships, call 808-594-1835, or visit http://www.oha.org/scholarships.
My Career Advancement Account (MyCAA)
My Career Advancement Account (MyCAA) Scholarship Program is a workforce development program that provides up to $4,000 of financial assistance to eligible military spouses who are pursuing a license, certification or Associate’s degree in a portable career field and occupation.
Spouses of service members on active duty in pay grades E-1 to E-5, W-1 to W-2 and O-1 to O-2 who have received approval for coursework while their military sponsor is on Title 10 military orders are eligible. Spouses married to members of the National Guard and Reserve Components in these same pay grades are eligible.
Spouses can visit https://aiportal.acc.af.mil/mycaa and provide the required Spouse Profile information. Call a certified MyCAA Career Counselor at 800-342-9647.
U.S. Vets United States Veterans Initiative
U.S.VETS is a private non-profit organization providing housing, employment and counseling services to our nation’s veterans, the men and women from all branches of the armed forces who have served their country from World War II to the current conflict in Afghanistan.
For more information visit http://www.usvetsinc.org/barberspoint/, or call 808-672-2977.
Refund / Class Transfer Policy
Withdrawal/Refund Policy
Refund or Class Transfer Request