WASHINGTON--The University of Hawaii will receive $12,665,892 to fund workforce development programs, technical training, educational opportunities, counseling and job placement programs on Maui, Kauai, and Hawaii, Senator Daniel K. Inouye, Senator Daniel K. Akaka, U.S. Representative Mazie K. Hirono and U.S. Representative Colleen Hanabusa announced today.

The money comes from a grant administered by the U.S. Department of Labor through its Trade Adjustment Assistance Community College and Career Training (TAACCCT) program.

University of Hawaii programs and campuses will use the money to expand their education and training services by partnering with the local businesses, state and county government to provide students and residents with the education, training, and counseling needed to break into the Hawaii job market.

“These funds come at a critical time for Hawaii. While statewide unemployment stands at 6.1 percent, two full percentage points below the national average of 8.1 percent, the neighbor island counties continue to deal with elevated rates of joblessness. This important investment will help the University of Hawaii expand their offerings on Maui, Kauai, and Hawaii and reach those in need of education and training. I would like to thank the administration for their efforts to support education and job creation in Hawaii,” said Senator Inouye.

“Throughout my career in Congress, I have been a strong advocate for higher education and professional training. As a former educator, I know how valuable these skills are in a competitive job market. I am pleased that Hawaii will benefit from this program that will help residents compete for quality jobs, support their families, and give back to their communities,” said Senator Akaka.

"Mahalo to the Obama Administration for supporting Hawaii's community colleges as they help people learn new skills and get back to work, a key to a strong economy in the short and long term. These schools are partnering with local businesses and the public sector to help students build Hawaii's sustainability through agriculture, local entrepreneurship, and clean energy development. This workforce training uses innovative technologies, looks out for veterans, and improves student services," said Congresswoman Hirono, a cosponsor of the 2009 legislation expanding the grant program.

“An investment in education is an investment in our workforce, and we can help Hawaii’s unemployed and veterans get back to work by providing them with the education and job training they may need to continue supporting their families. This grant will allow the University of Hawaii to expand educational opportunities to individuals in Maui, Kauai, and Hawaii counties by providing more quality online and distance learning courses, as well as career counseling and job placement. Mahalo to the administration for their unwavering commitment to putting Americans back to work,” said Congresswoman Hanabusa.

For more information, please visit:
http://www.doleta.gov/taaccct/