Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 2, Number 5, 1 Mei 1985 — Vocational Education Funds for Hawaiians [ARTICLE]

Vocational Education Funds for Hawaiians

An estimated $1.7 million, specifically ear-marked for Hawaiians, will soon be available. These funds may be used for training in such occupations as agriculture, business, home economics, health, marketing and distribution, technological and emerging fields, modern industry, trades and other areas whieh require less than a college education.

Examples of the types of activities whieh may be funded are counseling and guidance, program administration, including planning and needs assessment, technical assistance and acquisition of instructional equipment. All activities eligible for funding must be related to providing or improving empioyment skills. Hawaiians in 1984 were included in the U.S. Vocation Education Program as a special target group for the first time since it was established in 1917.

Governor George R. Ariyoshi and his special advisory panel has named Alu Like as the recipient of program funds. It will receive and administer the $1.7 million through a contract with the U.S. Department of Education. Alu Like will then subcontract to qualified organizations, such as community colleges, the State Department of Education, The Kamehameha Schools and community-based organizations.

Alu Like's role, therefore, will be administrative, management and direct fiscal accountability to the federal government. The subcontractors will be responsible for program implementation, that is, activities such as actual vocational education training, guidance and counseling. Alu Like will decide on allocations to subcontractors based on a comprehensive vocational education plan for Hawaiians whieh is currently being deve!oped. The plan will be formed by an assessment of vocational training needs of

Hawaiians, comments and suggestions received from the Governor's special advisory panel. The plan will specify what kind of activities will be funded and the level of funding and the number of trainees for eaeh activity.

The entire process will be explained at community forums being scheduled between May 15 and June 15. The comprehensive plan will be completed and submitted to the U.S. DOE by August or September of this year and it is anticipated funding wil! be received 30 to 60 days after submittal of the plan.

The Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Alu Like and the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands will soon be notifying their respective beneficiaries, members and constituents of the exact day, time and locations of these forums. Full particulars may be obtained by contacting Alu Like at 521-9571.