We envision a healthy economy in Hawaiʻi, built upon recognition of a symbiotic relationship between job seekers, training providers, and employers, centered on a model of work that aligns with the needs, values, and motivations of Hawaiʻi residents. These “good jobs” will both compensate workers at levels that allow current residents to remain in Hawaiʻi and provide opportunities to use their gifts and talents in a way that makes Hawaiʻi a better place to live for everyone. As you read this report and begin to envision what such a future could look like, notice how conversations with communities across the state begin to align around these common themes. Suddenly such a future seems more within reach.

If you have been following our recent posts, you may be aware that we are committed to understanding, shedding light on, and addressing the complex challenges faced by workers in our state. As we meet with community organizations, government agencies, or my neighbors on Hawaiʻi Island, we are consistently impressed by the strong relationships, the dedication to finding solutions, and the willingness to take risks on new approaches when stakeholders come together in one place to unite around a common need.

The collaborators that make up Islander Institute have worked at the intersection of policy, community development, systemic change, and local values for twenty years. Lending capacity to projects across community health, education, economic development, ʻāina initiatives, food systems, renewable energy, and workforce development, they elevate community voice to develop solutions consistent with local values and a vision of Hawaiʻi that includes us all.

We are excited to announce that the Harold K.L. Castle Foundation, a member of HWFC, has recently introduced an opportunity: a Request for Partnership aimed at identifying organizations well positioned to contribute to a sustainable talent pipeline for the skilled trades industry that promotes inclusivity, diversity, and creates opportunity for underrepresented and rural communities.

The Hawaiʻi Workforce Funders Collaborative is excited to fund and partner with Vibrant Hawaiʻi to gather input from youth, educators and employers islandwide, document assets, resources, readiness and recommendations to advance the goals of the Hawai’i P20 Partnership for Education: Connecting students to Work-based learning (WBL) opportunities to gain technical and employability skills in preparation for future careers.

The National Fund for Workforce Solutions is awarding $1 million to five communities to use Human-Centered Design to improve workforce programs and employment outcomes. The HCD approach requires a mindset that values empathy, avoids jumping to a particular solution, and embraces continuous learning.

Welcome to our newly launched website for the Hawaiʻi Workforce Funders Collaborative, where we aim to shed light on the challenges faced by workers in Hawaiʻi and elevate their voices to bring about positive change.