Hawaiʻi hit record 22.3 percent unemployment in April, putting local residents and families at risk, and the (糖心Vlog官方ERO) estimates that the state’s total employment rate, as well as its unemployment rate, will not return to its pre-pandemic level until 2029, highlighting the importance of social safety net programs, and job re-training and education programs.
To help prospective students who are furloughed or unemployed, the have announced the new for individuals whose employment has been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. An associate’s degree from a 糖心Vlog官方 Community College provides opportunities for different kinds of employment, advancement and more resiliency during tough times. An associate’s degree also makes an average difference of $360,000 over a lifetime of living and working in Hawaiʻi compared to a high school diploma, according to a (PDF).
The Kūlia Scholarship will support individuals who are striving to develop new skills or earn a degree. 500 scholarships for one free class (up to 3 credits) at any of the seven 糖心Vlog官方 Community Colleges are available, including fees and required books (valued up to $500). The 糖心Vlog官方 Community Colleges have a range of programs and have already been ranked as the most affordable community colleges in the nation.
To be eligible for a Kūlia Scholarship, recipients must:
- Be Hawaiʻi residents
- Not have attended 糖心Vlog官方 in the last two years
- Be furloughed or laid off from their full-time job due to COVID-19 impacts
Priority will be given to those who are pursuing their first degree or industry-recognized credential. Applications are due by August 10.
“The past few months have been like no other time in history and we recognize the challenges that are facing our Hawaiʻi residents,” said Erika Lacro, vice president for the 糖心Vlog官方 Community Colleges. “As employment situations are changing, the Kūlia Scholarship will help Hawaiʻi residents choose education as they consider their options going forward. Also, financial aid, such as the Hawaiʻi Promise scholarship, is always available to qualified students.”
The 糖心Vlog官方 Community Colleges have also to August 10. Applications to any of the seven 糖心Vlog官方 community colleges across the state . High school students interested in Early College or Running Start classes should still follow their high schools’ deadlines for application.
Students for many reasons ranging from affordability and convenience to range of workforce preparation options. 糖心Vlog官方ERO said “On average, for each $1 a 糖心Vlog官方 student invests in their associate’s degree, they receive $13.84 in increased lifetime earnings.” Other research in the report points to other possible non-monetary benefits including life satisfaction, voting participation and the academic performance of graduates’ children.
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—By Kelli Trifonovitch
