FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - January 28, 2008 :

U.S. Department of Energy and State of Hawaii Sign Agreement to Increase Clean Energy Technologies in Hawaii.

For more information about the MOU click on this link: http://www.eere.energy.gov/pdfs/hawaii_mou.pdf

Island leaders have long recognized the need to cultivate a more qualified workforce on Hawaiʻi Island and to establish diverse career pathways for Island youth. Three years ago, Hawaii Electric Light Company, spearheaded by President Warren Lee, piloted a very successful work readiness internship mentor program in cooperation with four public high schools, three in the Hilo district and one in Kona, resulting in 13 students earning credits toward their high school graduation.

Last year, Hawaii Island Economic Development Board (HIEDB) was asked to continue the momentum of this successful pilot program with the role of expanding it island-wide. In 2007, 31 students participated with 23 organizations.

HIEDB working with its partners at the State Department of Education (DOE), the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations-Workforce Development Division, and the Makana Mentor Network at Hawaiʻi Community College (HCC) is looking to expand yet again, thus far in 2008, 83 students have enrolled together with nearly 30 organizations.

Recruitment is underway for Island businesses who would like to get involved in the Huiana Internship Program. “Huiana” means “the act of coming together,” and program leaders are seeking as broad a representation of Island businesses as possible. Businesses that sponsor an intern will receive hands-on training in how to be a successful mentor from the HCC Makana Mentor Network. Student interns enrolled in the program will receive school credit. Participating students must be juniors or seniors in high school.

GET INVOLVED - Help our island communities future by supporting Huiana

For more information please contact Paula Thomas at (808) 443-3032 or paulat at hiedb.org