THE SENATE	S.B. NO.	834
THIRTY-SECOND LEGISLATURE, 2023
STATE OF HAWAII

A BILL FOR AN ACT

relating to workforce training PROGRAMS.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

SECTION 1. The legislature finds that Hawaii's community colleges play a critical role in the economic recovery and revitalization of the State. Community colleges support the State's residents by providing them with opportunities to improve their employment prospects and to develop a workforce that helps grow local businesses. Community colleges are at the forefront of post-secondary workforce development programs, both in Hawaii and across the United States. These programs positively impact local employment pipelines, provide students with the skills to succeed in higher-waged jobs, and play a critical role in rebuilding the State's post-pandemic economy.

The legislature further finds that students throughout the State have benefitted from the community colleges' dual credit opportunities, like early college. Early college programs have enabled students to begin pursuing their educational and career goals while completing high school. The legislature also notes that close to half of public school graduates do not enroll immediately in a two- or four-year college after graduation. For those students, the community colleges' short-term workforce training opportunities are viable alternatives to enrolling in for-credit college programs. Workforce training can provide students with the skills and industry-recognized credentials they need to immediately enter the work force after high school.

The legislature recognizes that, in addition to working with students, community college faculty and administrators work with employers, industry associations, economic developers, and community organizations to learn how to address employers' workforce needs. The programs help prepare residents for initial employment, career advancement, continuing education, and career changes. Community colleges provide workforce training through both credit-based degree programs and non‑credit skill- or credential-focused programs. Residents can earn industry-recognized certificates that are valued by local employers and can be "stacked" to earn higher level certificates or degrees.

Accordingly, the purpose of this Act is to help stimulate and revitalize Hawaii's economy by appropriating moneys to the university of Hawaii community college workforce development programs.

SECTION 2. There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $578,240 or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2023-2024 and the same sum or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2024-2025 for the university of Hawaii community college workforce development programs to fund administration; training; positions; and student support, especially support for dual credit high school students.

The sums appropriated shall be expended by the university of Hawaii for the purposes of this Act.

SECTION 3. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2023.

INTRODUCED BY:

_____________________________

Report Title:

UH; Community Colleges; Workforce Training; Appropriation

Description:

Appropriates moneys to support the University of Hawaii community college workforce development programs.

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