Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senator Daniel K. Akaka (D-Hawaii) announced the awarding of a $1.4 million grant to the Honolulu Community College (HCC) as part of the President's High Growth Job Training Initiative sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor. The grant will enable HCC to develop a Construction Academy to provide high school students with an array of construction-specific courses and career opportunities in the construction industry. This is a joint project with Kauai Community College, the Hawaii Department of Education, Hawaii Carpenters Union Local No. 745, Sheet Metal Workers' International Association Local Union No. 293, and the Oahu Workforce Investment Board. Eight local high schools are also partners in the project.

HCC and its partners will develop a standards-based curriculum that fits in with construction certificate and degree programs at Hawaii's community colleges. Participating high school sophomores will receive an overview of construction careers and develop construction-specific skills. During their junior and senior years, participating high school students will focus on acquiring the skills needed in specific trades and occupations. Project coordinators expect 500 students to take courses in the Construction Academy and 300 students to enroll in construction apprenticeship programs, construction associate degree programs, or construction baccalaureate programs.

"I am always telling our federal agencies and contractors that if they bring work to Hawaii, they need to hire Hawaii residents," Akaka said. "I am pleased to support the Honolulu Community College's efforts to ensure that we have a skilled local workforce to take full advantage of the many construction opportunities in Hawaii's future."