Growing ‘Ōiwi Leaders
Our keiki are the workforce of tomorrow, and Kamehameha Schools is developing and nurturing the ‘Ōiwi leaders needed to create the resiliency for Hawai‘i’s economy.
To enhance the well-being of the greater community, Kamehameha Schools is committed to developing resilient workforces that keep families in Hawai‘i through pathways that provide sustainable occupations.
Our keiki are the workforce of tomorrow, and Kamehameha Schools is developing and nurturing the ‘Ōiwi leaders needed to create the resiliency for Hawai‘i’s economy. According to a 2013 Carnevale, A., Smith, N., & Strohl, J. workforce projection, 35% of Hawai‘i jobs require a bachelor’s degree or higher, and more than 60% are attainable via an industry-recognized credential, postsecondary certificate, or associate degree.
Photo: courtesy of Kamehameha Schools
“KS has a unique opportunity to restore and enhance resilient communities through the development of collaborations across educational pathways, funders, and industry partners,” says Nālani Blane Kealaiki, Community Strategist. “We look at resilient workforce from a community standpoint of our kuleana through education, culture, and ‘āina stewardship.”
“Kamehameha Schools is committed to engaging communities to educate and empower ‘ōiwi leaders to build resilient communities.”
– Nalani Blane Kealaiki, Community Strategist, Kamehameha Schools
By increasing the quality and accessibility of its pathways, KS supports our keiki and ‘ohana through financial literacy curriculum, development of advanced College and Career counseling/coaching, and providing career networks, workshops, and internships.
Photo: courtesy of Kamehameha Schools
KS supporting partners and programs include: The Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement, Hawaiian Trades Academy, Alu Like’s Hana Lima Scholarship Program, Healthcare Association of Hawaii, American Heart Association, Hawai‘i Pacific Health’s Summer Internship Program, Chamber of Commerce Hawaii, Purple Mai‘a, KUPU, Huliauapa‘a’s Wahi Kūpuna Internship Programs, Kāpili ‘Oihana, ClimbHI, Hawai‘i Investment Ready, and Hawai‘i FoundHer Accelerator Program. They all reinvest to support career readiness that leads toward sustainable quality of life
“As stewards of Ke Ali‘i Bernice Pauahi Pākī Bishop’s land legacy, we reinvest in properties, our tenants, and our keiki to ensure the vibrancy of the communities where kama‘āina have the opportunity to live, work, and thrive,” says Kealaiki.
Three Key Takeaways
- 40% of Native Hawaiians describe their current job as fulfilling their desire to contribute to their community.
- 84% of currently employed Native Hawaiians are satisfied with their current job or career.
- Nearly half of Native Hawaiians thought about moving from Hawai’i. Main reasons include a lower cost of living elsewhere, potential increase in earnings, or to take a new job or advance their careers.
Source: ‘Imi Pono Hawai‘i Wellbeing Survey 2022
This special project is commissioned by Kamehameha Schools through 2022 to highlight the workforce investments being made in communities around Hawaiʻi.
