Âé¶¹´«Ã½ hit record 22.3 percent unemployment in April, putting local residents and families at risk, and the (UHERO) 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 UH 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 Âé¶¹´«Ã½ compared to a high school diploma, according to a (PDF).
The K¨±lia 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 UH Community Colleges are available, including fees and required books (valued up to $500). The UH 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 K¨±lia Scholarship, recipients must:
- Be Âé¶¹´«Ã½ residents
- Not have attended UH 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 Âé¶¹´«Ã½ residents,” said Erika Lacro, vice president for the UH Community Colleges. “As employment situations are changing, the K¨±lia Scholarship will help Âé¶¹´«Ã½ residents choose education as they consider their options going forward. Also, financial aid, such as the Âé¶¹´«Ã½ Promise scholarship, is always available to qualified students.”
The UH Community Colleges have also to August 10. Applications to any of the seven UH 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. UHERO said “On average, for each $1 a UH 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

