The University of �鶹��ý has been selected as one of 10 recipients of a national grant from Lumina Foundation’s to expand its Direct2UH program. The $400,000 grant is part of the foundation’s $3.5 million investment to simplify the college admissions process and expand student access across the country.

Building on the success of Direct2UH—the direct admissions initiative launched in October 2025, offering free entry to public high school seniors based on their GPA—the grant will fund a unified admissions system with enhanced outreach and guidance. This creates a more equitable pathway for �鶹��ý students to apply, access financial aid and enroll across nine campuses, with UH Mānoa expected to join the program later this year.

“This investment allows us to build a simpler, more connected pathway to college for �鶹��ý‘s students—one that ensures every learner, regardless of background or geography, has clear and supported opportunities, making it easier for more students to move from aspiration to enrollment and ultimately to success,” said Farrah-Marie Gomes, UH associate vice president for student affairs. “This work matters locally because it directly addresses the barriers our students face and strengthens our responsibility as a statewide system to serve every community.”

Lumina’s Great Admissions Redesign initiative supports states, systems and institutions in integrating admissions, financial aid, advising and enrollment systems. The goal is to remove unnecessary barriers and help more students successfully enroll in and complete college.

“Across the country, we’re seeing real momentum to rethink how students access college,” said Melanie Heath, Lumina strategy director. “This cohort reflects a clear shift from fragmented fixes to coordinated, student-centered systems.”

Commitment to college access

At full scale, Direct2UH will reach students at all public and charter high schools across the state, with implementation in partnership with the �鶹��ý State Department of Education and �鶹��ý P–20. By aligning systems and expanding support, it will increase college access and enrollment statewide, particularly for rural and underserved communities.

Lumina’s Great Admissions Redesign initiative is part of a broader national effort to increase post-high school attainment and advance Lumina’s Goal 2040, which aims for 75 percent of working-age adults to hold a credential of value.

�鶹��ý’s public high schools reached new milestones in student achievement, with the class of 2025 posting the highest on-time graduation rate in state history, according to the latest .

The report, which tracks outcomes for 11,899 graduates across 66 public and charter schools, shows that 87% of students graduated on time, surpassing the previous record set by the class of 2024.

In addition to improved graduation rates, the report highlights continued progress in postsecondary pathways, including enrollment within the University of �鶹��ý system.

Approximately 3,958 graduates, about 33% of those enrolling in college, went on to attend a UH campus. Of those students, 18% enrolled at UH two-year colleges, while 16% attended four-year campuses.

Academic preparation

The CCRI report also provides insight into how well students are academically prepared upon entering UH. About 37% of students enrolled directly in college-level math courses, while 42% took college-level English. At the same time, a portion of incoming students either required below college-level coursework or did not enroll in math or English during their first term, signaling areas where further academic preparation may be needed.

More students are also participating in key academic assessments. ACT exam participation climbed to 76% statewide, up one percentage point, suggesting broader engagement in college entrance testing.

Career-focused education saw notable growth as well. The percentage of students completing Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs increased to 66%, up 3%. These programs are designed to prepare students for immediate entry into the workforce or further specialized training.

While gains were recorded across several categories, the report notes that readiness benchmarks—such as ACT college-ready scores in English, math and science—remain an area for ongoing improvement.

The CCRI is released annually by (�鶹��ý P–20), in collaboration with the �鶹��ý State Department of Education (HIDEO) and the University of �鶹��ý.

The expansion of work-based learning into a sustainable statewide system, the launch of Direct2UH and a fifth consecutive GEAR UP grant are among the highlights in the .

is a statewide partnership led by the University of �鶹��ý System, �鶹��ý Executive Office on Early Learning and the �鶹��ý State Department of Education (HIDOE) that works to strengthen the education pipeline from early childhood through postsecondary education and training.

�鶹��ý P-20 helped to improve college and career transitions through new and expanded advising initiatives. Direct2UH was launched to streamline application and admission for �鶹��ý public high school seniors applying to UH campuses through a single online form.

The �鶹��ý College and Career Navigators program launched across three islands and 11 public high schools, providing individualized advising and transition support to nearly 1,000 students annually.

Career-connected learning experiences

A major milestone in 2025 was the continued scale-up of �鶹��ý’s Work-Based Learning Intermediary Network. What began as a small pilot has grown into a coordinated statewide system connecting schools, employers and communities to create meaningful career-connected learning experiences. By the 2024–25 school year, intermediary services generated 350 work-based learning experiences, reached more than 22,000 students and engaged more than 2,000 industry partners. Legislative action in 2025 secured HIDOE Workforce Development funds to sustain the network long term.

Work to align education with workforce needs continued through newly developed career pathway maps that connect HIDOE career pathways and programs of study with UH postsecondary programs and local workforce demand. These maps provide detailed information on transfer agreements, prerequisites, early college opportunities and related job prospects.

�鶹��ý P-20 was awarded its fifth consecutive GEAR UP grant, a seven-year federal award supporting more than 21,000 students annually in preparing for and succeeding in postsecondary education. In addition, �鶹��ý P-20 launched Educators Rising Clubs at eight HIDOE high schools to expand early exposure to teaching as a career and inspire students to pursue teacher education programs within the UH System.

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(�鶹��ý P–20) is offering free workshops to assist �鶹��ý students and their families with the planning process to further their education after high school. Upcoming workshop topics focus on how to earn scholarships to attend a two- or four-year college, as well as trade and vocational schools, and help with the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form for the 2026–27 school year.

Statewide Native Hawaiian Scholarship ʻAha Series

Starting October 14, �鶹��ý P–20, Native Hawaiian Education Association and Pacific Financial Aid Association will host the first of the Statewide Native Hawaiian Scholarship ʻAha Series events. In-person events will be held on �鶹��ý Island, Kauaʻi, ����Բ�ʻ��, Maui, Molokaʻi and Oʻahu, and two dates will be held online. Events are open for everyone to explore scholarship opportunities from various organizations across the state.

Dinner will be provided during each in-person event and a $500 scholarship will be awarded. FAFSA and financial aid representatives will also be available to ask questions and help students and families. For a complete listing of all Statewide Native Hawaiian Scholarship ʻAha Series events or to register for a specific date near you, visit .

Virtual Scholarship Workshops

At �鶹��ý P–20’s Virtual Scholarship Workshops, attendees will hear from representatives from Sallie Mae, �鶹��ý Community Foundation and the University of �鶹��ý System about how �鶹��ý students can access more than $70 million to help pay for college, regardless of their family income, as well as how to use scholarship search engines to apply for scholarships. Virtual Scholarship Workshops are scheduled for Thursday evenings on November 6 and November 20, from 6–7:30 p.m., and registration is available now at .

Virtual FAFSA Completion Workshops

The FAFSA for the 2026–27 award year is now open for all students to complete to become eligible for scholarships, grants and work-study funds, in addition to loans from the federal government. Attend a Virtual FAFSA Completion Workshop to see a line-by-line overview of the online application, learn about the allowable college expenses that financial aid can help to pay for including transportation, meals, books, tuition and various fees and speak directly with local financial aid specialists. Virtual FAFSA Completion Workshops begin on November 5, and are held on Wednesday evenings from 6–7:30 p.m. until March 11. Registration is available now at .

With questions regarding any of these events or for college planning assistance, families may contact FAFSA@hawaii.edu year round.

Beginning August 20, (�鶹��ý P–20) will launch the first in a series of its Virtual Financial Aid Workshops to assist with �鶹��ý high school students’ postsecondary education planning. All events are free and available to all families regardless of where the student plans to attend college.

Virtual Financial Aid Workshops will be held via Zoom on Wednesdays, 6–7:30 p.m., from August 20 through October 1. Attendees will learn how to access more than $150 billion in grants, loans and other government funding in addition to more than $70 million in scholarships awarded specifically to �鶹��ý students annually.

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“Now is the time for high school seniors to explore the various funding sources that are available to assist in reducing the cost of their postsecondary education,” said Frank Green, financial aid and FAFSA outreach specialist for �鶹��ý P–20. “Attending college in �鶹��ý can be affordable. Scholarships and grants are available for two- and four-year colleges, trade and vocational schools, and can cover expenses from tuition, books, transportation and beyond, and we want to make sure all �鶹��ý students have access to as many funds as possible.”

FAFSA information

Federal Student Aid (FSA) has announced that the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for the 2026–27 award year will become available October 1. During this time families should create their personalized FSA ID, which is the required login and the first step to complete the FAFSA, in addition to preparing any additional documentation and financial information necessary to ensure they can complete and submit the FAFSA as early as possible.

“We encourage all students to complete the FAFSA for each school year they are seeking financial aid regardless of your family income, and local help is available to guide you through the process,” said Green. “Many scholarships and grants require FAFSA completion, so don’t leave money unclaimed and plan to complete your form when it becomes available October 1.”

Families across the state are invited to send any questions about the college planning process, financial aid or FAFSA to FAFSA@Hawaii.edu. All emails will be answered within 24 hours by a local financial aid specialist.

For a complete listing of upcoming college planning webinars, .

A new released by revealed promising outcomes for students pursuing healthcare careers in the state. The report follows students from �鶹��ý public schools through postsecondary education at the University of �鶹��ý and into the workforce, showing that healthcare remains a strong option for students to build meaningful careers locally.

Among the key findings:

• At nearly every level of degree earned, UH healthcare graduates in �鶹��ý are earning a living wage within five years of graduating, with most crossing that threshold by the second year
• 71% of �鶹��ý public school students who concentrated on healthcare enrolled in college in the first fall semester after graduating high school
• 62% of students who ever enrolled in a healthcare major at UH earned a postsecondary degree or certificate within six years

The full data story includes a link to the 2024 P–20 Data Insights webinar, which offers a deeper look at the findings and strategies to strengthen the education-to-workforce pipeline.

This data story is the product of a collaboration among experts from UH, �鶹��ý P–20, �鶹��ý Department of Education, Department of Health and various workforce-related community organizations to better understand and support students as they progress through the healthcare career pathway.

High school graduates of the class of 2024 excelled in numerous academic areas of study and matched the class of 2023 with the highest on-time high school graduation rate on record at 86%, according to the latest , released March 31. Among these students, 34% graduated with honors, the highest level in the past five years.

The class of 2024 CCRI report details the outcomes of 11,613 students among 67 public schools including public charters. The CCRI is produced annually by (�鶹��ý P–20), in collaboration with the �鶹��ý State Department of Education (HIDOE) and the University of �鶹��ý.

Class of 2024 overall college enrollment increased from 51% to 52% and the proportion of class of 2024 graduates who attended a UH campus increased 3 percentage points from the previous year, from 31% to 34%. Of particular note, the percentage of completers who enrolled in a UH two-year campus increased from 17% to 19%, the highest percentage since 2020.

“The increase in college enrollment at the UH Community Colleges highlights the growing impact of our strengthened career pathways between HIDOE high schools and our seven community college campuses,” said Della Teraoka, interim vice president for the . “With UH two-year enrollment on the rise and four-year enrollment reaching record levels, these collaborative efforts are creating more opportunities for students to pursue higher education and succeed right here at home.”

The class of 2024 also had the highest number of completers in the last five years to earn a score of three or better on an Advanced Placement exam to 18%, and the most completers of Dual Credit classes, which increased 3 percentage points from last year (24% to 27%). Additionally, there was a 3% increase from 2023 of students who entered UH after completing college-level credits through Dual Credit in high school for English and math.

Graduates who earned the Seal of Biliteracy (students who have demonstrated a high level of proficiency in both of the state’s two official languages, English and Hawaiian; or either of the two languages and at least one additional language, including American Sign Language, by high school graduation) increased to 557 to 598 from the class of 2023, and CTE (career and technical education) honors also increased from 21% to 22%. The top three CTE programs completed by concentrators for the class of 2024 were hospitality, tourism, and recreation (23%); cultural arts, media and entertainment (20%); and health services (17%), all of which are integral areas of �鶹��ý’s economy.

“Although college-going data from the class of 2024 demonstrates a turnaround from previous years, there are reasons for concern with academic readiness, especially in math,” said Stephen Schatz, executive director of �鶹��ý P–20. “Math readiness is key across various industries, whether students aspire to be doctors, welders, auto mechanics, nurses, or teachers.”

UH degrees significant return on investment

In a study that evaluated the workforce earnings of UH graduates who earned two- and four-year degrees, the found that nine years after completing a college degree, students who received Pell grants earned wages similar to their non-economically disadvantaged peers, mitigating the effects of intergenerational poverty. Throughout their lifetimes, a college degree holder earns a 27% higher income, or $2.8 million more in wages for a bachelor’s degree and $2.7 million more, or a 22% higher income, for an associate of science and associate of applied science degree, when compared to students who stopped out and did not earn a degree.

As part of the University of �鶹��ý’s plan to address the state’s teacher shortage, almost 60 representatives from education programs across the 10 campuses gathered in October to begin the work of simplifying and streamlining pathways between and among education programs.

“The convening affirmed individuals’ commitment to working towards continuous improvement with a common goal to make transferring and earning degrees smoother and more efficient,” said Cecily Ornelles, UH Mānoa College of Education associate dean.

Improved transfer, online access

Pathway alignment ensures that high school graduates can begin their education at any UH campus and later transfer their credits across the system to complete their teacher preparation program in a timely manner. Another priority is to expand online access for students on all islands to provide equitable opportunities for program completion. Streamlined pathways are also designed to serve emergency hire teachers, educational assistants, and other school employees who wish to become certified and licensed teachers.

Convening attendees also formed five cross-campus working groups, which will meet regularly throughout the academic year to address issues related to early childhood education, elementary education, secondary and special education, pathways and roadblocks, and recruitment. Participants will reconvene in February 2025 to report back on proposed solutions for each identified issue and to discuss and finalize action plans for implementation.

“The relationship between UH and K–12 education is a uniquely symbiotic one, and, along with our healthcare programs, teacher preparation is arguably unrivaled in its importance to our community,” said Alan Rosenfeld, the associate vice president for academic programs and policy and one of the event facilitators. “Seeing our education faculty dedicate their precious time to participate in this convening to tackle the state teacher shortage was truly heartening.”

The education convenings represent one way UH is working to fill critical workforce needs across the state. Together with partners in the �鶹��ý Department of Education, �鶹��ý P–20, and the Hawaii Teacher Standards Board, UH is committed to a collaborative process to build an excellent workforce for �鶹��ý’s keiki. Workforce development is one of the UH System �鶹��ý’s four imperatives.

To support local students as they make their post-high school plans, (�鶹��ý P–20) and GEAR UP �鶹��ý have expanded their schedule of college planning events across the state. All events are free and open to all high school students.

Virtual Scholarship Workshops are scheduled for November 7 and November 21 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. They will feature panelists from the University of �鶹��ý System, �鶹��ý Community Foundation and Sallie Mae, who will discuss how �鶹��ý students, regardless of their family income, can access funds to pay for college, in addition to scholarship application and essay writing tips.

The Native Hawaiian Scholarship ʻAha Series begins November 15, at Kapiʻolani Community College, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Additional in-person dates are scheduled in November and December at sites across Oʻahu, as well as Kauaʻi, Molokaʻi, ����Բ�ʻ��, Maui, and �鶹��ý Island. Representatives from various Native Hawaiian scholarship organizations will be present at each event, and attendees will have the chance to win a $500 scholarship.

Beginning January 15, 2025, FAFSA completion webinars are scheduled on Wednesdays through March 12 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Attendees will hear from local financial aid and FAFSA specialists to prepare to complete the form and to answer any questions.

For questions about events, college planning or the FAFSA, email FAFSA@hawaii.edu or contact the FAFSA �鶹��ý Hotline at (808) 842-2540 year-round. All calls and emails will be returned within 24 hours by a local financial aid specialist.

For a complete list of free upcoming events including all Statewide Native Hawaiian Scholarship ʻAha Series dates and to register, .

Beginning in August, (�鶹��ý P–20) and GEAR UP �鶹��ý will launch free workshops statewide to assist with high school students’ postsecondary education planning. All events are free of charge and available to all families regardless of where the student plans to attend college. Workshops will be held both virtually and in person.

Online Financial Aid Workshops will begin August 21, and will be held on Wednesdays, 6–7:30 p.m., through October 2. Attendees will learn how to access more than $150 billion in grants, loans, and other government funding in addition to how to access more than $70 million in scholarships awarded specifically to �鶹��ý students annually.

“Whether a student plans to attend a 2-year or 4-year college, or a trade or vocational school, all are encouraged to attend our Online Financial Aid Workshops to learn about how affordable college can be, and what kind of aid is available to reduce the costs even further,” said Frank Green, financial aid and Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) outreach specialist for �鶹��ý P–20.

Federal Student Aid has announced that the opening of the FAFSA for the 2025–26 award year has been moved from October 1 to December 1. During this time, families should create their personalized FSA ID, which is the required login and the first step to complete the FAFSA, in addition to preparing any additional documentation and financial information necessary to ensure they can complete and submit the FAFSA as early as possible when it becomes available. Families should also monitor deadlines for applications, scholarships and tuition payments for any potential changes.

�鶹��ý P–20 welcomes families to send questions about the college planning process, financial aid, or the FAFSA by emailing FAFSA@hawaii.edu, or call and leave a message with the FAFSA �鶹��ý Hotline at (808) 842-2540.

“Education is an investment in your future and local help is available all year to guide families to make the transition after high school as smooth as possible,” Green said.

For a complete listing of upcoming college planning webinars to include virtual scholarship workshops, visit the .

Despite the challenges that the class of 2023 faced related to the COVID-19 pandemic, recent data shows that �鶹��ý high school students reached the highest marks in recent years while also earning more college credit, multiple language proficiency and Career and Technical Education (CTE) honors.

According to the newly-released , 33% of students from the class of 2023 graduated with honors, the highest in at least five years, and 86% graduated on time, tying the high mark over the past five years.

Additionally, participation in the dual credit program reached all-time highs, with 24% of graduates taking at least one dual credit University of �鶹��ý college class, and 16% earning six or more college credits by graduation. Seventeen percent of graduates earned advanced placement scores of 3 or better, the highest level since the start of the pandemic.

Concerns about college access

The college going rate for the class of 2023 remains flat from the prior year with 51% of the graduates attending college the first fall after high school graduation. Of particular concern is the post-pandemic drop in college access among economically disadvantaged graduates: only 40% of these class of 2023 graduates went to college immediately after high school, down from 44% for the class of 2019.

“While the college going rate to four-year schools is slowly recovering from the pandemic, we are concerned that fewer graduates are going to community college, especially at UH’s seven campuses. UH Community Colleges are affordable on-ramps to four-year universities, and offer two-year and certificate programs that enable graduates to find great jobs right here at home,” said (�鶹��ý P–20) Executive Director Stephen Schatz. “While it’s popular in 2024 to say that college isn’t worth it, that’s just not true. Most jobs in �鶹��ý that pay a life-sustaining wage require more education or training than a high school diploma.”

The class of 2023 had 557 graduates earning the Seal of Biliteracy (students who have demonstrated a high level of proficiency in both of the state’s two official languages, English and Hawaiian; or either of the two languages and at least one additional language, including American Sign Language, by high school graduation), up from 37 graduates in 2017, the first year it was offered.

Completion of CTE programs remained steady with 64% of �鶹��ý State Department of Education (HIDOE) graduates taking at least two courses in a career pathway. The top three class of 2023 career pathways were hospitality, tourism, and recreation (23%); cultural arts, media, and entertainment (21%); and health services (19%).

Produced annually by �鶹��ý P–20, in collaboration with HIDOE and UH, the class of 2023 report details the achievements of 11,538 students across 65 public schools including public charters.

UH degrees significant return on investment

In a study that evaluated the workforce earnings of UH students who earned two- and four-year degrees, the UH Economic Research Organization found that nine years after completing a college degree, students who received Pell grants earned wages similar to their non-economically disadvantaged peers, mitigating the effects of intergenerational poverty. Throughout their lifetimes, a college degree holder earns a 27% higher income, or $2.8 million more in wages for a bachelor’s degree and $2.7 million more, or a 22% higher income, for an Associate of Science and Associate of Applied Science degree, when compared to students who stopped out and did not earn a degree.

“The data is clear that there is significant value to earning a college degree,” said UH President David Lassner. “College graduates, even those who have been economically disadvantaged, enjoy increased earnings over their lifetimes and many other benefits. Higher education is the most effective pathway to break generational poverty and create opportunities for thriving families and communities.”

March 22, 2024 update: �鶹��ý P–20 and GEAR UP �鶹��ý are extending the duration of the FAFSA �鶹��ý Hotline. Beginning March 25, the hotline will be open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. through May 31. By dialing (808) 842-2540 callers will be able to speak directly with counselors and financial aid specialists to assist with any FAFSA questions they may have.

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In response to the delayed release of the 2024–25 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) application, and GEAR UP �鶹��ý are expanding current outreach efforts to further assist families across the state.

A FAFSA Hawaii Hotline will be available March 18–22, 8 a.m.–8 p.m. Callers will be able to speak directly with counselors and financial aid specialists to assist with any questions regarding the FAFSA process at (808) 842-2540.

Additionally, virtual FAFSA submission summary (FSS) review workshops have been scheduled for the evenings of Thursday, March 28, and Thursday, April 4. The FSS review workshops will offer families details on what they can expect in the months following their FAFSA submission, including how to review their FSS and student aid report. .

“With so many uncertainties surrounding the current FAFSA, we want people to know that we are here to help with the process,” said Gus Cobb-Adams, �鶹��ý P–20 college application and transition specialist. “Completing the FAFSA is necessary whether you plan to attend a two-year or a four-year college, and it must be completed each year.”

It is anticipated that the FSS will be available by Federal Student Aid (FSA) and sent directly to students in March. Scholarship providers understand there is a delay in processing the FAFSA form and awarding financial aid funding. Families should confirm with scholarship providers regarding any deadlines for applications in addition to verifying any college tuition deadlines.

�鶹��ý P–20 will continue its virtual FAFSA completion workshops on Wednesday evenings through April to allow families to ask financial aid questions, get individual assistance with creating their FSA ID or work directly with an expert to submit their FAFSA. During these sessions, attendees are placed with a representative to receive individualized feedback. Families may also email FAFSA@hawaii.edu to contact University of �鶹��ý System financial aid officers and FAFSA experts year round.

Additional efforts to reach families statewide include �鶹��ý P–20’s recent collaboration with the Native Hawaiian Education Association (NHEA) for the Native Hawaiian Scholarship ʻAha Series. Nearly 1,000 local families gathered to attend these in-person events across six of the neighboring Hawaiian Islands, which included our state’s most vulnerable and geographically isolated communities. The purpose of the series is to provide students an opportunity to discover scholarships that are available to Native Hawaiians in one place. During each event multiple $500 scholarships were awarded by event co-sponsors and matched by the UH System, in addition to FAFSA and financial aid representatives available on site to ask questions or complete their FSA ID.

For information about upcoming events for high school juniors and seniors, or to register for free upcoming FAFSA workshops or Junior JumpStart financial aid planning webinars starting in April, .

Seventy percent of all jobs in �鶹��ý in 2031 will require postsecondary education beyond high school and 36% will require at least a bachelorʻs degree, according to a . The report demonstrates the important role postsecondary education will play in preparing the workforce of the future, according to Executive Director Stephen Schatz.

“I think there is a misconception now that there are jobs that are great right here in �鶹��ý that you can get right after high school with just a high school diploma and that’s just not the case,” said Schatz. “We’re seeing that you need some kind of training whether that’s an apprenticeship program, whether it’s a degree at a community college or whether it’s a four-year degree—some kind of post-high school training and education is what’s going to get our kids into local jobs.”

Nationally in 2021, about 68% of all jobs required at least some postsecondary education. By 2031, the report projects that 72% of jobs will require postsecondary education or training, and 42% of all jobs will require at least a bachelor’s degree.

“We’ve seen waves of this in the past, but the growing doubt about the value of a college degree is alarming. Couple the influx of infrastructure jobs with politicians on both sides saying people don’t need degrees, and you get a generation of young people who think college isn’t necessary,” Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce Director and lead author Anthony P. Carnevale said. “But our findings show, once again, that postsecondary education and training has become the threshold requirement for access to middle-class status and earnings. It is no longer the preferred pathway to middle-class jobs; it is increasingly the only pathway.”

According to the report, the number of jobs in �鶹��ý will increase from 591,000 in 2021 to 624,000 in 2031, with an average of 72,000 job openings annually, from new jobs and jobs that open for other reasons, most frequently retirement. Of the 72,000 annual job openings, 51,000 will be for workers with postsecondary credentials, 18,000 will be for those with a high school diploma and 3,000 will be for those with less than a high school diploma.

“As the jobs become more competitive, the type of skill sets required becomes more vast and expansive, they do need a more prepared and educated workforce,” said Sherry Menor-McNamara, the Chamber of Commerce Hawaii’s president and CEO. “While some high school graduates will go directly to careers, it’s also important for students to explore the opportunity to go the college route so that they can expose themselves to not only the curriculum but also what a university affords.”

Aligning education to workforce training

There are a number of initiatives underway at UH to prepare the workforce of the future for �鶹��ý. The �鶹��ý P–20 Council—a group composed of education, business, and community leaders– launched “” to ensure that all stakeholders are working together to align the education pipeline with workforce needs.

The UH �鶹��ý 2023–2029 also identifies developing successful students for a better future, meeting �鶹��ý’s workforce needs and diversifying �鶹��ý’s economy through UH innovation and research as top priorities.

“As the sole provider of higher education in the state, the 10-campus UH system, and supporting UH, will be key in preparing the workforce of the future,” said Schatz. “It begins in recognizing the value of post secondary education. It’s not only for the good of our collective state, it’s about the impact higher education can have on an individual as it is, by far, the best way to boost economic mobility.”

UH degrees affordable, significant return on investment

(UHERO) researchers found that lifetime earnings are $2.8 million for bachelor’s degree holders, 27% higher compared to those without a degree, and $2.7 million for Associate of Science (AS) and Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree holders, 22% higher than those without a degree.

UHERO also found that while college tuition has significantly increased nationally over the last 20 years, even after adjusting for inflation, tuition within the UH system has become more affordable over the last decade.

See this UH News story for more on the UHERO report.

, ’s college access program, will offer free statewide virtual FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) completion workshops on Wednesday evenings through April 24. .

“This is a challenging year because the FAFSA application window opened much later than usual on December 31, rather than October 1. We have focused our efforts to ensure families in all communities have as many resources available as possible to successfully complete the FAFSA,” said Angela Jackson, GEAR UP �鶹��ý project director. “We encourage all high school seniors to complete the FAFSA and explore what kind of scholarships and financial aid is available to help you pay for college.”

GEAR UP �鶹��ý strives to provide all students with developmentally appropriate support to help them complete high school and pursue college.

In addition to the FAFSA workshops, GEAR UP �鶹��ý also hosts , including financial aid and scholarship sessions, and advising for counselors.

UH degrees affordable, significant return on investment

A college education from any of UH’s 10 campuses offers a significant return on investment, no matter the degree type, according to a January 2024 UH Economic Research Organization (UHERO) report. UHERO researchers found that lifetime earnings are $2.8 million for bachelor’s degree holders, 27% higher compared to those who left the program without a degree, and $2.7 million for Associate of Science (AS) and Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree holders, 22% higher than compared to those who left without a degree.

UHERO also found that while college tuition has significantly increased nationally over the last 20 years, even after adjusting for inflation, tuition within the UH system has become more affordable over the last decade. In addition, college completion significantly boosts economic mobility for individuals from lower socioeconomic households.

See this UH News story for more on the UHERO report.

The development of “�鶹��ý Graduates for �鶹��ý‘s Future,” earning a $20 million federal grant to boost early education efforts and the expansion of work-based learning across the state are a few of the highlights in the .

is a statewide partnership led by the University of �鶹��ý System, �鶹��ý Executive Office on Early Learning and the �鶹��ý State Department of Education that works to strengthen the education pipeline from early childhood through postsecondary education and training.

is a new goal focused on educational progress that leads to students being able to find good jobs in �鶹��ý, with a concerted effort to align educational programs with workforce needs and economic development. This commitment is displayed both in UH’s newly adopted �鶹��ý and the .

In January 2023, �鶹��ý P–20 was awarded a nearly $20 million federal grant to strengthen the early childhood system by building upon existing federal, state, and local early learning and care investments. This grant will support coordination and collaboration among the state’s existing programs, improve program quality, expand access, invest in workforce and maximize parental engagement in the early childhood mixed delivery system.

�鶹��ý P–20 has provided resources and support for several work-based learning intermediary organizations to expand work-based learning. Each regional intermediary organization increased student participation in job shadowing, mock interviews and internship opportunities. �鶹��ý P–20 aims to expand the program to more schools.

Other highlights:

• The Stay at Home, Grow Your Own Teacher Pathway pilot project was developed to address one of �鶹��ý’s biggest challenges: high teacher vacancy rates especially in the most rural schools, and schools with the highest poverty rates among students.
• There is promising college enrollment data for GEAR UP �鶹��ý and Soar Higher schools. Between 2020 and 2022, college enrollment at schools with transition support programs showed a 3.2% increase in college enrollment compared to a 0.4% decrease at high schools without them.
• In partnership with the , Ke Ala Naʻauao mentors implemented its first onboarding campaign, Finish in a Flash. This campaign aimed to support graduating seniors in completing their enrollment steps to college in early May.

From the abrupt switch to online learning in the fourth quarter of their 10th grade year to returning to in-person instruction in the last quarter of 12th grade, students in �鶹��ý’s public high school class of 2022 experienced unprecedented disruptions to their high school careers. These experiences impacted the recent graduating class’ post-high college enrollment, as reflected in the data in this year’s report. Since 2009, the CCRI has provided information on the academic achievement of public school graduates and how well they have transitioned to college.

College enrollment rates have risen slightly to 51% after dipping to 50% at the start of the pandemic, but the rate for the class of 2022 is still four percentage points lower than pre-pandemic levels. This mirrors a nationwide trend of a slow recovery of college enrollment.

Pandemic impacts and recovery have differed for various student groups. Native Hawaiian students saw the largest declines in college enrollment rates, decreasing from 44% in the class of 2019 to 35% in the class of 2020, and further dropping to 34% in the classes of 2021 and 2022. The statewide on-time high school graduation rates also have dipped from 86% to 85%.

The CCRI also provides valuable insight into how public school graduates have transitioned into college-level coursework at the University of �鶹��ý. For those from the class of 2022 who enrolled at UH (both four-year and community college campuses), 46% had completed a college-level math course in high school or enrolled in college-level math in their first semester, a one percentage point drop from the class of 2021. However, for English, the percentage of students who completed a college-level English course in high school or enrolled in a college-level English course in their first semester dropped six percentage points to 59%, its lowest level since 2016.

“The class of 2022 experienced the brunt of the pandemic, which disproportionately impacted our most vulnerable populations,” said �鶹��ý State Department of Education (DOE) Deputy Superintendent Tammi Oyadomari-Chun. “We pay close attention to trends in CCRI outcomes since the CCRI provides the most consistent data of post-high outcomes of our graduates. The data are used to inform planning and support at the school and state levels as well as our partnership with the UH.”

• Related UH News story: Report shows college enrollment disrupted for �鶹��ý’s class of 2020, March 24, 2021

“The CCRI is an objective view of the performance of the graduated class. The headline of this year’s CCRI is that we are not seeing as many of our students continuing their education after graduation as in the past. What gives us reason for optimism is we have alignment among the DOE, UH and the broader education community to ensure that our students have more opportunities to further their education after high school and find good careers right here at home in �鶹��ý,” said �鶹��ý P–20 Partnerships for Education Executive Director Stephen Schatz.

UH President David Lassner added, “We are excited about the work to build pathways from high school to college and the workforce. Our 10 campuses have great programs for high school graduates, whether they envision becoming teachers, welders, doctors or entrepreneurs. And regardless of the pathway they choose, we want our public school graduates to know that there is a place for them at UH.”

�鶹��ý’s CCRI reports are continuously recognized by national organizations, including the Data Quality Campaign, Achieve and the National Governors Association, as a leading example of collaboration between K–12 and higher education and for providing useful information on college readiness. The and can be found online.

�鶹��ý P–20 Partnerships for Education (�鶹��ý P-20), in partnership with the Executive Office on Early Learning (EOEL), has been awarded a nearly $20 million federal grant to strengthen the early childhood care and education (ECCE) workforce, expand access to early childhood services and create seamless early learning opportunities for children from birth through third grade.

The federal grant is a renewal of the Preschool Development Grant—“Our Keiki, Our ʻOhana, Our Future Project” — originally awarded to the state in 2018. The funding will bring in over $6.6 million a year for three years.

The renewal grant offers �鶹��ý an opportunity to reassess, re-imagine and restart as �鶹��ý emerges and recovers from the pandemic. �鶹��ý envisions a stronger infrastructure for a coordinated effort that addresses equitable access to high-quality programs and services for all children from birth through 5 years old statewide, to support their health, safety and readiness for lifelong learning.

“Supporting our children today helps to ensure a robust future for everyone in �鶹��ý. We are excited to work with the entire early care and education community to make an impact,” said Stephen Schatz, Executive Director of �鶹��ý P–20 Partnerships for Education.

Through the PDG B–5 Renewal grant, �鶹��ý will strive to achieve this vision by:

• conducting a statewide needs assessment to determine the current landscape and the potential impacts of the pandemic;
• developing a strategic plan informed by the new and previous needs assessments to improve the utilization, timeliness, efficiency, and effectiveness of services and strengthen governance for our mixed delivery system;
• connecting families to support and services to meet their needs;
• building on the recommendations of a 2022 workforce compensation study; and
• developing a standardized quality improvement model.

“We look forward to working together to build a strong and comprehensive early childhood system through the ‘Our Keiki, Our ʻOhana, Our Future Project.’ Addressing short- and long-term goals through this grant will ensure that all �鶹��ý keiki have a strong foundation upon which to build their future,” said Yuuko Arikawa-Cross, director of the Executive Office on Early Learning.

�鶹��ý P–20 and EOEL will work closely with the Early Learning Board (ELB) to ensure successful grant implementation over the three-year period. The ELB includes representation from �鶹��ý Departments of Health, Education, Human Services, and the University of �鶹��ý System, as well as non-profit agencies and community partners.

Subgrants will be awarded to public entities to strengthen the early learning system’s infrastructure—including the ECCE workforce — through peer mentoring and apprenticeship programs, and a wage supplement initiative. Subgrants will be also awarded to private entities through a competitive grant process to enhance parent’s knowledge and family engagement; deliver program quality improvement practices (e.g., mental health consultative support services, trauma-informed care workshops, and a shared services model for family childcare home providers); and expand Early Head Start – Family Child Care partnership programs to increase access and availability of infant and toddler care. Requests for Proposals will be solicited during spring 2023.

The federal PDG B–5 program is a competitive grant designed to improve states’ early childhood systems by building upon existing federal, state, and local early care and learning investments. The program was established in 2015 through the bipartisan Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), which reauthorized the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA). While funding for these programs is appropriated to the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), these programs are jointly administered by HHS and the U.S. Department of Education (ED).

will be hosting a series of webinars to help thousands of island families prepare for college as part of the National GEAR UP Week 2022, starting September 26.

GEAR UP �鶹��ý has successfully helped tens of thousands of �鶹��ý’s low-income middle and high school students to enter and succeed in higher education for more than 20 years.

GEAR UP is funded by the and administered in �鶹��ý by UH through . Since its inception in 1999, GEAR UP has improved educational outcomes for millions of low-income students across the U.S.

To commemorate the week, several webinars will be held:

• Monday, September 26—College Planning 101
• Tuesday, September 27—Difference between 2-year colleges and 4-year universities
• Wednesday, September 28—How to Pay for College
• Thursday, September 29—Finding Scholarships

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Each year, GEAR UP �鶹��ý serves more than 10,000 low-income students statewide in grades seven through 12 and through their first year in college at UH campuses. Through a partnership with the and the UH System, as well as, government, nonprofit and private sectors, GEAR UP �鶹��ýprovides information, encouragement, support, resources and services to help eliminate achievement gaps among groups traditionally underrepresented in higher education.

“National GEAR UP Week is a time to highlight the accomplishments of our program, as well as provide additional support for students and families,” said Angela Jackson, GEAR UP program director and associate director of �鶹��ý P-20 Partnerships for Education. “To be part of a national effort which inspires hopes and dreams that college is possible is something worth celebrating.”

A free program is making it easier for graduating seniors in �鶹��ý to take the “next steps” to a college education. For a third consecutive summer, Partnerships for Education, together with the and community partners, are providing graduating seniors and families free advising and counseling services to support students’ transition towards a promising path forward through .

“The Next Steps to Your Future program started as an emergency intervention to the pandemic, and this year, we will continue to help students with their transitions to college and career. We need to collectively work on supporting the transition between high school and students’ next steps, as we have learned that it’s an important but often missing piece of support,” said Stephen Schatz, executive director of �鶹��ý P–20.

• Related UH News stories:
  • , September 4, 2020
  • $2M scholarship fund to benefit Next Steps students, May 26, 2020

Every student who opts into the Next Steps to Your Future program will be connected to a professional virtual advisor. Advisors will provide customized one-on-one support to all students who plan to enroll in college, enter the workforce, enlist in the military, or who may still be undecided. Personalized advising support for the eight-week summer will consist of virtual advising appointments, mobile texting and access to on-demand resources.

To sign up for the Next Steps To Your Future, go to or text “nextsteps” to (808) 400-9725 by May 31, 2022.

Free UH Community College classes

Eligible Next Steps students who previously took early college classes in high school, will also have the opportunity to enroll in a free online six-week summer class (July 5–August 15, 2022) through the UH Community Colleges’ Momentum program. The Momentum program seeks to build upon high school graduates’ early college experiences by providing them support over the summer so they will successfully enroll at a UH Community College campus in the fall. Sign ups for these classes will begin in early April.

Next Steps Class of 2022 participants will also be eligible for a Next Steps Scholarship to attend a UH campus in fall 2022. For more information about the Next Steps Scholarship, email gouhcc@hawaii.edu.

More on Next Steps

The program launched in summer 2020 in response to the COVID-19 pandemic with a vision to provide the class of 2020 graduates with the advising and support to plan for their futures. Since then, nearly 2,700 students participated in the Next Steps virtual advising services and more than 1,600 students completed a UH Community College Next Steps course.

In addition, more than 1,000 students were awarded scholarships totaling more than $2.8 million with support from �鶹��ý Community Foundation, First Hawaiian Bank Foundation, Kamehameha Schools, Chenter Foundation, Central Pacific Bank Foundation, UH Alumni Association and other UH Foundation donors. The Next Steps to Your Future 2022 program and scholarships are generously funded with support from GEAR UP �鶹��ý, federal CARES funding awarded to UH, Kamehameha Schools and Central Pacific Bank Foundation.

For more information on Next Steps, please contact nextstep@hawaii.edu.

Maui high school students gained access and support to attend college thanks to a $50,000 grant to the for the program in 2021.

Central Pacific Bank Foundation (CPB Foundation) has contributed two grants totaling $100,000 to support education in Maui County—$50,000 each to the Center for Tomorrow’s Leaders (CTL) and UH Foundation. Both grants are exclusively in support of Maui County high school and college students.

Next Steps

Building on Next Steps to Your Future 2020’s success, the 2021 initiative served more than 1,000 graduating �鶹��ý public high school seniors statewide this past summer, targeting those who were undecided about their post-high school plans. The initiative connected these students to postsecondary education, training and/or employment through:

• �鶹��ý P–20 Summer Advising Initiative: Connected graduating high school seniors with Next Steps Advisors to provide customized advising and “nudges” to help them make informed decisions and take actionable steps towards achieving their post-high plans.
• UH Community Colleges Summer Career Exploration Classes: Supported students’ transition with career-themed classes to explore career options and discover the education and training needed to reach their goals. Classes also prepared students to complete a math placement test and onboarded students to complete fall semester registration.

“�鶹��ý needs all of our high school graduates to understand that continuing their education is not only possible but is the best way they can achieve their potential, especially as we recover from this devastating pandemic,” said UH President David Lassner. “This generous grant from the CPB Foundation has helped us offer every graduating Maui County public high school senior with the impetus and support they need, including $500 scholarships for each participating student, to set each of them on a path to a more positive future for themselves, their families and their communities through higher education.”

Center for Tomorrow’s Leaders

CTL is building a pipeline to engage, equip and empower young leaders in �鶹��ý. Leadership development programs are being embedded within the school day at Maui County public high schools, starting with Maui High School. A diverse group of students are learning the essentials of leadership and communication, and will design and implement projects that make a difference in their school. After this year, CTL will continue to provide opportunities for multi-year leadership growth, even post-high school.

“We are pleased to support these two organizations with the common goal of developing our future young leaders on Maui,” said Catherine Shimizu, assistant vice president of CPB’s Maui commercial banking center. “We are hoping that coordination between CTL and UH will foster even stronger results for Maui’s high school students.”