Note: This is part of Advance CTE’s blog series, “Getting to Know…” We are using this series to help our readers learn more about specific states, State CTE Directors, partners and more.

State Name: Hawai’i

State CTE Director: Bernadette Howard, State Director for Career and Technical Education,
University of Hawai’i

About Hawai’i:
Hawai’i’s Career Technical Education (CTE) system is unique in that it is composed of one K-12 system, one postsecondary system and one workforce system. Hawai’i’s K-12 system consists of one local education agency and the University of Hawai’i system is composed of 10 campuses- seven community colleges and three four-year institutions. This straightforward system aids Hawai’i in its efforts to align the secondary system with the postsecondary and workforce systems.

Hawai’i ensures that its secondary system is aligned with its postsecondary and workforce system through the use of CTE programs of study. The high schools and colleges partner together to make sure their programs are aligned. Each programs of study is approved by the appropriate Pathway Advisory Council, which consists of representatives from industry, the postsecondary system, the secondary system and the CTE office.

Funding
Hawai’i divides the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act of 2006 (Perkins IV) funding evenly among the secondary and postsecondary CTE systems. Forty-three high schools and seven college programs receive funding. Hawai’i uses more than 85 percent of its Perkins funding to support local level CTE programs, which is more than the required amount in Perkins IV.

Notable in Hawai’i- Rural Employment Engagement

Hawai’i is looking to connect industry to classroom and increase the overall recognition of CTE. The plan will include piloting the initiative in three middle schools and three high schools on the island of Kauai. Teachers will receive access to technology such as the online platform Nepris, which allows teachers to virtually connect students to industry professionals. This is an expansion from the original pilot when only CTE teachers received access to the platform. Hawai’i wants to ensure students see the variety of career option available versus what is the most popular among their peers, especially for those in the more rural areas.

Notable in Hawai’i- Longitudinal Data System

One of the strengths of Hawai’i’s CTE system is its access to the longitudinal data system, the Hawai’i Data Exchange Partnership, to track learners’ progression and outcomes and to influence policy and programmatic decisions. The Hawai’i Data Exchange Partnership is a statewide, cross-agency data system that links early learning, K-12, postsecondary and labor data. This systems alignment allows Hawai’i to evaluate and improve learner outcomes. Additionally, through this partnership, Hawai’i is hiring a full time staff member at the data exchange to focus solely on CTE data.

Notable in Hawai’i- P-20 Partnerships for Education

Hawai’i has worked to connect career, college, and community through the Hawai’i- P-20 Partnerships for Education initiative. The goal is for 55 percent of Hawai‘i’s working age adults to have a two- or four- year college degree by the year 2025. To help inform this work they have formed the P-20 Advisory Council, a group of 30 leaders from education, business, labor, government and community who all seek to improve educational outcomes by actively and continually providing their support and guidance to the state.

Nicole Howard, Communications Associate and Brianna McCain, Policy Associate