Hawaii Community College had about 300 visitors to its Manono campus on Saturday as potential students learn about the school’s degree programs, Hawaii Island job opportunities and the resources available for those pursuing higher education.
Hawaii Community College Day is an annual event where job seekers can connect with businesses and organizations looking to fill positions and potential students can learn more about HCC’s degree programs.
HCC offers 26 associate degree and certificate programs that prepare students to succeed in the workforce right after high school graduation or continue their studies at a four-year college or university.
This year featured the introduction of the marine option program, HCC’s newest certification that will be available this fall. The program is designed to assist students interested in educational and career aspirations involving anything about the ocean.
“This is a statewide program through the University of Hawaii system, but I think we’re the last campus to get it,” said biology and natural sciences professor Jennifer Sims. “Living in Hawaii, we need more marine science classes and so many students are interested in getting involved.”
The certification can be added to any degree program at HCC and is a way to gain exposure to marine science before students decide on furthering their education at a four-year college.
“This is an accessible program and is great for students because they can get their degree started here for a quarter of the price,” Sims said. “They could then decide to pursue marine sciences at any UH school, and their credits will automatically and easily transfer.”
An exhibit was set up outside with many physical examples of what students may be learning through the marine option program, including a live starfish.
Students from HCC’s agriculture and culinary programs set up next to the marine booth as they demonstrated some of their skills and discussed their programs. Attendees could eat meals made by culinary students and take home plant starters with advice from agriculture students.
Nathaniel Hara has finished his first year in the agriculture program and spoke with interested students about different skills he’s learned through his experience while giving out small hydroponic systems and plant samples.
“The first year has been really awesome. We learn things hands on and our professor, Lew Nakamura, is a hardworking role model. He exposes us to resources and works alongside us,” Hara said. “I joined the program so I can help develop my dad’s small business and make it profitable. I would love to teach people how to farm and encourage homestead farming.”
The majority of the degree programs were inside the cafeteria, along with 16 Hawaii Island businesses and organizations that shared what kind requirements are needed in their line of work.
According to its website, HCC focuses on community work-based learning, the utilization of technology, the perpetuation of Hawaiian culture and caring for the environment, all while keeping curriculum and requirements current and relevant.
While HCC is open to learners of all ages, the majority of visitors to the Manono campus were high school students and their parents.
“Even if they haven’t made any decisions yet, I think it’s so important that students are exposed to the opportunities from higher education,” Sims said. “I just talked with a high schooler that knew he was interested in science, but did not have anything particular in mind. He was very interested in marine sciences, so this is great exposure for him.”
For more information on HCC and it’s programs, visit hawaii.hawaii.edu.