HCAP WEEKLY May 6, 2024

Client Pursues New Career Path in IT Through ECS Support at Central District Center

Greg was referred to HCAP’s Central District Service Center for Tuition assistance by one of HCAP’s Partners; Applied Computer Training & Technology, Inc (ACTT Hawaii). He was interested in attending their A++ Core 1 and 2 classes and becoming certified for COMPTIA A+ (Computing Technology Industry Association qualification for the IT industry).

Central District’s Community Service Specialists (CSS) directed him to HCAP’s Nā Lima Hana Employment Core Services (ECS) program. From there, Greg completed the Intake process, and finished a course in the Job Readiness Training Class. With the help of his CSS, Greg learned how to prepare for interviews and how to budget, prepared a resume, and reviewed how to dress for success.

Greg has been interested in pursuing a career in the Technology field and has always been interested in working with electronics. Through ECS funding, we were able to assist Greg with tuition assistance for him to attend ACTT.

Greg shared a photo of him during one of his courses where he and a partner were completing a hardware exercise. They were tasked to break down and reassemble a PC. At the end of the exercise, the instructor booted up the computer to assess if the assembly was successful.

Greg was able to successfully complete his classes and received his Certificate of Completion, now becoming a Certified COMPTIA A+. Greg is actively pursuing employment to utilize his new skills.

Central District Center is very excited to support Greg in achieving his dream of a career in Information Technology (IT).

Click Here to learn more about Nā Lima Hana Employment Core Services.

HCAP Selects New Hā Initiative Program Manager

HCAP is pleased to announce that Kelly-Rose Lariosa has been named its newest Hā Initiative: Creative STEM After-School Program Manager. The STEM Program Manager is responsible for the overall development, promotion, and implementation of the Hā Initiative: Creative STEM After-School Program. The program focuses on Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math in order to mentor, teach, and encourage students from 2nd to 8th grade to improve their skills, confidence, and interest in the STEM field.

Kelly-Rose has over six years of experience in teaching STEM, most recently as a STEM Program Specialist/Teacher in HCAP’s Hā Initiative program. She also previously served as a STEM Teacher at Hawaii Baptist Academy, as well as a STEM Outreach Educator at Na Wai Ekolu. Kelly-Rose holds a Bachelor of Science in Global Environmental Science from the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa and a Master of Science in Natural Resources and Environmental Management from the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa.

Kelly-Rose shares, “Having the opportunity to develop curriculum in order to cultivate young minds while providing a nurturing and safe environment for students to learn and have fun has always been my goal. As the new STEM Program Manager, I am excited to work diligently with my team to ensure the students in the Ha Initiative: Creative STEM After-School Program thrive in and outside of academia.”

Robert Piper, HCAP Executive Director, states “I am pleased to have Kelly-Rose aboard as HCAP’s Hā Initiative Program Manager. I am excited that we’ll continue to deliver high quality STEM programming to our keiki in the low-income communities that we serve under Kelly-Rose’s capable leadership. We are very fortunate to have her take on a larger role in the program and look forward to seeing her work more closely with all of HCAP’s STEM Exploration Centers.

Click Here to learn more about Hā Initiative.

Kumuhonua Residents Receive Handmade Pillow Donations

The Kalaeloa District Service Center and Kumuhonua Transitional Living Center (KTLC) received a wonderful donation from a student at Hawaii Baptist Academy. The students were working on a community service project that would make a positive impact on Oahu’s homeless community. One student in particular, Hallie, stated how important it is for people to have a great night’s rest regardless of their current living situation. After some thorough thought and hard work, Hallie and some of her friends were able to donate beautiful handmade pillows with uplifting messages for the residents at KTLC.

Not only were some of the residents happy to receive such a thoughtful gift, but talked about how important it made them feel that these students took the time to think about them. The residents shared how they were encouraged by the passages displayed on each of the pillows.

The Kalaeloa District Office was grateful for the opportunity to meet with this young student and to let her know how kind gestures such as this can make such a big difference in the hearts and minds of Kumuhonua residents.

Click Here to learn more about Kumuhonua Transitional Living Center.