by Jari Sugano
In line with CTAHR’s grand challenge to advance workforce and economic development, Extensionʻs Urban Garden Center is proud to partner with Waipahu High School and its ʻOhana of Excellence Academy (OEA), a pilot program funded by the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations (DLIR).
When Oʻahu County Extension Agents learned that Waipahu H.S. students were interested in receiving training in landscape and garden maintenance, we responded by designing a program that addressed specific and individualized workforce development needs. In addition, we are working to expose the students to broader career and college opportunities. This partnership supports the strategic goals of the Hawaiʻi state Department of Education (DOE) and our college’s evolving strategic mission.
To date, two student interns have learned how to: operate gas-powered weed trimmers, blowers, and string trimmers; use battery-operated mower and blowers; install weed mat barriers; plant various crops such as ʻulu; harvest seasonal fruit using a fruit picker; install irrigation; secure a weather station in a permanent location; harvest and wash lettuce for the chefs at Kapiʻolani Community College and pack local produce for the Hawaiʻi Food Bank. The interns have also experienced job interviews, worker orientations, and safety trainings prior to doing actual work with CTAHR ag technicians and Extension agents such as Christine Hanakawa and Alberto Ricordi.
“Our students were presented with certificates to validate their immersive work and contributions to lifelong serving,” says Ken Kajihara of Waipahu H.S. “After they graduate, we are hopeful that funding can be secured to make this pilot program a permanent one.”
We’re very excited about this new partnership with Waipahu H.S. and the state DOE and DLIR. The long-term goal is to support graduates in securing long-term jobs in the field of agriculture to ultimately support the advancement of Hawaiʻi’s landscape, crop production, nursery and/or greenhouse industries.
This summer, students from seven different high schools have volunteered their time working in Oʻahu County. Current students and returning graduates have helped to lay weed mat, plant edible crops, paint raised beds, set up hydroponic benches, and advance coffee beery borer and leaf blight suppression while working side-by-side with CTAHR researchers, ag technicians, and professors. It’s a win-win situation for all.
Read more about the ʻOhana of Excellence program at Waipahu H.S.