Students say iCAN to college and career readiness

Honolulu CC will graduate 10 students with national career readiness certificates

Honolulu Community College
Contact:
Billie K T Lueder, (808) 845-9187
Director of Communications & External Affairs, Chancellor's Office
Posted: May 1, 2015

iCAN students touring various programs at Honolulu CC.
iCAN students touring various programs at Honolulu CC.

Honolulu Community College will graduate its first iCAN class of 10 students on May 7, 2015. They will be awarded National Career Readiness Certificates (NCRC).  

Honolulu Community College iCAN Graduation

May 7, 2015
Student presentations begin at 9.00am and the Certificates will be presented at 11.00am.
Building 3 (Kokea side of the campus)

The students completed a series of Individualized Career Achievement Network (iCAN) workshops to improve their reading, writing, math and workplace skills. The National Career Readiness Certificate has been recognized as the most effective strategy for certifying workplace skills and predicting workplace success.  Over one million certificates have been issued and more than 40 states have statewide or regional certificate programs.

“Many of the students had low employment prospects before this class. Their English and math skills needed to be improved and most of them were lacking the confidence to pursue their goals,” shares Steven Auerbach, Director of Continuing Education at Honolulu Community College.

One student in particular, Robert Hartman Jr., always felt embarrassed by the difficulties he had in school but since attending iCAN regularly he says he has found so many reasons to keep trying.

“I have a strong desire to go to college. As long as I get to wake up every day I need to do my  best and be productive. You’re never too old to learn,” Robert explains.  He plans to pursue a college degree in aircraft or diesel mechanics. He credits the iCAN course instructor, counselor, and students for helping him to realize his importance and his responsibility in our community.

He also glows with pride when he speaks of his sons calling to check on his progress and to give him support through this class. Robert says, “It is not going to end here.”

The next iCAN class begins on May 18th and registration is ongoing. Contact Honolulu Community College Office of Continuing Education at (808) 845-9296, or by email at honcet@hawaii.edu.

C3T Hawai'i is a $24.6 million dollar grant awarded to the University of Hawai‘i Community Colleges through the U.S. Department of Labor Employment and Training Administration.  The grant will fuel the development of education and training curriculum and student academic/career coaching, which targets certificate and degree programs specific to the needs of agriculture, energy and health industries.  These industry-focused, employer-driven programs are designed to increase college completion rates and provide job opportunities to the C3T participants.