The Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Hawaiʻi (JCCIH) supported the Hawaiʻi Community College’s Culinary Arts Program through $10,000 presented on April 10. The donation, raised through the annual “A Taste of Hilo” fundraiser, will provide scholarships and other funding for culinary students. This year, 20 students received scholarships through the initiative.
“With heartfelt gratitude, we extend our deepest mahalo to JCCIH for over 25 years of unwavering support,” said Chancellor Susan Kazama. “The scholarship support from JCCIH allows our students to pursue their education with fewer financial barriers and empowers our students to focus on their learning. This partnership fosters future leaders that will serve our Hawaiʻi community for years to come.”
As part of the presentation, JCCIH representatives got a chance to experience the talents of Hawaiʻi CC’s second-year culinary students with lunch at the college’s Bamboo Hale restaurant.
“When I started college, I was worried about the financial burden on my parents,” said Marielle Acupan, a scholarship recipient. “This scholarship lightened that load and reminded me that others believe in me too.”
Related: Scholarships fuel culinary dreams at Hawaiʻi CC, December 2024
JCCIH has donated more than $200,000 to Hawaiʻi CC over the past 25 years through “A Taste of Hilo,” benefiting students in culinary and other trade programs. Culinary students contribute to the fundraiser each year by preparing and serving food at the event, gaining valuable experience in the process.
“We are deeply honored to continue our longstanding partnership with Hawaiʻi Community College,” said JCCIH President Kaʻiu Kimura. “For more than two decades, the Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Hawaiʻi has been committed to empowering students with the skills and opportunities they need to succeed. Together, we are investing in the future of our community and nurturing the next generation of culinary leaders.”
Find out more about Hawaiʻi CC‘s Culinary Program at hawaii.hawaii.edu/culinary.
