Hawaiʻi Community College

Hawaiʻi Community College. It is a public community college and a member of the University of Hawaiʻi System. The institution provides accessible higher education and workforce training primarily for the residents of Hawaii Island. Its programs are closely aligned with the economic and cultural needs of the Hawaiian Islands.

History

The institution traces its origins to the establishment of the Hilo Boarding School and later vocational training programs in the early 20th century. It was formally organized in 1941 as the Hilo Vocational School, focusing on trades essential to the local economy. Following the Second World War, it evolved under the territorial government's efforts to expand post-secondary education. In 1965, it was officially integrated into the newly formed University of Hawaiʻi System and renamed, becoming a cornerstone of the state's community college network. Subsequent decades saw expansion of its curriculum beyond traditional trades to include liberal arts and STEM fields, responding to shifts in the Hawaiian economy.

Academics

The college offers a comprehensive range of associate degrees, certificate programs, and academic transfer pathways. Career and technical education is a central focus, with strong programs in nursing, automotive technology, construction technology, culinary arts, and administration of justice. The University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo and University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa are primary partners for students pursuing bachelor's degrees. Unique programs often reflect island industries, including studies in tropical forest ecosystem management and Hawaiian studies. The college is accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.

Campuses and locations

The primary campus is located in Hilo, the county seat of Hawaii County, Hawaii. This main site houses most academic divisions, the library, and student services. A significant West Hawaiʻi branch, the University of Hawaiʻi Center in Kona, operates in Kealakekua to serve the Kona District population. Additional instructional sites and facilities are situated in Honokaʻa and Pāhoa, extending educational access to rural communities. These locations facilitate the college's mission across the diverse regions of Hawaii Island.

Student life

Student activities are coordinated through the associated students organization and various clubs, which include cultural groups like the Hawaiian Leadership Development program. The college competes in intercollegiate athletics within the National Junior College Athletic Association, though its athletic offerings are limited. Campus events often celebrate local culture, connecting to festivals like the Merrie Monarch Festival. Support services include tutoring, counseling, and a Veterans Affairs office. The student body is predominantly from Hawaii Island, with a significant representation of Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders.

Notable people

Notable alumni include Brian Schatz, the senior United States Senator from Hawaii. Educator and author Malia Kawaihoʻa Arakawa is also a graduate. The college has been attended by several influential local figures in Hawaiian politics and community leadership, such as former Hawaii County Council members. Faculty have included experts in Hawaiian language revitalization and specialists in volcanology due to the institution's proximity to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.

Category:University of Hawaiʻi System Category:Community colleges in Hawaii Category:Educational institutions established in 1941 Category:Hilo, Hawaii