Overview
What does it take for a young person to live, work and thrive at home, in Hawaii? We are far smarter today about the range of jobs that offer a reasonable chance at a good life in our high cost, low wage state. Many – though not all – of these jobs require some education and training after high school. At the Harold K.L. Castle Foundation we spend our time studying regional economies and taking action to help far more young people pursue the right paths towards opportunity.
In search of higher college attainment and better wages, Hawaiʻi has built a coordinated system of college and career pathways over the past decade that span K–12, postsecondary, and employment. This effort has expanded Early College and dual credit, strengthened career technical education and career academies, and broadened access to work-based learning. Postsecondary partners expanded financial access through the Hawaiʻi Promise, ramped up short term training and, more recently, reduced enrollment barriers with Direct2UH.
Workforce agencies have also advanced aligned pathway strategies, sector partnerships, and new apprenticeship options. Together, these efforts all reflect a sustained shift toward a more connected system linking education and work. Our job as a key philanthropic partner to these efforts is to stimulate and nurture innovation, identify and scale promising ideas and help systematize what works.
This updated theory of action sketches out how we envision structuring these investments, from a renewed emphasis on academic learning to youth apprenticeships and employability skills. We are grateful to the countless partners and stakeholders who have shared their accumulated wisdom throughout this journey.
Please join us. We are eager to learn more about you and your work. For more information, please follow our website, on LinkedIn, or by email.
Click here to view listing of grants made in this category.
Youth Voice Hawaiʻi
Youth Voice Hawaiʻi Year 2024 Report
Youth Voice Hawaiʻi Year 2023 Report
Youth Voice Hawaiʻi Year 2023 Executive Summary
Youth Voice Hawaiʻi Year 2021 Report
Request for Proposals
RFP for Post-High School Transition programs. (Closed)
RFP for a Middle Transition Partnership Fund. (Closed)
Incentive Grant to support quality Career Pathways. (Closed)
Competitive RFP for Skilled Trades pathway programs. (Closed)
Competitive RFP for Family Engagement. (Closed)
Competitive RFP to support regional school/business partnerships. (Closed)
Helping Hawaii Students to Obtain Industry Valued Certifications. (Closed)
RFP for intensive academic tutoring. (Closed)