Growing Confidence with Kīʻapu September 2, 2025

With encouragement from her mom, Rayjia joined the Kīʻapu program to build confidence in herself and her future. As a high school senior, Rayjia found the prospect of job searching intimidating and believed few opportunities existed for someone like her.

Her concerns reflect a broader challenge across Hawaiʻi: while 86% of the class of 2024 graduated on time, many students lack consistent career guidance. This gap is critical, as 70% of Hawaiʻi’s job openings by 2031 are projected to require education or training beyond high school.

Our Solution

Through one-on-one mentorship with Niki, a Kīʻapu Workforce Development Specialist, Rayjia built essential skills—crafting her resume and practicing mock interviews. This professional support prepared her for the 2025 Career Expo at the Neal Blaisdell Center.

Kīʻapu provides wraparound support for youth (ages 14-24) in the Leeward/Windward Oʻahu and Molokaʻi communities by establishing a network of collaborative partners to provide career and technical education, workforce development, and positive mentorship.

Witnessing Transformation

At the bustling Career Expo, surrounded by dozens of employers, Rayjia discovered her voice.

“This is not something that I would typically go to, but Niki gave me the opportunity to come here and I’m glad she did. Now I found a really good school that I’m thinking of going to.”

Measurable Impact

Since the beginning of the program, Kīʻapu has served over 340 teens and young adults. Through program initiatives and support from the Kīʻapu staff, 243 youth have submitted job applications. What makes this program unique is the individualized support that each youth has the opportunity to receive by completing Interest/Needs/Career Path assessments and co-developing personalized plans and goals. In total, 572 Interest/Needs/Career Path assessments and 352 personalized plans/goals have been collected. By empowering youth with skills and support while strengthening their sense of belonging, we are cultivating the future economic prosperity for Hawaiʻi’s communities.

Kīʻapu provides a safe space for students to explore career pathways, reconnect with culture, and engage in community service learning. With mentors like Niki, questions transform into possibilities—and possibilities become plans.

If you are a youth (ages 14-24) looking for workforce readiness skills or a community member looking to connect with motivated young individuals who are ready for employment opportunities, contact Kīʻapu today!