Planning for life after high school can be challenging. Our “Navigators” are here to guide students through each crucial step to help them achieve their goals after graduation.
Our Vision
We aim to expand and strengthen proactive college and career advising and counseling support services to ensure underrepresented students reach their career goals.
You’ve been invited, Now what?
About the Program
What is the Hawaiʻi College & Career Navigators program?
The Hawaiʻi College & Career Navigators (HCCN) program aims to ensure students from diverse backgrounds successfully transition into a college and career path after high school graduation. Participants of the HCCN program will have access to a University of Hawaiʻi college and career transition advisor, known as a “Navigator.” Each Navigator will provide one-on-one high-quality college and career counseling services to support students’ transition to postsecondary education, training programs, or the workforce.
HCCN Program Services
“70% of all jobs in Hawai’i will require some level of post-secondary education by 2031.”
Students participating in the Hawaiʻi Career & College Navigators Lauhoe program will receive
- Direct support in college planning and exploration.
- Support in job searches, applications, resume writing, and more!
- Personalized guidance to help identify career interests, strengths, and goals.
- Access to a Navigator through virtual and in-person options.
- Help in transitioning smoothly into college, the workforce, or other post-graduation goals.
EXPLORE
Your Navigator can help you…
- Create personal and career goals tailored to your unique aspirations, interests, and values.
- Explore all post-high school options, including colleges, vocational schools, apprenticeships, and job opportunities, to find what aligns best with your needs and lifestyle.
- Understand your interests, values, and strengths to match them with potential career paths.
- Develop a personalized action plan to achieve your career goals, including resume building, interview preparation, and networking strategies.
- Access resources and tools for career assessments and skill development.
- And so much more.
ENROLL
Your Navigator can help you…
- Explore colleges, vocational programs, or workforce training opportunities that align with your interests and skills.
- Apply to colleges or other training programs.
- Fulfill your required college onboarding steps.
- Write personal statements, complete applications, and meet deadlines.
- Apply for financial aid, including the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), scholarships, and grants.
- Connect with student programs, scholarships, and support services.
- And so much more.
EMPLOY
Your Navigator can help you…
- Connect to free training and certifications in Hawai’i.
- Apply to jobs and search for work-based learning opportunities.
- Connect with resources and workshops that support resume writing, interview preparation, and job search strategies.
- And so much more.
ENLIST
Your Navigator can help you…
- Understand all military options and branches.
- Explore military opportunities such as careers, colleges and academies.
- Connect you with local military recruiters and/or resources.
Contact Us
Program Email: hccnp20@hawaii.edu
Contact your high school Navigator with any questions you may have about your school’s program.
Navigators
HCCN Team Members
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What can I expect by participating in this program?
Participating students can expect that their assigned Navigator will support them in the following areas:
- College & Career Exploration: Support students in the planning and preparation process for college and career goal setting related to their personal interests, aspirations and values.
- College Counseling: Offer direct assistance with college applications, financial aid applications, college essays, and navigating the enrollment or onboarding process once admitted.
- Career/Workforce Advising: Provide assistance in exploring career options tailored to students’ specific interests and strengths. Assist in resume building, mock interviews, and applications to workforce training programs post-graduation.
- Military Guidance: Provide advising across various military opportunities including military branches, jobs, and colleges.
Students can expect Navigators to provide support related to their journey toward higher education and career development, and facilitate communication with their high school counselor regarding their progress and goals.
Why is this program being offered?
To address the need for enhanced college and career counseling and advising services in Hawai’i, Hawai‘i P-20 Partnerships for Education is piloting the Hawai‘i College and Career Navigator (HCCN) program from 2024 through 2027. The HCCN program will provide one-on-one high-quality college and career advising services to 1200-1500 students per academic school year and through the summer. The program aims to facilitate students’ smooth transition into postsecondary education, training programs, or the workforce.
What are the benefits of participating in the HCCN Program?
Participating in the HCCN Program provides your student with personalized guidance and support from a dedicated Navigator. Our Navigators work closely with students to help them achieve their post-graduation goals, whether they plan to enroll in college, join the workforce, enter the military, or explore various career and interest options. Additionally, by increasing preparedness through targeted skill development and resources, our program ensures that students are well-equipped to handle the challenges they may face in their future endeavors.
For a detailed list of services offered by our Navigators, please refer to the “HCCN Program Services” section. If you have any questions, feel free to contact your student’s high school Navigator.
What do I need to do to allow my child to participate?
Students who meet the program criteria will receive a formal invitation to participate in HCCN. Interested parents/students will then need to review and complete the Parent/Student Participation Form. *Please do not complete this form, if you have not received a Welcome Letter.
How are students invited and selected to participate in the HCCN Program?
Invitations and selections may vary by school. The Navigators work in collaboration with the high school counselor to build a cohort of students based on certain criteria. Once students are invited to participate, they will need parent/guardian consent in order to receive services.
My student didn’t get an invite but we would like to participate.
Are Navigators supporting all students within a HIDOE High School?
Currently, Navigators are not serving all students within a high school. The pilot program is focused on serving a cohorted group of HIDOE High School juniors and seniors at each high school.
If I plan to leave Hawaiʻi for college or a job, can Navigators support me with this?
Yes! Navigators will be able to provide support in any student’s chosen pathway and help with connecting to resources and opportunities both within and outside of Hawai’i. They can assist with college applications, job searches, and connecting students with relevant contacts and networks in their desired location.
What if my school is not participating in this program?
This program is still in the pilot phase of its implementation and we hope that in time and with success at the schools that we are currently serving, we are able to sustain our efforts and offer this support to all HIDOE High Schools that would benefit from our program.
Are there any risks associated with this HCCN Program?
There are minimal risks associated with our program. While our student program is designed to provide comprehensive support and resources to students, here are things to be aware of:
- Confidentiality:
As with any program involving personal information, we are ensuring that your student data is handled securely and confidentially. By participating in this program, students have the option to self-report certain information to the Navigator, including application submissions, completed post-secondary onboarding tasks, personality or career test results, student resume, and self-reported GPA and placement testing results.
- Communication: Students (and families) are able to communicate and schedule in-person and virtual meetings using various technology platforms. This includes our texting platform, Message, and Zoom/Google platforms.
- Program Fit: The program may not suit every student’s needs or learning style. Students can opt-out of the HCCN program at anytime with no penalty.
We strive to minimize any risks through continuous support and feedback mechanisms. If you have any concerns, our team is here to address them and ensure a positive experience.
What if I decide not to continue participating in this program?
The program may not suit every student’s needs or learning style. HCCN is a pilot program and our goal is to expand our services to more HIDOE high schools after 2027. .
How long will I have these services?
Participating students in the HCCN program can expect to receive direct services from their Navigator from high school and throughout their first year after high school graduation.
Are the services FREE? or Is there a cost to participate?
YES! There is no cost associated with participating in the HCCN Program.
Who can I contact if I have questions?
You can contact us by emailing hccnp20@hawaii.edu