Transitional Resources

Graduating from high school and turning 18 is a time of transition from childhood to adulthood. There are decisions to be made, new responsibilities to take on, and opportunities to benefit from if our young people are aware and supported.

 Organizations

committed to helping young people transition into adulthood with purpose, skills, and success.

  • Ola I Ka Hana program. Free education and job services for ages 16-24. Work with a specialist to design a personal plan that might include help with getting your High School Equivalency/GED, job readiness training, career exploration, job placement, personal mentorship, and college preparation. Currently accepting intakes for virtual service.

    Kona Office Phone: (808) 443-5852.

    Website: https://www.higoodwill.org/goodwill-programs/community-services/youth-services/

  • HISET or GED (high school diploma equivalency tests) administration and preparation; work skills classes, general education classes, English Language Acquisition classes; iCAN program to prepare students for transitioning to college/career after high school. Fees currently waived; may need to purchase textbooks.

    Website: https://www.wcsahawaii.org/

    Kona Campus Phone: (808) 313-3032

  • Assists Native Hawaiians. Adult and youth Employment and Training Program to build employment skills, create a plan, get counseling/mentorship, internships/apprenticeships, remedial learning, financial literacy, leadership development, and more; Hana Lima Scholarship Program for vocational/technical education .

    Hilo Office Phone: (808) 961-2625

    Website: https://www.alulike.org/services/ ( note that not all services are available here)

  • Weekly drop-in/drop-out coffee hours where you can ask questions, learn about options, get advice on planning or having conversations with students in your life, and get directed to resources. Click the black banner at the top of our website to join during the following times:

    Tuesday 8-8:30 AM

 Free Tools and Resources

to budget, find opportunities, and plan for the future.

  • Information on federal and state labor laws that apply to young workers of different ages. Useful for youth, their families, and employers.

    Website: https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/youthrules

  • From learning the difference between a savings and checking account to deciding if college is a good investment and how to pay for it, Hawaiʻi Kids CAN is offering FREE online financial literacy courses for ages 11+.

    Website: https://affordcollegehi.com/

    Note: the link to sign up for financial literacy is below the section on affording college.

  • Determine a reasonable living wage for Hawai‘i County for different household compositions.

    Website: https://livingwage.mit.edu/counties/15001

  • Information on many aspects of planning for a first or new career, including information on different fields, job outlook, necessary education, where to get training, and where to get hired. Also compiles economic relief resources and events like job fairs.

    Website: https://www.hawaiiishiring.com/

  • Choose a University of Hawaiʻi program based on the job you want. Also provides information on job growth, income, and demographics of people within the field. You can also check out recommended high school classes you should take to prepare for continued education or entry into a certain field.

    Website: https://uhcc.hawaii.edu/career_explorer/lifestyle2/pathways.php

  • Resources and info to help you decide whether you want to pursue a college education and help you apply. Links to webinars, college fairs, admissions, and financial aid help.

    Website: https://collegeiswithinreachhawaii.com/

  • What you should know and do by certain grade levels to be prepared for success after school whether you choose a college or a direct to career pathway. This guide is helpful for middle school and beyond, but it’s never too late to catch up. You can also look ahead to see what you should be exploring.

    Website: https://www.hawaiip20.org/p-20-initiatives/college-career-pathways/college-career-advising-counseling/cccr-expectations-guide/

  • Search and compare colleges: their fields of study, costs, admissions, results, and more.
    The website also has career exploration resources.

    While many websites focus on ranking and comparing colleges, this official resource focuses on the numbers, particularly the price to attend, how much debt their students have, and salaries for graduates.

    Website: https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/

  • Helpful articles and videos to help prepare to fill out the newly revised FAFSA.

    https://studentaid.gov/apply-for-aid/fafsa/filling-out/help/before-starting