Honolulu, HAWAII — Hawaii Job Corps, the nation's largest free residential career training and education program for low-income young adults ages 16 through 24, reaffirms its commitment to empowering the youth of American Samoa by enhancing its partnership with the American Samoan Government.

The milestone was celebrated on August 1, 2023, with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) by Gov Lemanu P. S. Mauga at the Hawaii Job Corps campus in Waimanalo, Hawaii.

For decades, Hawaii Job Corps has played a pivotal role in providing top-notch education and career training opportunities to the young people of American Samoa. The MOU signing marks a significant step forward in furthering this vital collaboration, leading to even greater support and assistance for the youth in their pursuit of bright futures.

"We are thrilled to strengthen our existing partnership with the American Samoan Government," stated Julie Dugan, Business Community & Outreach Manager of Hawaii Job Corps. "This Memorandum of Understanding will pave the way for serving more youth in American Samoa, enabling them to access the transformative benefits of our free training and education programs," she said.

Gov Lemanu expressed enthusiasm for the strengthened partnership, stating, "The MOU represents an important milestone in our collaborative efforts to empower the youth of American Samoa. We are grateful for the invaluable support and opportunities that Hawaii Job Corps offers to our young adults, enabling them to chart a promising career path."

Witnessing the signing of the MOU was Hawaii Job Corps Deputy Director Michael Carrel, Outreach Manager Dugan, Staff members: Tuiteleapaga Tamafaiga, Faafetai Iese, Lucy Vaimaona, and Lynn Taamilo and Samoan students currently in the program. Governor Lemanu’s delegation included Chief of Staff Loa Tuimavave Tauapai Laupola and ASG Hawaii Office Director Tuiafono Vai Sua.

Looking ahead, Lemanu said plans to establish a recruiting office in American Samoa are in the works. This step aims to streamline the enrollment process, ensuring that interested youth can access the program's benefits with ease and convenience.

Hawaii Job Corps operates two campuses — Waimanalo and Maui, offering a diverse range of career training opportunities. From culinary arts, automotive, security and protective services, pharmacy technician, C.N.A, office administration, painting, building construction technology, to landscaping — the programs cater to a wide array of interests and passions.

For those seeking a new career, completing their high school diploma, or exploring diverse opportunities, Hawaii Job Corps offers free training to jump-start their future. With added plans for a recruiting office in American Samoa, the organization is set to expand its reach and impact, with the goal of a brighter tomorrow for the youth of the territory.