Hawaiʻi Job Challenge Academy to close in Hilo after June graduation

The Hawai‘i National Guard is closing the Hawai‘i Job Challenge Academy in Hilo due to federal budget cuts.

When the final Hawai‘i Youth Challenge Academy class ended in June 2024, the program transitioned into the Hawai‘i Job Challenge Academy, which started in July 2024.

The 5 1/2-month program was designed to provide participants with more training and preparation to become productive citizens in their communities. It allowed graduates from the Hawai‘i Youth Challenge Academy on Oʻahu a chance to choose and work toward a state or nationally recognized certification or credential.

“It was not our choice to close the Hawai‘i Job Challenge Academy,” said Hawai‘i Adjutant General, Maj. Gen. Stephen F. Logan. “With the success that we have had with the YCA, we were looking forward to providing additional opportunities to Hawai‘i’s youth. We will work with our staff and the upcoming JCA graduates to ensure a smooth transition.”

In two years, the Job Challenge Academy had four classes that provided 56 young adults with hands-on training, professional development, and certificates to help build their long-term success.

The program will end after the current class graduation on Monday, June 22.

“We extend our sincere gratitude to the staff, partners, and participants whose dedication and commitment have made a meaningful and lasting impact on the lives of the youth served by this program,” said Retired Brig. Gen. Bruce E. Oliveira, the director of Nā Kula Alakaʻi (Civilian Military Programs).

According to Oliveira, the department is developing a proposal for Gov. Josh Green and the state legislature to establish a different state-funded program in Hilo that would provide services comparable to those previously offered by the Job Challenge Academy.

Until that new program is established, there are plans for the Job Challenge Academy facility at the Keaukaha Military Reservation.

“The Job Challenge Academy’s Hilo facility will be repurposed for another Hawai‘i Island National Guard program called STARBASE Academy,” Oliveira said. “The STARBASE Academy was established in 2008 and serves the Keaʻau community under the Hawai‘i National Guard Civilian Military Program.”

STARBASE exposes youth on the Island of Hawai‘i to science, technology, engineering, and mathematics learning environments, as well as positive civilian and military role models found on active-duty, Guard, and Reserve installations.

Through hands-on instruction and experiential learning aligned with national standards, the program fosters collaboration, community engagement, and mutual trust.