Workforce development event connects local students with career opportunities

Over 160 Hawaiʻi Island students engaged with industry leaders and explored opportunities for career development and growth in the hospitality industry during an event in Hilo on Tuesday.

ClimbHI seeks to inspire students to finish high school and proceed to post-secondary education or employment by educating them about future career paths and the process necessary to achieve those goals.

This year, the 13th annual Leadership, Exploration, Inspiration (LEI) event partnered with Castle Hilo Hawaiian, the Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority and the Hawaiʻi Department of Education to reach out to youth about careers in the Hawaiʻi hospitality industry.

Students attended the 13th annual Leadership, Exploration, Inspiration program at the Hilo Hawaiian Hotel on April 29, 2025. (Courtesy of ClimbHI)

The event also included an exposure fair, which offered select businesses and organizations the ability to present to students in short “speed-dating” style segments.

“LEI is one of the key stepping stones from exposure to careers all the way through to the hiring process, allowing students to achieve their dreams and helping local businesses with workforce development,” said ClimbHI President Julie Morikawa.

After establishing connections with businesses and organizations through LEI, students can use the ClimbHI Bridge network, a free online portal, to maintain those connections and participate in workforce development opportunities.

To participate and learn more about LEI events, email info@climbhi.org, or visit the ClimbHI website.