The hawaii career and apprenticeship program (HICAP) aims to increase the participation and employment of 200 women and female youth in the state of hawaii in apprenticeable and nontraditional…

The Department of Labor Women's Bureau awarded Keiki 'O Ka 'Aina Preschool, Inc. (doing business as Keiki O Ka 'Aina Family Learning Centers) $722,408 on September 30, 2025, under the Women in Apprenticeship and Nontraditional Occupations (WANTO) Technical Assistance Grant Program (CFDA 17.701) to operate the Hawaii Career and Apprenticeship Program (HICAP).

HICAP targets 200 women and female youth across Hawaii, including high school girls, for enrollment and employment in apprenticeable and nontraditional occupations. The recipient will expand and scale its registered apprenticeship program, deliver comprehensive supportive services including childcare, transportation, stipends, and case management to remove barriers to participation and retention, and provide technical assistance and gender equity training to employers and labor unions. Expected outcomes include increased apprenticeship enrollment and completion, higher employment and wage gains for participating women, and expanded employer adoption of inclusive workplace practices.

Performance of work occurs in Hawaii, with a period of performance extending from the award date through September 30, 2027. This is a Project Grant assistance type.

The hawaii career and apprenticeship program (HICAP) aims to increase the participation and employment of 200 women and female youth in the state of hawaii in apprenticeable and nontraditional occupations (a/NTO). Through this initiative, koka will expand and enhance its registered apprenticeship program, provide comprehensive supportive services, and deliver technical assistance to employers and labor unions to foster inclusive workplaces.key activities include: - program expansion: strengthening and scaling koka?S registered apprenticeship program to prepare women and female youth for high-demand a/NTO careers. - supportive services: offering childcare, transportation, stipends, and case management to remove barriers to participation and retention. - employer engagement: providing technical assistance and gender equity training to employers and unions to create supportive environments for women in a/NTO. The target population includes women and female youth, particularly high school girls, across hawaii. Expected outcomes include increased enrollment and completion of apprenticeship pathways, higher employment and wage gains for women, and expanded employer adoption of inclusive practices. HICAP will ultimately strengthen hawaii?S workforce by preparing women for sustainable careers in nontraditional fields while addressing systemic barriers to entry and advancement.