Hawaii Job Challenge Academy

During the Hawaiʻi Job Challenge Academy Class 04 Graduation Ceremony, associates, community partners and staff members were also recognized for their leadership, dedication, positive attitude and outstanding contributions throughout the program.

Special recognitions included:
• Lōkahi Award – Aunty Julie Del Bono and Uncle Donny Cortez of Hawaiʻi Island Adult Care Facilities
• Hawaiʻi Youth Challenge Foundation Scholarship Recipients – G. Nakihei, C. Keller and G. Feliciano

Job Challenge Academy award recipients included:
• Most Improved Associate – L. Foster
• Associate of the Cycle – R. Tisa
• The Adjutant General Leadership Award – K. Peahi
• Governor’s Distinguished Associate Award – A. Keahi

A special retirement recognition was also presented to N. Wong for her 16 years of dedicated service as a cadre. Ma’am Wong has served with the Hawaiʻi National Guard Youth Challenge Academy since Class 01 in 2010 through Hawaiʻi Job Challenge Academy Class 04. Her years of commitment, mentorship and service have made a lasting impact on countless associates, cadets, and staff throughout the academy.

On Friday, May 22, 2026, the Hawaiʻi Job Challenge Academy hosted its final graduation ceremony, honoring nineteen associates from Class 04 for their hard work, perseverance and commitment to personal and professional growth throughout the past four months. During their time in the program, associates explored a variety of career pathways aligned with their individual goals and interests. Seven associates completed the construction pathway, while others completed pathways in barbering, plumbing, information technology, electrical work, automotive, towing, photography and permanent makeup/body sculpting. In addition, three associates earned forklift certification as part of their secondary pathway training. All graduates earned their OSHA 10 certification in addition to certifications within their respective career pathways.

Four associates also earned their Hawaiʻi State High School Equivalency (HiSET) diploma, marking a significant educational achievement during their time in the academy.

The mission of the Job Challenge Academy is to provide recent graduates of the Youth Challenge Academy with focused career and technical training, enabling them to gain industry-recognized certifications and secure employment by equipping them with the necessary job skills and pathways toward stable careers and successful futures.

The graduation ceremony celebrated the fourth and final class of the Hawaiʻi National Guard Job Challenge Academy Hilo campus — a class marked by determination, resilience and purpose. Over the past four months, these young men and women faced challenges head-on, uplifted one another and grew beyond the limits they once saw for themselves.

Congratulations to the Hawaiʻi Job Challenge Academy Class 04 graduates. Your dedication, perseverance and commitment have earned this moment, and your accomplishments reflect the bright futures that lie ahead.

Our final huakaʻi to Waipiʻo was a powerful reminder of the importance of connection—to the land, to culture, and to each other.

Beyond the work, this day was about growth, reflection, and carrying forward the kuleana we’ve been entrusted with.

Mahalo to the Kahakalau ʻohana for your guidance, generosity, and for allowing us to be a part of something so meaningful.

🤍

Our associates had the valuable opportunity to visit our local county leadership, where they engaged with Hawai’i Mayor, Kimo Alameda, and department directors to better understand how county government operates.

Leaders shared about the roles and responsibilities of their respective boards and departments, offering a behind-the-scenes look at how decisions are made, how services are managed, and why systems are structured the way they are.

Our associates asked thoughtful questions—what inspired them to pursue public service, what challenges they face in their roles, and what it truly takes to serve a community. These conversations helped bridge the gap between what the public sees and the work that happens behind the scenes to keep our county running.

Experiences like this are essential in building informed, engaged, and community-minded young leaders. We are grateful for the time, transparency, and dedication shown by our county leaders in investing in the next generation 🤝

*Pictures taken by Associate Baltazar. Awesome Job!*

Mahalo to the Hawaii Police Department Vice/Narcotics Unit for taking the time to connect with our associates.

Officer Rob Segobia, Officer Wyatt Leong, and Kipp Fujimoto led an impactful session on substance abuse, highlighting the adverse effects on physical health, mental well-being, decision-making, and long-term opportunities. These real and honest conversations help build awareness and give our youth a clearer understanding of the consequences and choices they face.

Alongside their K9 partners, they demonstrated how trained units detect narcotics and large sums of currency linked to illegal activity.
More importantly, they shared the deeper reality of narcotics in Hawaiʻi—how substances make their way to the islands, the impact on families and communities, and the long-term consequences that can follow. These conversations matter. They create awareness, build understanding, and help our youth see the bigger picture beyond the moment.

Experiences like this go beyond demonstration—they’re about prevention, education, and empowering the next generation to make informed decisions and lead with purpose.