What is the Workforce Innovation Opportunity Act (WIOA)?

The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) is a federal program that helps people to get the education and training they need to find a good job - especially in high-demand careers. WIOA funding can cover tuition, training fees, and even support services like transportation or childcare.

If youʻre eligible to work in the U.S. and meet income requirements, you may qualify for free job training through WIOA.

Free Training Through the UH Community Colleges

UH Community Colleges and Good Jobs Hawaiʻi offer training programs that prepare you for in-demand careers in:

  • Healthcare
  • Skilled Trades & Clean Energy
  • Information Technology
  • Creative Industries
  • Education
  • Law & Public Safety

WIOA funding can help you enroll in many of these programs at little or no cost.
Want help getting started?

Email: goodjobs@hawaii.edu or contact your local American Job Center.

Am I Eligible for WIOA funding?
You may qualify if:
  • You are a U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident
  • You live in Hawaiʻi
  • You are 14 years or older
  • If male, you are registered for Selective Service
  • Your household income meets certain limits (varies by island)
If you receive public assistance (like SNAP, TANF, GA, WIC, UI, or SSI), you will automatically meet the income requirement.
What will WIOA Pay For?
If approved, WIOA funding can cover:
  • Course tuition
  • Fees and books
  • Wrap-around support costs (e.g. bus pass, childcare)
  • Up to your islandʻs local funding cap (see limits below)
Which UHCC Programs Are WIOA-Eligible?
Each UHCC Campus has WIOA-eligible training options. See program flyers: If your program isnʻt listed, your campus may be able to request to add it.
Email goodjobs@hawaii.edu if you have a question about program eligibility.
How Do I Apply?
  1. Choose a training program
    2. Check out the list of WIOA-approved programs at your local community college (links below).
  2. Contact your local American Job Center (AJC)
    3. Youʻll work with a case manager who will help you apply and gather required documents.
  3. Get approved and start your training
    4. Once approved, you can begin your program - often with full funding in place.
Need help choosing a program?
Email: goodjobs@hawaii.edu
WIOA Student Requirements
To receive WIOA funding:
  • Youʻll work with an AJC case manager
  • You must submit documents for identity and income verification
  • Youʻll enroll in an eligible program with a set pathway (especially if over 25 years old)
    • Youth participants (ages 14-24) may qualify for multiple course pathways.

WIOA Funding by Island

Island Location Phone Funding Cap
Oahu Dole Cannery, Honolulu (808) 768-5705 Up to $10,000
Maui Kahului (808) 270-5777 Up to $5,000
Big Island Hilo (808) 935-6527 $2,500-$5,000 (varies by program)
Kauaʻi Lihuʻe (808) 274-3056 case-by-case

WIOA Contacts

If you are a current or prospective UHCC student interested in applying for WIOA funding, please email goodjobs@hawaii.edu.

Hawaiʻi residents may also contact their local American Job Center directly at the following locations:

American Job Center Hawaiʻi - Oʻahu
Located in the Dole Cannery
680 Iwilei Rd #700,
Honolulu, HI 96817
Hours: Mon-Fri 7:45a-4:30p
Phone: (808) 768-5705
WIOA Funding Cap: $10,000
American Job Center Hawaiʻi - Big Island
Located in the Waiakea Kai Shopping Plaza
88 Kanoelehua Avenue, Suite A-204
Hilo, HI 96720
Hours: Mon-Fri 7:45a-4:30p
Phone: (808) 935-6527
WIOA Funding Cap: $2,500 (most courses),
$5000 (CDL), can be increased case-by-case
American Job Center Hawaiʻi - Maui
Maui County Service Center, #209
110 ʻAlaʻihi Street
Kahului, HI 96732
Hours: 8a-4p
Phone: (808) 270-5777
WIOA Funding Cap: $5,000
American Job Center Hawaiʻi - Kauai
4444 Rice St., #302
Lihue, HI 96766
Phone: (808) 274-305
WIOA Funding Cap: Case-by-case

WIOA UHCC Resources