Office of Continuing Education and Training Mission
The Office of Continuing Education and Training (OCET) advances lifelong learning through flexible, innovative, hands-on, culturally grounded pathways and programs that foster sustainability, community resilience, and workforce readiness. OCET provides opportunities to individuals of all ages by expanding cultural horizons, supporting career advancement, and strengthening connections across Kaua‘i and the world.
OCET fulfills this mission through the following unit operational goals:
- Providing accessible education across all ages and backgrounds through workforce, personal enrichment, and professional development programs;
- Expanding access to global learning opportunities by promoting diverse study abroad programs, increasing financial support for outbound students, and cultivating strategic partnerships with international institutions;
- Paving guided pathways and transitions between credit and non-credit education;
- Designing and managing programs that directly support local and regional workforce needs;
- Collaborating with businesses, government, and community partners to align training with evolving labor market demands;
- Advancing local entrepreneurship and workforce development through hands-on, culturally grounded education in value-added agriculture, sustainability, and product innovation;
- Ensuring seamless pathway and program delivery through responsive team and student support, efficient operations, logistical support, and community-focused service;
- Engaging the entire community by leveraging social media, personal outreach, and relationship-building to raise awareness;
- Foster broader participation in OCET programs and Performing Arts Center events by improving access to support services and reducing barriers for community members across a range of physical, sensory, and financial needs;
- Providing a well-rounded program of offerings that encompasses theatre, music, dance, cinema, storytelling and poetry, along with town hall-style discussions and visual art exhibitions;
- Expanding access to continuing education by strengthening industry partnerships, supporting diverse learners, and integrating Kaua‘i-focused economic and environmental priorities; and
- Promoting Kaua‘i as a destination for global education by developing place-based programs grounded in Hawaiian values, leveraging Study Hawai‘i and partner networks for outreach and recruitment, and creating culturally rich marketing that highlights Kaua‘i’s heritage, environment, and unique educational experiences.
