MEDB’s science and technology workforce program receives $300,000 federal grant
October 10, 2006

KIHEI – Because of a major $300,000 award from the national Economic Development Administration (EDA), Maui Economic Development Board’s (MEDB) new Center for Science and Technology will now be able to expand its technology workforce development programs. The Center will be located in Ke Alahele – The MEDB Building, opened earlier this year in the Maui Research & Technology Park, Kihei.

The funding is slated to develop the Center’s pivotal recruitment, training and retention initiatives designed to address Hawaii’s workforce shortages in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) fields.

“Together with matching appropriations from the County of Maui, this all-important funding allows our workforce programs to assist Hawaii technology businesses and impact hi tech jobseekers throughout all the islands,” said Leslie Wilkins, MEDB Vice-President and Director for MEDB’s workforce initiatives.

“I am ecstatic to hear news of the EDA grant,” said Mayor Arakawa. “It’s this kind of community teamwork that produces great results for our young people. MEDB’s Center for Science and Technology may well be the pathway to their future.”

Council Chair Riki Hokama congratulated MEDB for leveraging the County’s investment. “Bringing strategic federal funding into our community to support training in technology will move us toward our goal of building a home-grown workforce to sustain the desired growth in the technology sector.”

The Maui Economic Development Board is a private 501 (c) 3 non-profit corporation founded more than twenty-four years ago to strengthen and diversify Maui’s economy.

Since that time, MEDB has targeted the technology sector because the industry overcomes the geographic isolation of our island communities, maintains respect for the pristine environment and culture, while creating a high-paying job base.