Kona’s Work-Based Learning Intermediary

Our Workforce Advancement Initiative (WAI) focuses on our official role as a Work-Based Learning intermediary between Kona’s public schools and industry partners. Our work is part of Hawaiʻi’s statewide vision to prepare students for college and career success by bridging the gap between classroom instruction and career skills. We facilitate opportunities for our community to build resilience & leadership in youth through employer engagement & hands-on experiences in Career and Technical Education (CTE). This initiative addresses the needs of students in rural and under-resourced areas by offering internships, career awareness, exploration, preparation, and training.

Our Services

ʻEwalu Industries is equipping young professionals with the skills, experience, and mentorship needed to thrive in their careers while strengthening the workforce development pathways that will keep them connected to Hawaiʻi.

  • Awareness activities are one-time events that expose students to the wide range of career, college, and community options available to them.

    • Guest speakers

    • Workplace tours

    • Community engagement events

    • Mock interviews

    • Career fairs and expos

  • Exploration activities go beyond one-time experiences. They strengthen student understanding of the connection between classroom learning and “real-life” applications.

    • Informational interviews

    • Job shadows

    • Resume developments

  • Preparation activities give students extended, supervised opportunities to develop readiness skills for work and life.

    • Internships

    • Performance-based assessments

    • Extended service learning projects

    • School-industry project

  • Training opportunities prepare students for entry or advancement in specific careers

    • Teacher externships

    • On the job training

    • Youth apprenticeships [Coming Soon!]

    • Work experiences

  • Working with 'Ewalu Industries was a game-changer! They helped us plan and facilitate an engaging, well-organized career fair that reached nearly 700 students in grades 6–8. Their professionalism, creativity, and genuine care for student success made the event truly spectacular.

    Ronda Barker, Student Activities Coordinator at Kealakehe Intermediate School

  • Maxine’s internship at the Hawai‘i Island Seed Bank has been transformative. It has enriched her life in so many ways, giving her confidence and igniting her passion for environmental justice through protecting Hawaii's native ecosystems. Mahalo for supporting Maxine to thrive!

    Jim Kilgore, Parent of Maxine Kilgore, 2024 ʻŌpio Internship Program Participant

  • This experience has allowed me to explore interdisciplinary fields connected to my passion for marine science. Being a part of this program has equipped me with the hands-on skills and experience necessary to confidently pursue my academic and professional path, reaffirming my passion for marine science and conservation.

    Savannah Ditton, 2025 ʻŌpio Internship Program Participant, Intern at The Marine Mammal Center - Ke Kai Ola