This project arose out of the need to address an underserved 27% Filipino and/or immigrant population of Molokai lacking the English language skills to gain optimal employability.

Student enrollment at the MCC Molokai Education Center has been relatively consistent over the years as reflected by the following Spring 2005 statistics:

• Native Hawaiian students = 75%
• Caucasian students = 12%
• Filipino students = 7%
• Others = 6%

Due to these enrollments, courses and programs have been geared to the Native Hawaiian student population. For example, courses in Agriculture generally target the homesteaders, all of whom are Native Hawaiian. Support programs such as Na Pua Noeau and Po’okela assist Native Hawaiian students only as do scholarship programs such as Kamehameha Schools and Liko A’e. None of the above meets the training needs of the Filipino and other immigrant Molokai residents. In addition, the 2000 Molokai census data revealed the following population breakdown by ethnicity:

• Native Hawaiians = 45%
• Filipinos = 27%

This data proves that the local Filipino population remains underrepresented in higher education on Molokai. Many who have tried to enroll in the past, particularly in the Nurse Aide or Adult Residential Care Home Operators training courses, have not scored high enough on their English placement exam and therefore, have been unable to participate. Because of this, local Filipinos are often employed in low-skilled laborer positions with little or no chance of advancement.

The subject training attempted to address this gap area in the workforce and promote greater opportunities for advancement in this sector of the island’s population. The language program targeted the underserved local Molokai Filipino and other immigrant population with limited English proficiency. The Molokai Language Institute is a program modeled after the very successful Maui Language Institute which took part in custom designing a curriculum and training a local instructor to deliver the program on Molokai. Employer buy-in was solicited and the enrollment goal of ten (10) students was achieved. All ten (10) students successfully completed the intensive training and were able to take and pass the COMPASS placement exam, a pre-requisite for enrollment at the community college and ENG 12/22, a course to further upgrade their English skills. Employers also reported the former participants’ heightened self-esteem, confidence, and ability to communicate effectively in the workplace as a result of this training.

With the curriculum in place and its proven success, the Molokai Language Institute as a summer language training will continue as a self-sustaining program. Monies from other sources at MCC will support this program. Additional revenue from student tuition payments is anticipated with an increase in enrollment overall from project participants who, as a direct outcome of this program, would qualify for placement as regular students in pursuance of a degree at the college.