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The WCC E ʻOi Mau Work-Based Learning Program philosophy is to create a meaningful student employment experience for participants, while supporting professional growth and financial independence. This program connects WCC students who are in their first year of college with on-campus student employment opportunities as well as career advising and mentorship, academic coaching, personal support, workforce development, and financial literacy training. Our program is supported by a U.S. D.O.E. Title III grant funds.

Program Eligibility

  • Will be a first-year student during the 2026-2027 academic year*
  • Enrolled at Windward Community College at a minimum of 6 credit hours (part-time) 
  • Have other needs that may affect ability to attend college

*Students who have completed college courses while in high school are eligible for this program

Benefits to Work-Based Learning:

Convenience

Balancing your school and work priorities becomes easier and more convenient when you work on-campus, especially since our on-campus supervisors are understanding of your academic priorities!

Reinforce Learning

Participants apply lessons they learn in the classroom to real-world situations resulting in a stronger understanding and learning experience

First-Hand Experience

Participants immerse themselves in a particular field and interact with professionals who have worked in it for years, which can be essential in making decisions about their long-term career goals.

Future Opportunities

Working on-campus helps students create a network within the campus community and strengthen their skills and knowledge, which often lead to future opportunities

E ʻOi Mau Cohort Data

  • 22 first-year college students
  • 31.8% of students identify as Native Hawaiian
  • 36.4% identify as male | 63.6% identify as female
  • 3.e average GPA
  • 86.4% Fall to Fall persistence rate

*based on data from 2024-2025 Fall-to-Fall cohort

How to Apply

Fall 2026 Application Deadline: August 28, 2026
Applications will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis.

For more information, send an email to workwcc@hawaii.edu.