This summer, 16 inmates from Kauaʻi Community Correctional Center participated in Kauaʻi Community College carpentry program to learn new skills that will provide them employment opportunities when they are released.
This transformative pathway toward workforce readiness and higher education is a new partnership between the college and the correctional center.
Instructor Duke Lang taught the program that earns the inmates a carpentry microcredential offered by the college’s Office of Continuing Education and Training.
The participants gained practical experience by constructing a new classroom and office space, a project designed to resolve the shortage of secure instructional areas at the facility.
“It seems sort of like a miracle,” said inmate Stephen Spigner, who is nearing his release. “It’s really divine timing that this program is being offered while I’m here.”
Upon completing the microcredential, students also earn credit for foundational coursework. This allows them to bypass introductory classes if they enroll in the college’s associate in applied science in carpentry program after their release.
“We’re hoping to give them a different opportunity when they get out from doing their time here,” Lang said. “The feedback they’re giving me is, ‘Wow, I can really see how this can be useful. When I get out, I think I’m going to come see you.’”
Kauaʻi Community College Chancellor Margaret Sanchez said the lack of a secure space for classes had been a hurdle, but with the completion of the classroom, the partnership can continue to grow.
The initiative is building bridges to long-term stability.
“The students are engaged,” Educational Specialist Darcy Yamamoto said. “They’re asking questions. They are diligent about coming to class. We’re hoping they will have an idea of what they want to do or the path that they need to be on. “
Education Specialist Pomai Burkart added: “There’s a sense of dignity these students are going to have when they leave (the correctional center). Knowledge is power, and you can’t take knowledge away from someone.”
