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>> Narrator Emilie Howlett, UH Manoa student: There was a time in Hawaii when going to college
was reserved for only an elite few.
>> John Morton, Vice President for Community Colleges, University of Hawaiʻi System: Going
to college was something that maybe only the top part of high school class did, you had
entrance exams. The likelihood that you as an adult would go back to college was rare.
>> Narrator: That changed in 1964 when the state legislature passed a law that created
the University of Hawaii Community College System.
>> Morton: What the law did back in 1964 was create that opportunity for anyone, to be
able to go on to higher education, reap those benefits, and as a result, we have a better
Hawaii.
>> Narrator: 2014 marked the 50th anniversary of the passage of that law and the creation
of the UH CC system that consists of seven community colleges across the state. A yearlong
celebration kicked off in March at the annual “College Day” at the state capitol. It
started with an oli followed by a symbolic moment of how higher education can open the
door to a happier and more prosperous life: the chancellors of each college each opened
a door representing their schools as students walked through. Each college set up multiple
hands-on activities and presentations representing various programs. Lawmakers also presented
UH with commemorative certificates in recognition of what UH community colleges have given over
the decades and continue to give to thousands of Hawaii citizens: affordable, quality higher
education.
>> Morton: We believe strongly that higher education is good, not just for the individual,
but good for society. People get good jobs, they contribute, they become part of the fabric
of this community.
>> Narrator: UH makes that opportunity accessible with a community college on Hawaii Island,
Maui, Kauai and four on Oahu. The schools offer a pathway to UH Manoa and other four-year
institutions and often times, give students the same education experience reserved for
graduate students. UH community colleges also offer degrees and certificates in a wide range
of fields from culinary to construction, auto mechanics to fashion.
>> Morton: We are a major provider of the skilled workforce here in Hawaii, from some
of the trade to some of the highest technical feeds there are but like I say, it’s anybody.
We actually saw a graduate last year who started in 1965 and finally graduated this year, a
lifelong dream come true and that’s what we are all about, creating those dreams.