The National Governors Association (NGA) has chosen the state of Hawaii for the second phase of its Workforce Innovation Network (WIN).
Gov. David Ige (D) is pleased with NGA’s decision to select Hawaii for WIN’s second phase, wherein states will position cross-agency teams to determine and execute strategies that advance digital skill development.
“We have a strong team that includes diverse stakeholders with expertise to advance a coordinated strategic approach to digital equity throughout the state,” Ige said, according to the Office of the Governor. “This grant supports our shared vision of a diversified economy with a focus on digital access and equity.”
The State Public Library System will lead the team, which will be comprised of representatives from the Office of the Governor, Office of Broadband and Digital Equity, Workforce Development Council and community-based nonprofit organizations with expertise in digital literacy. The Friends of the Library is the fiscal agent for the grant.
The state will receive up to $100,000 to develop a plan and policies for establishing advanced digital skills in Hawaii’s workforce. The funding will allow “Hawaii to focus on supporting the digital literacy skills and economic success of our 21st Century workforce,” State Librarian Stacey Aldrich said.
NGA WIN has secured additional partnerships with Microsoft, Intel, Western Governors University and Walmart since it was launched in January, a press release reported. It was founded in partnership with the Cognizant Foundation. Two months after its launch, NGA WIN awarded 10 states up to $100,000 each.
