Ian Nitta and Evan Costa

Nitta’s and Costa’s innovative teaching idea, “IET Academy Identity Project,” focuses on branding an academy identity, attracting more locally sourced employment in partnership with the Kauai Community College and Kauai County. In this ‘academy’, students are prepared with industrial skills and trade work experience in building construction and transportation services. Some of the best students will be connected to local employers through Training Student Academy Ambassadors. The ambassadors will be the networking force with local community businesses and will help recruit prospective students into the program. The Voya grant will be used in the purchase of uniforms for the networking ambassadors. Through this project, Nitta and Costa hope to provide students with work skills and experience and to connect them with local businesses.