Rotarians Cultivate Job Skills

Rotary Club of East Honolulu is trying to help college graduates find work through its new Pacesetters Program and it’s asking the community to help crowdfund the project by Aug. 11.

“Unemployment rates are high, but employers complain that there’s no qualified candidates out there,” stated member Linda Char. “We’ve got all these college graduates running around, so clearly there’s a disconnect.”

Pacesetters, with its inaugural class of seven college students, will provide practical experience that a classroom cannot teach. Students will learn how to give a great interview, find out what employers want and pick up other skills essential to the workplace. The Rotarians took inspiration from their own careers and past job-hunting experience to develop the curriculum.

The club has set up an Indiegogo campaign to raise $2,670 to pay for program costs and a marketing video that will be used for recruitment. As of July 31, the club had raised $1,070 toward its goal.

All donors will receive thank-you gifts, including special lunches, stickers and tote bags, Contributors’ names also will appear in the video credits.

To donate to the cause, go to indiegogo.com/projects/pacesetters. To volunteer with the program, call Donna Prather at 255-9057 or Lori Hamano at 386-9490.