FAQs:
Frequently Asked Questions are being added here as they arise - please check back regularly!
1. What does this program cost and what does it include?
Tuition for this 6 month leadership program includes facilitated on-site learning opportunities, four (4) executive coaching sessions, peer learning sessions, community-based opportunities, and networking. All meals and materials are also included. Program value: $9,350. Cost: $4,400.
2. What are the payment plan options?
There are two different options: the tuition may be paid in two (2) equal installments - due Jan 17 and April 18, or you may spread the tuition out over six (6) equal installments - due Jan 17, Feb 1, Mar 1, April 1, May 1 and June 1.
3. How many people will be accepted into the program?
The program will be capped at 20 individuals.
4. When will I be notified if I am accepted?
All applicants will be notified of their selection status by phone or e-mail the week of January 13, 2025.
5. What do you mean by “Hawaiʻi based work”?
Because our program is aimed at strengthening our local workforce and those who are currently contributing to and directly impacted by Hawaiʻi's local economy, we have defined this to mean work that is being done physically in Hawaiʻi at least 90% of the time. This includes Hawaiʻi organizations and non-Hawaiʻi organizations where the individual is employed but doing most of their work here in our state. While our original criteria required participants to work for a “Hawaiʻi-based organization”, we have broadened our criteria based on community feedback.
6. What does it mean for an organization to be Hawaiʻi-based?
Being Hawaiʻi-based refers to where the majority of the organization's activities are conducted. For an organization to be considered Hawaiʻi-based, it should primarily operate within the state and tackle unique local challenges related to talent retention, recruitment, and economic constraints associated with the cost of living. Although there may be grey areas, exceptions can be made for global or continent-based organizations if they have a significant presence and employment in the state, acknowledging their understanding and impact by similar challenges.
7. Who is making the selection decisions?
A selection committee, comprised of the program facilitators and representatives from our sponsoring agencies, will be reviewing the applications and collectively making the selection decisions.
8. What are the criteria for scholarship based on need?
Scholarship criteria based on need are determined by the individual applicant's specific financial and personal circumstances, rather than the needs of their organization. Applicants must express their need for financial assistance in their application. Funding for the scholarship can be a combination of sources; for instance, an employer could cover a portion of the cost, with the individual covering the rest, in splits such as 50/50, 75/25, or 90/10.
9. Who is eligible to apply for the scholarship, and what is the role of the sponsoring organization?
The scholarship application is intended for individuals, not organizations. This design ensures that applicants are self-motivated and demonstrate readiness, motivation, commitment, and responsibility towards their leadership development. While organizations cannot apply on behalf of an individual, they can play a significant role by identifying potential candidates within their organization and supporting them through the application process, sponsoring partial or full cost of their tuition, and supporting their successful participation in the program.
10. Will you cover travel for neighbor island participants?
If you are a participant who is not based on Oʻahu, we will provide a stipend for you to apply to your self-arranged flights and ground transportation to/from the gathering site(s), which should cover your travel costs. Any other chosen expenses associated with travel (e.g. overnight hotel stays, airport meals, airport parking on your island, etc.) will be on your own/outside of these covered costs.
11. How much time will this commitment require?
Please see our timeline page for exact information on required dates and times. Generally speaking, participants should expect to spend full day for each in-person gathering (6 sessions) and 3 hours for our final closing celebration/hōʻike. Additionally, you will have four 1:1 coaching sessions at 45-60 mins each, and accountability check-ins once a month with a partner in the cohort, at a time and duration of your choosing (approx. 45-60 mins each), happening over an 6-month period. Outside of “program time” is also needed for preparation and working on your leadership portfolio. It can be seen as approx. a 10-hour per month commitment.
12. I looked at the session dates, but I know I need to miss one or more of them. Is that okay?
Our first session in January and the hōʻike closing ceremony in June are mandatory; participants are not allowed to miss or make-up these sessions. In between, we allow for one (1) excused absence from the program. Because so much of our program is experiential, place, and relationship-based, your full commitment to the program dates is important and expected. We also do not approve of half-day attendances or arriving late/leaving early.
13. Iʻm not able to be there in-person. Is there an online or virtual option?
Unfortunately, no. ʻŌiwi Leadership Accelerator Cohort #2 is happening 100% in-person on Oʻahu. However, stay tuned and connected with us for potential future virtual opportunities!
14. Iʻd love to apply for this next time. When will the next cohort begin?
We are still in pilot & learning phase with this program. Upon securing additional funding, we are hoping to be able to continue offering a third cohort in the future! If you would like to express early interest and be informed about a possible future cohort, please send us an email and we will keep you posted!
FAQs:
Frequently Asked Questions are being added here as they arise - please check back regularly!
Please keep your questions coming, and send to: info@oiwileadershipaccelerator.com.
Replay of the Info Session on 12/13/2024