Community Education Program VITEC Now an “EdVenture”

By Katie McMillan

If you, like many others on Maui, receive the VITEC catalog of classes in the mail, get ready for a change.

VITEC (Vital and Innovative Technology Development and Education Center) has grown tremendously since it was founded 22 years ago. So much so, that they began a search to find a new name that would encompass all of their offerings as a continuing education institution.

Last January, a Rename VITEC contest was launched to Maui’s residents with very successful results yielding many great suggestions. Through a lengthy selection process, a winning name finally outshined the rest -“EdVenture.” It was submitted by an anonymous entrant who donated the grand prize winnings of $200 in class credit towards the College for Kids Scholarship fund.

“EdVenture was chosen for many reasons. It illustrates excitement and energy,” said Sue Feltz, business coordinator for EdVenture. “It is a play on words that combines Education and Adventure with references to ventures whether they be business related or personal goals.”

A compass themed in an adventurous spirit represents EdVenture’s new logo.

“We are also adopting a treasure chest that will be used to further promote the hundreds of classes and programs we offer. After all, education is a treasure we keep forever,” says Dr. Lori Teragawachi – Director of the Office of Continuing Education & Training.

EdVenture is a division of UH Maui College’s Office of Continuing Education and Training (OCET) housed in the Laulima Building located on UHMC’s main campus in Kahului.

“Our goal is to offer the community educational adventures that assist in finding new careers, enhancing work-related business skills, or to simply have fun. We strive to create a high quality and comfortable learning environment for everyone,” explained Peggy Kelley, program coordinator.

Thousands of Maui’s residents, businesses and international visitors have been utilizing the wealth of classes and programs since VITEC  began in 1989. Thanks to the hard work and determination of founder Dr. Lois Greenwood, who emphasized business and education partnerships along with the support from Maui College’s Chancellor Dr. Clyde Sakamoto and generous founding donations from Charles Sweeney, President of Landmark Hotels Group, who currently manages the Makena Beach & Golf Resort (the former Maui Prince), the program has achieved great success. Last year alone they offered 473 classes with 3,567 enrollments, and this year they are on track with over 2,341 enrollments thus far.

“It is so exciting to see the program continue to grow, innovate and adapt to the new market demands,” says Dr. Lois Greenwood, the now retired founder of VITEC.

The history of EdVenture has had one main common thread, and that is serving Maui’s community with outstanding continuing education at an affordable price. By registering early or signing up to their e-zine at EdVentureMaui.com, discounts are available to everyone. Not to mention the generosity of the Alexander & Baldwin Foundation which has donated another $25,000 in training funds towards business development on Maui for the 15th year in a row. Their contributions allow qualifying Maui residents and small businesses to get 80% off of Business and Computer classes with some classes as inexpensive as $9.

Classes are open to the entire community and include subjects in computers, business, and a diverse offering of personal enrichment classes. EdVenture presents a huge spectrum of subject matter – everything from AutoCAD to yoga. Even Maui County youth can get a taste of college and benefit from their College for Kids/College Bound programs.

Keeping current with emerging technologies, EdVenture continues to offer courses that range from Computers for Beginners to getting a web or office-computing certificate. They are also now an Authorized Apple Training Institute. For those interested in advancing their careers into management or gaining new desirable business skills, EdVenture offers over 50 business classes including world renown Franklin Covey programs such as 7 Habits for Highly effective Managers. And to bring balance to their program you can explore culture, creativity, and well-being with classes such as Speak Hawaiian for Beginners, Mosaic Art Glass, or The Essence of Tai Chi, just to name a few.

“Our healthy cooking classes and wine tasting seminars have always been a favorite,” said Stephanie Pratt, Administrative Support Specialist. “There is a class for everyone.”

New courses are added every cycle with 30% new classes offered in addition to a large selection of online classes, a much anticipated motorcycle safety course, as well as CDL & Forklift certifications, with more certificate programs to come. Not to mention EdVenture’s Customized Training Division, which can bring any of their classes to your business or welcomes designing a custom class to address your specific business needs.

Look for their new catalog of classes venturing into your mailboxes by the middle of August. To register for classes call 984-3231 or visit: EdVentureMaui.com for more information.

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