Kate Buchanan
Our investment in Social Finance
Hawaii’s future relies heavily on a robust pipeline of talented engineers. Currently, the University of Hawaii College of Engineering graduates approximately 73% of the engineers needed to meet the state’s workforce demands, leaving a significant 27% gap. Each year, around 350 engineering positions remain unfilled, underscoring an urgent need for increased investment in education and workforce support.
This challenge is compounded by retention issues—more than 55% of Hawaii-born residents with a bachelor’s degree—and 60% of those with advanced degrees choose to relocate elsewhere. While the participation of women in STEM has risen over the past three decades, their representation in engineering remains modest, with women representing just 17% of the engineering and architecture industry. This environment highlights the pressing need to nurture and retain local talent—especially women and Hawaii-born individuals—in the engineering sector.
Why Social Finance?
We are proud to welcome Social Finance to Autodesk Foundation’s Work & Prosperity portfolio—a partnership rooted in a shared commitment to building skilled engineering communities. Since its inception in 2011, Social Finance has mobilized more than $500 million in investments aimed at improving economic mobility, health, and housing outcomes.
Initially focused on social impact bonds and Pay for Success structures, Social Finance has evolved into a leader in impact investing—especially around unlocking access to quality jobs. Its Hawai‘i Renewable Learning Fund (Hawai‘i RLF) pilot exemplifies this work by offering zero-percent interest, outcomes-based loans to students pursuing in-demand careers.
Building a local workforce through impactful investment
Launched in July 2024, the Hawai‘i RLF pilot supports students at the University of Hawaii Manoa’s College of Engineering by providing access to vital education funding. The program connects students to participating engineering employers including Bowers and Kubota, Hawaiian Dredging, SSFM International, Inc., and The Limtiaco Consulting Group who commit to repaying loans for graduates they hire. This model creates a sustainable cycle of local talent development and job placement.
The impact of Hawai‘i RLF extends far beyond funding. The average family income of borrowers stands at $37,000—significantly below the average annual engineering salary in Hawaii of approximately $93,000.
“The success of the Hawai‘i RLF can serve as a model for other remote regions across the country, where brain drain is a persistent challenge. Developing and retaining local engineering talent is essential for thriving local economies.”
– Hydie Kim Hudson, Vice President Impact Investments, Social Finance
Our collaboration
The pilot phase aims to support more than 100 learners with more than $2 million in loans. If successfully scaled, the program could benefit over 1,000 students, recycling capital and amplifying impact—delivering nearly 30% more resources than traditional grant-based models.
Through this collaboration, Social Finance will leverage Autodesk’s industry expertise, talent, and networks to upskill engineering students with the latest digital technologies—preparing them for high-demand jobs. Goals include:
- increasing awareness and application rates for the 0% interest loan program among engineering students in Hawaii, and
- connecting students with Autodesk’s technology and training resources to enhance their learning experience
Learn more about Social Finance’s Hawai‘i Renewable Learning Fund.