Kapi'olani Community College will expand its gerontology program with a new grant.

The award of up to $25,000 from the 2008 Community College Caregiver Training Initiative of the International Longevity Center's Caregiving Project for Older Americans will expand training for entry-level paraprofessionals. Eleven other schools also received grants aimed to beef up training for caregivers.

The grants come as the need for caregivers for the elderly is higher than ever.

"We hope this initiative continues to highlight the important role community colleges can play in training our nation's professional and family caregivers," said Dr. Kenneth Knapp, project manager for the Caregiving Project.

For more information, go to www.ilcusa.org.