Hawaii to Receive More than $13 Million in Native Hawaiian Education Grants

Press Release

wenty three education initiatives that cater to the unique needs of Native Hawaiian students will receive $13,364,065 to help continue, expand and improve an array of programs, Senator Daniel K. Inouye, Senator Daniel K. Akaka, U.S. Rep. Mazie K. Hirono and U.S. Rep. Colleen Hanabusa announced today.

The funds were awarded to non-profit agencies, the University of Hawaii, state agencies, and private firms that develop programs and curriculum for Native Hawaiian students from the pre-school to collegiate level.

The money is awarded through a series of 23 grants funded by the U.S. Department of Education through the Native Hawaiian Education Act.

The grant money will be available to agencies August 1.

"Too many Native Hawaiians face a unique set of obstacles on their way to obtaining a quality education. Many of these children live in challenging communities and often have difficulty navigating risky environments to attend school and better themselves. I am very pleased and thankful that the Department of Education recognizes these challenges and continues to fund these critical initiatives," said Senator Inouye.

"A quality education for our keiki is one of my highest priorities," said Senator Daniel K. Akaka, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs. "These innovative programs have shown success in targeting Native Hawaiian students in high-risk communities and putting them on a path to success."

"Congratulations to the 23 grant awardees whose innovative educational projects will make a difference in the lives of Native Hawaiian children and young adults. Just five months ago House Republicans sought to eliminate funding for Native Hawaiian education programs. We were able to fight back with the Young-Hirono Amendment and preserve this funding. Moving forward, we must remain vigilant in defending against further attempts in Congress to do away with Native Hawaiian programs," said Congresswoman Hirono, member of the House Education and the Workforce Committee.

"A quality education is one of the greatest investments we can make in our future, and every student deserves the opportunity to obtain one. Native Hawaiians are our host culture - our foundation - so I am pleased these grants will help preserve important educational opportunities for Native Hawaiians, while reducing disparities and challenges students may come across," said Congresswoman Colleen Hanabusa.

Native Hawaiian Education Act Grant Recipients:

$503,360 - KUALOA-HEEIA ECUMENICAL YOUTH PROJECT
$350,935 - ISISHAWAII
$695,843 - UNIVERSIT OF HAWAII AT MANOA COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING
$262,454 - EDUCATIONAL SERVICES HAWAII FOUNDATION
$369,016 - BISHOP MUSEUM
$307,075 - TUTOR HAWAI`I
$456,777 - HAWAII DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION NANAKULI-WAIANAE COMPLEX
$441,469 - CONSORTIUM FOR HAWAII ECOLOGICAL ENGINEERING EDUCATION
$453,215 - KAI LOA, INC.
$935,279 - PARTNERS IN DEVELOPMENT FOUNDATION
$1,695,575 - INSTITUTE FOR NATIVE PACIFIC EDUCATION AND CULTURE (INPEACE)
$813,740 - UNIVERSITY OF HAWAII CURRICULUM RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT GROUP (CRDG)
$506,738 - UNIVERSITY OF HAWAII COLLEGE OF EDUCATION CENTER ON DISABILITY STUDIES
$770,774 - UNIVERSITY OF HAWAII OFFICE OF STUDENT AFFAIRS SEED
$716,553 - PARTNERS IN DEVELOPMENT FOUNDATION
$518,497 - HUI MALAMA O KE KAI FOUNDATION (HMKF)
$268,193 - UNIVERSITY OF HAWAII COLLEGE OF EDUCATION DEPARTMENT OF ED PSYCHOLOGY
$479,032 - KEIKI O KA AINA PRESCHOOL, INC.
$447,486 - UNIVERSITY OF HAWAII COLLEGE OF EDUCATION CENTER ON DISABILITY STUDIES
$512,447 - UNIVERSITY OF HAWAII COLLEGE OF EDUCATION CENTER ON DISABILITY STUDIES
$459,583 - UNIVERSITY OF HAWAII COLLEGE OF EDUCATION CENTER ON DISABILITY STUDIES
$848,000 - PARTNERS IN DEVELOPMENT FOUNDATION
$552,024 - PARTNERS IN DEVELOPMENT FOUNDATION