Native Hawaiian Education to Receive $28 Million in Federal Grant Funding

The US Department of Education is awarding more than $28 million in 35 grants through the Native Hawaiian Education Program (NHEP).

Grants are being awarded to various Native Hawaiian educational organizations, Native Hawaiian community-based organizations, and other similar organizations.

“This funding will support Native Hawaiians across our state by providing support for Native Hawaiian students, parents, and teachers through a variety of programs. I will continue to advocate for strong funding in programs that invest in Native Hawaiian communities, especially because Native Hawaiians have been disproportionately affected by the pandemic,” Senator Mazie K. Hirono said in a press release.

The grantees include the following organizations:

·         University of Hawaii (Systemwide): $9,348,569

·         Maui Family Support Services, Inc.: $776,400

·         Friends of the Future: $1,895,786

·         Papa Ola Lokahi: $740,577

·         Hula Preservation Society: $260,948

·         Malama Loko Ea Foundation: $733,150

·         Institute for Native Pacific Education and Culture: $350,471

·         Awaiaulu, Inc.: $748,934

·         Kai Loa, Inc.: $512,494

·         Kamalani Academy: $675,919

·         Hooulu Lahui Inc.: $431,052

·         Keiki O Ka Aina Family Learning Centers: $2,207,987

·         Ke Kula O Nawahiokalaniopuu: $1,278,423

·         Kanu o ka Aina Learning Ohana: $1,385,750

·         Pacific American Foundation: $540,000

·         Partners in Development Foundation: $2,527,045

·         Consortium for Hawaii Ecological Engineering Education: $787,433

·         Hui Mauli Ola: $558,798

·         Kulaniakea: $651,424

·         Hui Malama O Ke Kai Foundation: $365,593

·         Hookakoo Corporation: $576,640

. Hanona: $742,252

NHEP provides funding to develop, supplement, and expand innovative educational programs to assist Native Hawaiians, including through early childhood programs, family-based education centers, reading and literacy programs, activities to address the needs of gifted and talented Native Hawaiian students, special education programs, professional development for educators, and activities to enable Native Hawaiian students to enter and complete postsecondary education programs.

More information about the program is available here.