Teach For America Honors Senator Hirono as a “Congressional Champion”

Teach For America, a national education service organization, recognized Senator Hirono with the Congressional Champion Award. Since she served as Hawaii’s lieutenant governor, Senator Hirono has advocated for expanding opportunity for all students through education from pre-K to college.

“While Teach For America corps members make a two-year commitment to teaching, their commitment to education lasts a lifetime. I am honored to accept this award, and will continue to fight to ensure that every student is equipped to play a significant role in the 21st century workforce,” said Senator Hirono.

“Teach For America–Hawaii is incredibly grateful for Senator Hirono’s unwavering support for Teach For America in Hawaii and Washington, D.C.,” said Jill Baldemor, executive director of Teach For America–Hawaii. “Senator Hirono has been a champion for quality alternative certification programs, competitive grants such as SEED that enable excellent teacher training and support, and AmeriCorps funding to support those willing to dedicate themselves to serving our most vulnerable populations. She has demonstrated unparalleled leadership in supporting Asian American and Pacific Islander teachers and students through Teach For America’s Native Alliance Initiative.”