Hirono Announces $28 Million in Department of Education Funding for Native Hawaiian Education Programs

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-Hawaii) announced that the U.S. 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 Hirono said.

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.

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