Big Island Schools to Receive Share of Federal Grant

Educational agencies on all four major islands in Hawai’i will receive their share of $47 million in Title I, Part A Grants from the United States Department of Education for the 2015-2016 school year.

Preliminary allocations of the funds include Hawai’i County receiving just over $10.6 million, while other counties throughout the state will receive their shares as follows: City and County of Honolulu, $29.38 million; Kauai County, $2 million; Maui County, $4.9 million.

“Our keiki deserve a high-quality education, and the opportunity to gain the tools and skills that will best equip them for success and a bright future,” said Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard (HI-02). “Strong schools and good teachers can help break the cycle of poverty that trap many families, but only if they are given the resources and support needed to empower students.  We owe it to our next generation of leaders to give them every opportunity to succeed, regardless of where they come from or their socioeconomic status.”

Schools will receive financial assistance under the grant for assistance in providing services that will improve teaching and learning for children at risk of not meeting academic achievement requirements.

Title I Grants are targeted in order to help students who reside in high concentrated areas of children from low-income families.

“Investing in our children’s education is one of the best ways to help them reach their full potential.  But too often, schools in underserved communities lack the necessary resources to make that happen,” said U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i), a member of the Senate Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education Appropriations Subcommittee.  “This funding will give schools across Hawai‘i the resources they need to help our children succeed.

The final allocations will be released in June and may differ from the preliminary allocations.