Educators Invited to Apply for Hawai’i State FCU Grant

Applications for the 2015 Investing in Education grant program, conducted by Hawai’i State Federal Credit Union, will be accepted beginning Aug. 1 and lasting through Sept. 30.

The grant is available to support public school teachers, 92 percent of whom, according to a 2013 survey by the National School Supply and Equipment Association, spend money out of pocket for classroom supplies.

Investing in Education provides educators in Hawai’i with funds to purchase supplies, books, furniture, and electric equipment for students.

“Through Investing in Education, Hawai’i State FCU supports the efforts of our public school educators in the classroom,” said Andrew Rosen, president and CEO of Hawai’i State FCU. “By giving them the means to purchase much-needed supplies, we stand behind their goal to provide quality educational opportunities for our keiki.”

To apply for the grant, an essay outlining how the grant will be used to assist in reaching classroom goals is requested. First-time applicants will receive first priority.

Funds ranging in amounts from $200 to $500 will be disbursed based on classroom needs.

Hawai’i State FCU officials say the submissions will be reviewed as they come in and will be awarded as they are received.

The Investing in Education grant program has been going since 2009, with more than $136,000 distributed to educators in Hawai’i. In 2014, a total of 45 teachers from across the state received funds totaling $20,000.

Applicants who are interested in learning more or who have questions about eligibility should call Karen Ho at (808) 447-8084.