Project Hawai‘i awarded $23K grant through Spectrum Digital Education Program

Project Hawai‘i — a nonprofit dedicated to supporting Hawai‘i’s homeless children since 2003, providing support to more than 1,600 keiki each year on O‘ahu, Maui and the Big Island — recently received a $23,000 grant through the Spectrum Digital Education Program.

The organization will use the funding from the media and communications company to support its teen mentoring program, which works directly with homeless teens to create a learning environment aimed at ending the cycle of poverty.

Specifically, the grant will go toward its college dorm residency program for homeless young women.

“This grant will allow us to provide computers, technical training and resource lounge — all tools essential for our participants to succeed in school and prepare for their future careers,” said Project Hawai‘i co-founder Magin Patrick in an anouncement about the grant award. “Our mission is the help homeless children succeed, and this support is what makes it possible for us to reach our goals.”

Project Hawai‘i hosts a wide variety of mobile workshops, training opportunities and labs, and has provided laptops and other devices to teens.

Spectrum presented the $23,000 award to the nonprofit July 17 in Hilo.

Puna state Rep Greggor Ilagan, Hawai‘i County Councilwoman Heather Kimball, Shannon Matson from Hawai‘i County Councilwoman Jenn Kagiwada’s office and Spectrum executives participated in the celebration.

“With support from companies like Spectrum, we can expand opportunities for underserved teens and create lasting change in communities across Hawai‘i,” said Ilagan in the announcement.

The nonprofit’s mission is to teach life and social skills necessary for children to find their own passions and develop a sense of self so they can succeed in school and beyond.

“Project Hawai‘i is an asset to our community,” said Kimball in the announcement. “Mahalo to Spectrum for investing in programs that give homeless and at-risk youth a path forward. Supporting organizations like Project Hawai‘i helps strengthen families and build a more resilient Hawai‘i.”

Spectrum Digital Education has committed more than $10 million since it launched in 2017 to nonprofits focused on improving digital literacy, workforce development and educational access in unserved and undeserved communities.

“Connectivity is the foundation for meaningful learning, professional growth and human connection, and helps to build strong, thriving communities,” said Spectrum Senior Vice President Gregg Fujimoto in the announcement. “Spectrum Digital Education supports programs that empower community members to enhance their lives with connectivity … .”

Learn more about Project Hawai‘i by visiting the nonprofit’s website.