More than $10.6 million in U.S. Department of Education Title I, Part A grants have been targeted for Hawaii Island, Hawaii’s congressional members announced Wednesday.
The preliminary allocation is among more than $47 million in Title I grants headed to local educational agencies in Hawaii for the 2015-16 academic year. Honolulu is slated to receive $29.3 million, Kauai $2 million and Maui $4.9 million, according to a prepared statement released by U.S. House Reps. Tulsi Gabbard and Mark Taki and U.S. Sens. Brian Schatz and Mazie Hirono.
Final allocations are expected to be released by the department in June.
Title I Grants to local education agencies provide financial assistance to school districts for services that improve the teaching and learning of children at risk of not meeting academic achievement requirements. Based on a variety of factors such as per-pupil expenditures, poverty, and population estimates, the grants are targeted to help students who reside in high concentration areas of children from low-income families.
“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 Gabbard. “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.”