Hawaiʻi After-School Initiative Receives $50K Donation

Lt. Gov. Shan Tsutsui’s after-school initiative, R.E.A.C.H., received more than $50,000 from the Honolulu Professionals Foundation (HPF) as a result of a fundraiser held in June. Photo courtesy Lt. Gov. Tsutsui.

By Maui Now Staff

An after-school initiative for intermediate and middle school students in Hawaiʻi received more than $50,000 from the non-profit Honolulu Professional Foundation, according to an announcement issued today.

The R.E.A.C.H. initiative, which is an acronym for Resources for Enrichment, Athletics, Culture and Health, was launched by Lieutenant Governor Shan Tsutsui, to provide structure for after school programs in the state.

The donation is the result of a fundraiser held in June, that included participation from a variety of local entertainers, restaurants, and musicians.

“In the coming weeks, Lt. Gov.Tsutsui is expected to announce which schools will be part of the initiative’s pilot project, which is expected to begin in January,” the announcement said.

The pilot project is aimed at enhancing existing after-school programs at several intermediate and middle schools across the state.

“Our organization believes in the positive outcomes that the lt. governor’s initiative will provide for intermediate and middle school students, and the benefit was our way of making a difference in children’s lives,” said Ross Shinyama, president of the Honolulu Professionals Foundation in a press release.

Tsutsui said the Honolulu Professionals Foundation’s donation will “go a long way in improving and enhancing many young lives.”

According to Tstusui, studies show that effective after-school programs provide not only an educational benefit to students, but a social value to the community.

Another benefit for the R.E.A.C.H. initiative will be held on June 28, 2014, at the Pagoda Restaurant.