After-School REACH Initiative Programs Expand to Maui County

Molokaʻi Middle School Garden Program. Photo credit: Office of the Lt. Governor.

As the new school year gets underway, Lt. Governor Shan Tsutsui announced the participants in the statewide R.E.A.C.H. Initiative for the 2016-2017 school year, which includes all eight of Maui, Lānaʻi and Molokaʻi’s middle schools.

This is in addition to REACH funding secured for Maui school sporting after-school programs.  The new funds are for a wider range of activities like STEM, art and video production.

An estimated 5,000 middle and intermediate public school students at 28 schools across the state will participate in the Resources for Enrichment, Arts, Culture and Health program.

R.E.A.C.H.’s mission is to ensure all public school students in grades 6 to 8 receive the academic and community-based support they need to stay on track toward high school graduation by engaging them in a broad-base of programs and activities, outside of regular instructional hours, in the areas of academic enrichment, arts and culture, and athletics.

Waialua Middle School Robotics Program. Photo credit: Office of the Lt. Governor.

“I am thrilled that we, along with the support of the Department of Education and community partners, are able to continue positively impacting after-school programs for middle and intermediate schools,” said Tsutsui. “The after-school programs participating in the R.E.A.C.H. initiative are improving and reaching more students every year.”

The initiative, spearheaded by Lt. Governor Tsutsui in collaboration with state Department of Education (DOE) Superintendent Kathryn Matayoshi, provides an organizational framework for public middle and intermediate schools to offer students expanded learning opportunities during after-school hours.

Washington Middle School. Photo credit: Office of the Lt. Governor.

“R.E.A.C.H. provides a very positive option for our students that keeps them engaged in activities and learning after the school day has ended,” said Matayoshi. “Keeping young minds and bodies active is essential for growth and we appreciate the support of our R.E.A.C.H. partners and their commitment to our keiki.”

Studies have shown that after-school programs not only keep students safe and engaged in learning, but also help improve their academic performance, school attendance, behavior and health.

Selection of the schools was based on criteria, which included: strong student interest and/or participation for the after-school program and established relationships with key stakeholders.

The applications were also evaluated on its readiness to achieve the goals and student outcomes set forth by the initiative. Some schools apply for the grant every year and are selected based on the criteria. This year, 14 of the 28 schools are returning R.E.A.C.H. participants.

Since the initiative was launched in 2013, 39 public middle/intermediate schools (including this year) from across the State have benefited from R.E.A.C.H. funding. To date, along with its partners in the business sector, the Initiative has awarded $2.25 million to middle and intermediate schools statewide.

The schools participating in the R.E.A.C.H. Initiative during the 2016-17 school year are:
*(Maui schools are in bold type below)

Chiefess Kamakahelei Middle
Connections Public Charter School
Dole Middle
Hāna High & Intermediate
Hilo Intermediate
ʻĪao Intermediate
Kalama Intermediate
Kapolei Middle
Kaʻū High & Pahala Elementary
Kawanakoa Middle
Ke Kula ʻO Nāwahīokalaniʻōpuʻu Charter School
Keaʻau Middle School
Lahaina Intermediate
Lānaʻi High & Intermediate
Lokelani Intermediate
Maui Waena Intermediate
Moanalua Middle
Molokaʻi Middle
Nanakuli High & Intermediate
Niu Valley Middle
Pāhoa High & Intermediate
Stevenson Middle
Wahiawa Middle
Waiākea Intermediate
Waialua High & Intermediate
Waiʻanae Intermediate
Waimanalo Elementary & Intermediate
Wheeler Middle