Hawai‘i State FCU Awards More Than $32,000 in Grants to Public School Teachers

Hawaiʻi State Federal Credit Union has awarded more than $32,000 in grants to Hawaiʻi public school teachers through its 2021 Investing in Education grant program. A total of 70 grants were distributed to public school teachers on Oʻahu, Maui and Hawaiʻi Island to help purchase classroom supplies and enhance student curriculums.

“Hawaiʻi State FCU supports local teachers through our Investing in Education grant program by providing them the means to purchase much needed school supplies, from books and art supplies to digital cameras or projectors,” said Andrew Rosen, president and CEO of Hawaiʻi State FCU. “We’re proud to continue our support for these selfless teachers while enhancing the classroom experience for Hawaiʻi’s keiki.”

Applicants were asked to submit an essay stating the needs of their classrooms and how the funds will improve student learning. This year, requests were made for organizational supplies such as bins, shelves, etc. and art supplies including modeling clay, whiteboards, easels and markers. Other requests were made for books to diversify student libraries, electronics such as digital cameras and projectors, and outdoor education supplies, including seeds, soil, butterfly tents, and planters. 

Grants were distributed statewide, with about 31% going to Leeward Oʻahu-area teachers, 21% to Central Oʻahu-area teachers, and nearly 13% going to Neighbor Island teachers located on Maui and Hawaiʻi Island. 

Hawaiʻi State FCU’s Investing in Education grant program has been funding Hawaiʻi’s classrooms since 2009 and has dispersed more than 750 grants with a total value of more than $350,000. Additionally, Hawaiʻi State FCU’s Scholarship Program has awarded more than $900,000 over the past 25 years to help students attend universities, colleges and trade schools in Hawaiʻi and on the mainland.