Schatz: $46M in federal funding for Hawaiian education programs extended

The U.S. Department of Education will extend $46 million in federal funding for Native Hawaiian programs for another year, according to U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz.

Schatz said the extension follows an agreement he made with U.S. Education Secretary Linda McMahon last month.

The department today officially began the process of extending the $46 million in funds for the Native Hawaiian Education Program another year, which goes to more than 60 early childhood education sites across the state.

“This is good news for Hawaii,” said Schatz, a senior member of the Appropriations Committee, in a news release. “This money helps thousands of young kids develop learning skills and gives local families more affordable child care options. I’m grateful to Secretary McMahon for working with us to protect this funding and will continue working every day to make sure Hawaii gets its fair share of federal dollars.”

With the extension, current grant recipients, including the University of Hawaii and Partners in Development Foundation, will receive funding for at least another year.

In addition to the early childhood education sites, the program funds home visits for children under age 5, workforce development for parents, and Hawaiian language immersion programs.

Schatz said the programs serve more than 3,000 Hawaii families.