Congresswoman Hirono Announces Federal Funding for
Pacific Islander Student Program in Hilo
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Congresswoman Mazie K. Hirono (D-Hawai’i) today announced a $682,982 U.S. Department of Education grant for the Native Hawaiian-Serving Institutions Program at the University of Hawai’i at Hilo.
The funding will be used for the planning and design of the proposed Center for Pacific Islander Education and Retention. The University of Hawai’i at Hilo will renovate an existing campus facility to establish the Center.
The Center will be utilized for peer monitoring, tutoring and learning communities; for multicultural training and workshops; and for a library of relevant education, leadership, and cultural materials and resources; all in an effort to increase Pacific Islander student success and retention.
The total cost of the two-year project is $1,994,557. The balance of the funding will go toward the actual conversion and renovation of the campus facility to create the Center for Pacific Islander Education and Retention.
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