HONOLULU – The Hawaiʻi State Department of Education (HIDOE) has received three grants from the Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) partnership that will fund initiatives to enhance math achievement at Campbell-Kapolei Complex Area schools, develop computer science and math skills at Kailua-Kalāheo Complex Area schools, and connect agricultural programs with Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) learning at Leilehua-Mililani-Waialua Complex Area schools. Each complex area will receive a DoDEA grant of $2 million.
DoDEA provides qualty educational services to military dependents around the globe and works closely with HIDOE to expand opportunities at Hawaiʻi public schools with significant populations of military-dependent students whose parents serve in the various branches of the U.S. military. Since 2008, DoDEA has invested approximately $29 million in grant funded initiatives at Hawaiʻi public schools to improve student outcomes.
"We are very grateful for the continued support of our DoDEA partners which has provided new and expanded learning opportunities at our military-impacted schools over 15 years,” said Bob Davis, Leilehua-Mililani-Waialua Complex Area Superintendent. “These generous grants will enhance STEM learning and provide our students with new technology and hands-on experiences that will be foundational for careers and future success.”
The Leilehua-Mililani-Waialua Complex Area received a $2 million grant for its "Agricultural Technology Innovation Project" which will integrate agricultural programs with Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) learning. Students and staff will have opportunities to imagine, design and incorporate the engineering design process for sustainable food production through technological integration, culinary entrepreneurship and innovative agricultural practices in collaboration with other schools. The grant will serve Wheeler, Waiawa, Daniel K. Inouye, Helemano and Mililani Uka elementaries, Wheeler Middle and Leilehua High.
The Campbell-Kapolei Complex Area received a $2 million grant for its "Pōhaku Kumu: Foundation Stones for Math Achievement" project which will strengthen math learning by enhancing in-class instruction through the integration of Project Based Learning (PBL). Students will have opportunities to use technology daily to make math learning more engaging. Multi-tiered student support and afterschool activities will also provide students with foundational skills critical for math achievement. The grant will serve Ewa Beach, Hoʻokele and Iroquois Point elementaries, Ewa Makai Middle, Ilima Intermediate, Kapolei Middle, Campbell High and Kapolei High.
The Kailua-Kalāheo Complex Area received a $2 million grant for its "Kūlia i ka nu'u: Striving for Excellence in Developing Computational Thinkers through Enriching Computer Science and Math Education" project which will focus on increasing math proficiency and enrollment in computer science courses. Students will get in-classroom technology supports like Chromebooks and Lego learning kits, along with extracurricular learning opportunities such as computer science camps and robotics clubs. The grant will serve 'Aikahi, Kainalu, Mōkapu, Kailua, Maunawili and Ka'elepulu elementaries, Kailua Intermediate and Kalāheo High.
For more information on DoDEA and its work supporting military dependent students around the world, visit www.dodea.edu.
