The Hawaii 3R’s program secured the donation from AT&T to purchase two STEM carts, which are the first of its kind in Hawaii. The carts are being dispatched to two Big Island schools, Kau High & Pahala Elementary, and Pahoa High & Intermediate.

“This is a public-private partnership that will go a long way in helping students who need it most,” Abercrombie said. “This donation will help boost student achievement in Hawaii’s lowest-performing schools and narrow the digital divide.”

STEM carts allow students to conduct experiments that would be too hazardous or costly in a traditional laboratory setting. The carts contain more than 250 STEM lessons. Lessons include studying volcanoes, designing a power grid for a green community, and using trigonometry to find a lost person.

“Our students will have access to innovative new tools, which have never been used before in our public schools,” said Superintendent Kathryn Matayoshi. “These are proven teaching tools that are interactive and make learning exciting and engaging.”

She noted that STEM carts allow schools to offer STEM lessons during and after school to compliment extended learning opportunities. In addition, the STEM carts support the state’s Race to the Top initiative by increasing STEM proficiency statewide.

“We are especially pleased that AT&T chose to support our Big Island schools in the Zones of School Innovation,” Matayoshi said.

Daniel Youmans, AT&T external affairs president for Hawaii and Washington, presented the check to Alan Oshima, chairman of Hawaii 3R’s, which used the funds to purchase two STEM carts for the DOE.

“We are proud to partner with Hawaii 3R’s program and the state to provide technology that positions students for success in the digital world,” Youmans said.

“Hawaii 3R’s has facilitated community involvement in helping our public schools for over ten years,” Oshima said. “We are proud to be part of bringing AT&T and the community together to boost science education in our public schools.”

The DOE plans to purchase additional STEM carts for schools in the Zones of School Innovation on Oahu (Nanakuli-Waianae complex area) later this year.