Posted at 1:41 p.m., Monday, July 2, 2007
Hawaii gets $500K grant for innovative STEM education
Advertiser Staff
The state will receive a $500,000 grant that aims to advance a Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) education program.The two-year grant from the National Governors Association intends to help transform the state's economy from one based on land development to one based on technology-oriented innovation, as proposed earlier this year by the Lingle-Aiona Innovation Initiative.
Hawai'i competed for the grant against 24 states for the STEM education grant, which is funded the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and the Intel Corporation.
"Receiving this grant from among so many national applicants is a validation of our vision and our commitment to ensuring that Hawai'i is at the forefront of STEM training and education," Gov. Linda Lingle said in a press release issued today.
"Our economic future depends on improving the education of our youth and expanding the skills of working adults to meet the needs of changing technology and Hawai'i's emerging industries."
The state plans to develop two STEM centers — operated by community colleges — that will target students who are not enrolled in Advanced Placement or International Baccalaureate courses.
Partners in the grant application included the state Department of Education, the University of Hawai'i and several business leaders.
Earlier this year, Gov. Lingle participated in the NGA's annual conference in Washington, D.C., which focused on the NGA's 2007 "Innovation America." Innovation America emphasizes improving STEM education skills in grades K-12 as well as at the university level.
