A new, $1.7 million learning center was dedicated last week at Palolo Homes.

The center will be run as part of a partnership between Mutual Housing Association of Hawai'i, which owns and manages Palolo Homes, the University of Hawai'i and Chaminade University. UH and Chaminade students and faculty will run a variety of programs at the center, including classes and job training.

The Ohana Learning Center was made possible by a grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, along with additional funding from the city, NeighborWorks America, the Atherton Family Foundation and others.

The learning hub features a technology lab, sound and video editing room, public health nurse's station, reading room, demonstration kitchen and class space.

The center, on the second floor of the administration building, is the headquarters for the Palolo Pipeline Program, which offers educational, health and employment services to Palolo Homes residents.