Gov. Linda Lingle released $300,000 to the Maui Economic Development Board for development of a center to provide science, technology, engineering and math education and training to prepare the county's workforce for career opportunities.

The board will use the grant-in-aid to equip the Ke Alahele Science and Technology Center for technology workforce development programs. The funds also will be used to extend programs to Lana'i, Moloka'i and Hana.

So far this year, the Ka Alahele Education Fund has distributed more than $66,000 to 19 recipients whose programs will impact more 1,000 students and educators in Maui County, according to a news release.

One grant help to support 'Iao School's botball team that placed fifth overall at the Hawai'i Regional Botball tournament in May on O'ahu.

The state grant will be leveraged by the MEDB with funds from the U.S. Department of Commerce's Economic Development Administration, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Maui County, the A&B Foundation and the Bank of Hawaii Foundation, the release said.