WASHINGTON — Hawai'i will receive $2.5 million to expand reading, math and cultural curriculums for more than 2,800 Native Hawaiian students, U.S. Sens. Daniel K. Inouye and Daniel K. Akaka announced yesterday.

Through two grants from the U.S. Department of Education, Hawai'i will receive $2,537,945 over the next three years for programs to aid Native Hawaiian students, teachers, staff and parents.

"We must support current and future generations of Native Hawaiian students by encouraging them to excel in the classroom and study their heritage so that their futures are limitless and their traditions secure," Inouye said.

The University of Hawai'i's Heluhelu Maoli program will receive $1,521,690 to continue to develop a schoolwide reading program, increase resources for students in need of targeted reading interventions and increase mathematics instruction for struggling first-graders.

The program is expected to serve more than 2,800 Hawaiian students, 300 teachers and school staff, and 1,000 parents.

The Pacific Resources for Education and Learning's E Hoomau program will receive $1,521,690 over a three-year period to increase student literacy skills and enhance student knowledge of the Hawaiian culture.

Once the materials are finalized, they will be offered at no charge to all public schools in Hawai'i.

"As a former educator, I know first-hand that the quality of education shapes our youth and our community," Akaka said. "Culturally appropriate education initiatives ensure our keiki have access to a world-class education while developing roots in their culture."