The U.S. Department of Education is contributing $3 million to seven local institutions to support Native Hawaiian career and technical education programs, Sen. Mazie Hirono announced today.

Alu Like, a nonprofit that helps Native Hawaiians achieve social and economic self-sufficiency, is overseeing the federal grant funding.

“These career and technical education programs will help empower Native Hawaiian students with the skills they need to succeed professionally during these difficult economic times,” Hirono said in a statement. “Our state’s economy as a whole benefits when dedicated men and women can access quality jobs and greater opportunities.”

The grant will be distributed as follows:

  • Roughly $1.2 million for Honolulu, Leeward and Kapiolani community colleges
  • $354,207 for Castle High School’s Health Careers Academy
  • $485,795 for the Hawaii Technical Institute’s Health Careers Project
  • $378,260 for the Kahoolawe Island Reserve Commission’s Hui Kapehe Project 
  • $360,360 for the Marimed Foundation’s Maritime Careers and Technical Training Program

Photo: Alu Like offers services in support of the Native Hawaiian community. (Courtesy of ALU LIKE Inc.)

— Alia Wong

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