MEDIA RELEASE

Hawaii State Federal Credit Union has granted more than $25,000 to Department of Education teachers in 2012.

Hawaii State FCU offers the Investing in Education grant program annually to assist teachers in the Department of Education to obtain much needed supplies, books, furniture, electronics equipment and basic necessities for the classroom.

Since 2009, Hawaii State FCU has given just less than $100,000.

The Investing in Education grant program began in 2009 with a budget of $10,000 and was referred to as the Helping Hands grant program until 2011.

The need and amount of requests in the first year were so great that management approved an increase in funding in order to assist as many teachers as possible.

Elyse Kozuma, kindergarten teacher at Ahuimanu Elementary School wrote: “I will use funds for my reading aloud project. Purchases will include a wide genre of books so students can be enthusiastic and eager to read aloud at school and at home. I want to purchase a carpet for the tile floor to make the classroom library more comfortable and cozy while facilitating reading aloud sessions at school.”

DOE teachers are granted up to $500 by submitting an essay about the needs, goals and uses of the money to improve student learning. Applicants must be members of Hawaii State FCU and be currently employed as a DOE classroom teacher.

Submissions are reviewed and awarded as they are received until all program funds are disbursed or closing date of program occurs.

Teachers received grants for the following schools in 2012: Keaau High, Baldwin High School, Haiku Elementary, Kahului Elementary, Kalama Intermediate, King Kekaulike High, Kula Elementary, Lahaina Intermediate, Makawao Elementary, Maui High, Molokai High, Ahuimanu Elementary, Aiea Elementary, Ala Wai Elementary, Aliamanu Middle School, August Ahrens Elementary, Barbers Point Elementary, Ben Parker Elementary, Blanche Pope Elementary, Central Middle School, Ewa Elementary, Hale Kula Elementary, Hokulani Elementary, James Campbell High School, Jarrett Middle School, Ka Waihona PCS, Kailua High School, Kailua Intermediate, Kapolei Middle School, Keoneula Elementary, Lanakila Elementary, Leilehua High School, Lunalilo Elementary, Mililani Ike Elementary, Mililani Mauka Elementary, Millilani Middle School, Nimitz Elementary, Noelani Elementary, Puuhale Elementary, Roosevelt High School, Stevenson Middle School, Waianae High School, Waikele Elementary, Waipau High School and Washington Middle School.

Hawaii State Federal Credit Union, founded in 1936, serves state, city and county employees and their families across the state. The credit union serves more than 76,000 members and holds more than $1.2 billion in assets.

— Find out more:
www.hsfcu.com