Alakaʻina Foundation has increased its philanthropic investment in University of Hawaiʻi programs and students with innovative gifts totaling $540,000 that create partnerships with community groups to promote sustainability. This aligns with Alakaʻina Foundation’s mission to Aloha ʻĀina by supporting the teaching and preserving of Hawaiʻi’s lands and oceans.
The new gifts create opportunities for UH West Oʻahu and Leeward Community College with MAʻO Farms on the Leeward Coast and for Windward Community College and Hoʻokuaʻāina in Windward Oʻahu.
The newest gifts also put the Honolulu-based Native Hawaiian Organization’s total commitment to UH at more than $2.3 million.
“We feel it’s important not only that the young men and women of Hawai’i have the skills they need to be effective leaders, but that they have the competencies our communities need for a sustainable future,” said Alakaʻina Foundation Executive Director Kimo Bacon. “We hope that many lives will be improved through our partnership, and we will keep our Hawai’i moving forward.”
The three programs funded are:
- UH West West Oʻahu: Alaka`ina Foundation Sustainable Food Systems Scholarship
- Leeward Community College: Wai‘anae Moku Summer Bridge
- Windward Community College: Ahupua‘a Systems Apprenticeships
Alakaʻina Foundation has also supported such UH programs as the UH Community Colleges’ Online Associate in Arts Degree Program, the UH Hilo Ka Haka ʻUla O Keʻelikōlani College of Hawaiian Language, the Kauaʻi Community College Digital Bus Program and scholarships for Kauaʻi Community College students transferring to the UH Mānoa College of Engineering, as well as students enrolled in Kaua‘i CC’s Electronics Technology program.
“We are grateful for Alakaʻina Foundation’s innovative system-wide approach to giving,” said Tim Dolan, UH vice president of advancement and CEO of UH Foundation. “This focus on sustainability, especially food security, will benefit generations of Hawai’i students.”
A Native Hawaiian Organization, the Alakaʻina Foundation Family of Companies disburses profits from its seven government service firms to nonprofit activities that benefit the Native Hawaiian community, primarily the youth of Hawaiʻi.
Questions? / More Information
If you would like to learn how you can support UH students and programs like this, please contact us at 808 376-7800 or send us a message.
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The University of Hawai‘i Foundation, a nonprofit organization, raises private funds to support the University of Hawai‘i System. The mission of the University of Hawai‘i Foundation is to unite donors’ passions with the University of Hawai‘i’s aspirations by raising philanthropic support and managing private investments to benefit UH, the people of Hawai‘i and our future generations. uhfoundation.org
