Five public middle schools have been awarded state grants totaling about $194,000 to expand after-school activities as part of a pilot program launched by the Lieutenant Governor’s Office.
The schools are the first to participate in Lt. Gov. Shan Tsutsui’s REACH program — an acronym for Resources for Enrichment, Athletics, Culture and Health.
The program, unveiled last year, aims to support learning opportunities during noninstructional hours at public middle and intermediate schools to help students stay on track toward high school graduation and better prepare for future success, Tsutsui’s office said in a news release.
"This initiative will keep them engaged and excited about learning, especially during this critical time when lack of interest in school becomes evident," Tsutsui said.
The five schools, which were selected from among 23 applicants, are Mililani Middle ($45,000); Molokai Middle ($45,000); Waiakea Intermediate on Hawaii island ($45,000); Kawananakoa Middle ($33,407); and Hana High & Elementary on Maui ($25,754). The awards were announced at a ceremony Thursday.
Mililani Middle Principal Elynne Chung said the school’s grant will support and grow participation in its existing after-school program, which offers extracurricular activities that include music, technology, modern art and athletics.
Mililani Middle is offering 28 extracurricular clubs and teams this school year, with 612 students enrolled. The program is expected to grow by 122 students, or by 20 percent, with the REACH funding, Chung said.
She added, "We recognize that a vibrant extracurricular activities program not only enhances student achievement in terms of attendance, behavior, academics and leadership, but also keeps our pre-teen and teenaged students engaged in healthy and productive activities after school and on weekends."
A bill at the Legislature this year would make the REACH pilot a permanently funded program under the state Department of Human Services’ Office of Youth Services and fund a full-time position.
