The University of Hawaii at Hilo was awarded a $1,488,005 grant for its Upward Bound program, UH Hilo officials announced Tuesday.
The five-year math and science grant, which comes from the U.S. Department of Education Federal TRIO Programs, will be used to support Hawaii Island high school students as they prepare for college.
“This grant adds to the four Upward Bound programs that UH Hilo was awarded two months ago," said Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs and Principal Investigator Farrah-Marie Gomes, in a statement.
"With a math & science focus, this will allow us to help address equity gaps while still prioritizing key elements of student success, first with completion at the high school level, then with preparation for a smooth transition to college," she said.
The purpose of the Upward Bound Math and Science program is to strengthen students' math and science skills while encouraging them to pursue furthering their education and develop careers in those fields, according to officials.
“I am especially grateful to Interim Upward Bound Director Shayna Fuerte, Associate Director Claire Uyetake, Assistant Director Sarah Lips, and the entire Upward Bound team who co-authored the grant proposals,” Gomes said.
“The Math & Science grant provides us the opportunity to support first-generation students and students who come from low-income families who are interested in STEM fields around Hawai‘ Island as they explore and prepare for college.”
