Several schools, colleges and other educational institutions across Hawaii have received 31 grants totaling $8.1 million through Gov. David Ige's (D) Governor's Emergency Education Relief (GEER) fund.
In a news release from the Office of the Governor, Ige said the pandemic has forced every sector including education to "reinvent itself for the post-COVID environment."
"Awards range from $100,000 to $450,000 and encompass STEM education, project-based learning opportunities and leadership development programs," Ige wrote in an Aug. 4 post on Facebook. "The awardees represent a diverse array of programs that can address unprecedented needs the pandemic brought up and will support students' dreams and aspirations."
The grant program was developed in partnership with the Governor's Emergency Education Relief Advisory Group. Applicants were required to submit a proposal that addressed the impacts the pandemic had on school services.
Darrel Galera, a GEER Advisory Group member, told the Governor's Office, “It is truly inspiring to see Hawaii’s visionary educators and school teams strive to build bridges and help find creative solutions in the midst of unpredictability and uncertainty. Their anticipation and visualization of a better future for our students will inspire them and others to make their dreams a reality.”
Hawaii received $4.4 million from the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act, plus $9 million for the GEER program under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. Earlier in 2021, $5 million in GEER funds were appropriated to the state of Hawaii through the CARES Act.