August 31, 2001
Contributed by CEO Message
Dr. Skip Hare, Jr., Kamehameha's Chief Education Officer, noted that KS will take great care to ensure that the transition will be smooth and seamless, and without interruption to the services being provided. Kamehameha will also assume the costs of three other programs that subsidize meals for qualified students, library equipment and materials and student leadership. Two other federal programs for student counseling and substance abuse and violence prevention will transition next year while KS works to support the subsequent award of these competitive grants to other organizations serving Hawaiians. Some program staff will transfer to the new administering organizations, or they may be retained by KS as the school seeks opportunities to expand its services throughout the state. This transition of grants provides Kamehameha with an opportunity to advance its strategic plan which calls for greater involvement and support of communities to deliver programs to Native Hawaiians. KS expects that this transition of grants will ultimately improve upon the delivery of educational services in the community as we share the knowledge and expertise gained from operating these programs to help build greater expertise and capacity among community organizations. Dr. Juvenna Chang, KS Dean of Extension Education, who will oversee the transition of the grants, also called this change a unique opportunity for KS to re-assess how it can serve more Hawaiians through educational partnerships. "Kamehameha will work with community organizations to deliver proven and established programs while exploring new and innovative ways to reach more Hawaiians through education." Kamehameha Schools has informed the U.S. Department of Education of its decision to exit these programs and has engaged in discussions with the appropriate federal agencies and Hawaii Congressional Delegation to facilitate the change. -END- Note: Transition of federal scholarship programs will not affect recipients of KS scholarship/financial aid funds.
Kamehameha Schools’ policy is to give preference to applicants of Hawaiian ancestry to the extent permitted by law.
