The Volcano School of Arts and Sciences is pleased to announce that our proposal to expand on Hui Kiaʻi Wai o Kaʻū with the launch of the Hawaiʻi PK-12 Research & Development Consortium was awarded a GEER 2021 Innovation Grant in the amount of $292,000 by Governor Ige.

 

Office of the Governor News Release: Governor Ige invests $8.1 million in 31 innovative education programs.

 

The Hawaiʻi PK-12 Research & Development Consortium (RDC) is a continuation of our Hui Kiaʻi Wai o Kaʻū partnerships with the addition of serving more schools. 

 

The Consortium includes 20 Charter and Department of Education schools on 5 islands. The purpose of the RDC is to build a network of schools, educators, scientists, and industry experts to expand experiential, culturally-relevant learning and conservation action. RDC members will collaborate to develop Hawaiʻi-based science curriculum resources, provide professional development for teachers, and expand Citizen Science opportunities for students and research. 

 

Partners include: Akaka Foundation for Tropical Forests and Teaching Change Partnership, USDA Forest Service, The Nature Conservancy, NOAA, National Park Service, Three Mountain Alliance, San Diego Zoo, United States Geological Survey, The University of Hawai'i, Hawaiʻi Marine Education and Research Center, Arizona State University, Division of Aquatic Resources, Nā Maka Onaona, UH Manoa, SOEST, UH Sea Grant. The RDC is a program under The Akaka Foundation for Tropical Forests and Teaching Change Partnership. Project coordination will be led by the Akaka Foundation for Tropical Forests.

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For more information or to get involved, contact Sarah Knox at sarah@akakaforests.org.