March 10, 2010: The Alaka‘ina Foundation announces a recent award from the Atherton Family Foundation. The award, a grant in the amount of $15,000, will support the Foundation’s Digital Bus Project enabling the provision of a Science and Technology Instructor who will be based on the island of Moloka‘i. This grant supports the Foundation’s plans to continue to extend the reach of the overall Digital Bus project and the sustainment of existing relationships with all 6 public schools on Moloka‘i. According to Alaka‘ina Foundation’s Executive Director, Jessica M. Horiuchi, “This generous grant award will help us hire a current resident of Moloka‘i and further expand our project on the island.”

The Digital Bus Instructor will not only focus on curriculum and program content in the science and technology arena, but will also continue the special emphasis of the Digital Bus project to infuse Hawaiian cultural values such as Laulima (working together), Kuleana (taking responsibility), and Mālama (caring) throughout the curriculum and into all projects. Students will study the ahupua‘a (watershed) system of self-contained communities, gain an understanding of the cultural connection between ocean and land, and understand and participate in ecosystem-based stewardship during all projects.

About Atherton Family Foundation

The Atherton Family Foundation is one of the largest endowed grant making private resources in the State of Hawai‘i devoted exclusively to the support of charitable activities. It perpetuates the philanthropic commitment expressed during the lifetime of Juliette M. Atherton and Frank C. Atherton, and of the family who have followed them. For more information on the Atherton Family Foundation, please visit http://www.athertonfamilyfoundation.org.

For More Information:
Jessica Horiuchi
(808) 792-5161
jhoriuchi@alakainafoundation.org

About Alaka‘ina Foundation

The Alaka‘ina Foundation is a non-profit Native Hawaiian Organization. Its goal is to ensure that the youth of Hawai’i have the skills and competencies needed to become effective leaders. The Foundation is making this a reality by developing innovative educational programs, such as the Digital Bus project, that combine leadership, science and technology, and environmental stewardship. From more information, visit the Foundation online at www.alakainafoundation.org.