Submitted by Hawaiian Electric:
To date in 2014, Hawaiian Electric has contributed more than $88,000 in support of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education programs that benefit Hawaiʻi educators and students while inspiring a next generation workforce capable of competing in the science and technological industries.
Recent contributions include:
• Hawaii Space Grant Consortium, for the Lacy Veach Day of Discovery in October. Since 2002, Hawaiian Electric has sponsored this annual event which honors NASA Astronaut Charles Lacy Veach while bringing together organizations, businesses and individuals to share their STEM research and activities with educators, students and the general public.
• Hawaiʻi FIRST® LEGO® League, for the state championship on Oʻahu in December. Since 2006, Hawaiian Electric has partnered with FLL to hold these team robotic challenges which promote science and technology to upper elementary and middle school students while developing student interest to pursue STEM studies and careers. About 80 volunteers from the company also assist onsite at the state tournament each year.
• University of Hawaiʻi Foundation, for the Hawaiʻi State VEX Championship in December. Hawaiian Electric has been the title sponsor of this scholastic robotics tournament since its inaugural championship event in 2013. In addition to enabling middle and high school participants to learn STEM concepts, VEX robotics builds valuable team work, problem solving, communication and time management life skills.
