By Hawaiian Electric
A $5,000 grant from Hawaiian Electric to the Hawaiʻi State Science Olympiad (HSSO) will support the nonprofit’s 2017 tournament season, and marks another “Act of Aloha” commemorating Hawaiian Electric’s 125th anniversary.
Hawaiian Electric presented the grant to HSSO at the Leeward Oʻahu Regional Tournament, held Feb. 4 at Leeward Community College, which brought together nearly 300 students from middle and high schools on Oʻahu to challenge their problem-solving skills and hands-on science knowledge.
“These science tournaments provide opportunities for students to excel outside of the classroom while encouraging their interest in professional and technical careers in the STEM disciplines, which we wholeheartedly support,” said Jim Kelly, Hawaiian Electric vice president – corporate relations.
During the same quarter, Hawaiian Electric also donated $14,000 in grants to the Hawaiʻi Science Bowl, Sacred Hearts Academy Science Symposium, and McKinley High School robotics program.
Now in its 18th year, the McKinley robotics program has received numerous awards and recognitions. Currently, two-thirds of the 35-member team are girls, and four Hawaiian Electric employees mentor the team by providing technical guidance and helping to prepare the students for competitive robotics events.
In 2016, Hawaiian Electric contributed more than $144,000 to advance STEM learning and enrichment programs for Hawaiʻi students and educators. The company has supported STEM programs and initiatives in Hawaiʻi for more than 30 years and contributed more than $1.2 million during that time.
Hawaii State Science Olympiad check presentation by Jim Kelly, Hawaiian
Electric VP-corporate relations (back row) with students from Mililani
Middle and High schools and Thomas Millard, HSSO Board President.
McKinley High School robotics team with Enrique Che and
Alan Ing, Hawaiian Electric mentors (center and right with
check). Photo courtesy of McKinley High School robotics team.