University of Hawaii Maui College (UHMC) was recently awarded $3.7 million in two federal grants–with the money to be dispersed over the next five years. One grant went to a UH Maui’s music studies program, and the other will be used for a college preparation program.
Dr. Keola Donaghy (Music Studies and Institute of Hawaiian Music, pictured above) received a $2.5 million U.S. Department of Education Title III grant for Native Hawaiian Serving Institutions. The money–$500,000 a year for five years – will be used to renovate the college’s recording room and create a professional quality recording studio. The money also will help deliver the Institute of Hawaiian Music’s Academic Subject Certificate (A.S.C.) in Hawaiian Music to Molokai; and create a new A.S.C. in Hawaiian Performing Arts. In addition, the grant will help fund a new curriculum for Music Studies that will bring Hawaiian content and pedagogy to all music classes.
“I think it is an amazing opportunity for UHMC to strengthen and expand its programs for students interested in Hawaiian music and performing arts such as hula, whether as a career, for personal growth, or to contribute to our community of practitioners of these vital arts,” Donaghy said. “It also advances the UH system’s goal to be a model indigenous serving institution.”
Melissa Bonnin, Grant Development Management Coordinator (pictured below), secured a $1.2 million, five-year Talent Search grant, which is part of the U.S. Department of Education’s TRIO program; the TRIO Talent Search program identifies and assists individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds who have the potential to succeed in higher education.
The grant will be used for a college prep program that will serve underrepresented middle and high students of Maui County. Program services include career exploration, academic advising, college tours, support in applying for college, and help in all steps of the college admissions process, including securing financial support for college. Ultimately, the program encourages students to graduate from high school, enroll in college, and complete a post-secondary education program.
“This grant will be a great community resource to increase college access by starting the college prep process for underrepresented students in middle school,” Bonnin said. “I am excited that UH Maui College was awarded the program and thankful for the team of people who made this happen. If you know of a middle school student in Maui County who is interested or even thinking about college, send them our way!”
For information about all of UHMC’s programs, visit Maui.hawaii.edu.
Photos courtesy Grapevine Productions
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