Halau hekili: building hawaii's middle college future

The Department of Education Office of Elementary and Secondary Education awarded Purple Maia Foundation $360,000 on June 1, 2026, under the Innovative Approaches to Literacy; Promise Neighborhoods; Full-Service Community Schools; and Congressionally Directed Spending for Elementary and Secondary Education Community Projects program (CFDA 84.215).

The award funds Halau Hekili, a middle college initiative designed to build Hawaii's future workforce through technology education and workforce development. Performance occurs in Honolulu, Hawaii, with a period of performance extending through June 30, 2029.

Purple Maia Foundation, a technology education nonprofit serving underserved youth in Hawaii, delivers the project. The organization has previously implemented technology education and workforce training programs across the state, including the HIAPO program funded by the Department of Education, and operates environmental monitoring and biocultural restoration initiatives supporting indigenous Hawaiian communities in partnership with other federal agencies including the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and National Science Foundation.

This is a Project Grant, a competitive assistance type awarded following nonfederal expert review.