The Federal Department of Education awarded $2.9 million to PLC for its grant, ʻAha Lamakū ʻOia‘i‘o (ALO), which is a culturally responsive leadership development, mentoring and transition support system for at-risk Native Hawaiian youth. Building on the positive results of previous PLC and Hawaiʻi Department of Education joint efforts funded by the federal government and other funding sources, ALO is designed to ensure timely completion of courses, promotion to next grade levels, graduation from high school, and successful transition into post-high school college or employment training.
ALO will target strategic support to underserved secondary students in four schools in Hawaiʻi Island’s Kaʻū–Keaʻau-Pāhoa Complex Area (KKP), employing the concept of ma ka hana ka ʻike (knowledge is gained by doing) and integrating proven culturally-responsive approaches. During a three-year period, ALO’s coordinated services will directly benefit approximately 1,160 students and 800 teachers.