Transforming Public Schools into Thriving Community Centers

Positive Media presents a look into how a Honolulu District of 18 public schools in Kaimuki and McKinley were able to help their students do better academically and build a stronger community at each school site.  They made savvy use of a Federal grant offered to public schools called the 21st Century Community Learning Center Grant.   Led by a passionate Grant Project Director, Pam Kohara and her District Office team nurtured the 18 schools to create unique programs for the students.  The funds were used to provide extra tutoring for students, create family events to increase parental involvement with the schools, and bring in artists, musicians, athletes and science professionals to offer programs for the students. Watch as these lucky students got to dance ballet, sing, make robots, do capoeria martial arts, produce videos, play tennis, make pottery with their families and more!

The grant’s intent is to support activities in non-school hours with these four goals:
— Provide a safe and productive environment for students
— Close the learning gap for students in core academic areas
— Increase parent involvement with the school
— Create community partnerships to lead activities

Video produced for the Hawaii Department of Education by Positive Media Hawaii.  Our youth program, Keiki Voices, is also featured in this video as one of the Community Partners hired by the schools to provide enrichment activities for their students.

Interviews in this video include school principals reflecting on how the grant has enhanced their school, as well as hear from students and families in the program.