Native Hawaiian education groups receive $13 million

Education initiatives catering to the needs of Native Hawaiian students are to receive federal grants totaling more than $13 million.

Hawaii’s congressional delegation said in a news release Tuesday 23 agencies that develop programs and curriculum for Native Hawaiian students have been awarded the grants funded by the U.S. Department of Education through the Native Hawaiian Education Act.

The agencies include nonprofits, the University of Hawaii, state agencies and private firms.

The grant money is to be available to the agencies next month.

U.S. Sen. Daniel Inouye says the grants recognize the challenges Native Hawaiian children face.

U.S. Rep. Colleen Hanabusa says the grants preserve educational opportunities for Native Hawaiians while reducing disparities students may come across.