Congresswoman Hirono Announces $376,748 in Federal Funding to
Provide Physical Education Programs at Maui County Schools
HONOLULU. HI —Congresswoman Mazie K. Hirono (D-Hawai‘i) today announced the awarding of $376,748 in U.S. Department of Education funding to Maui Family YMCA to provide and expand physical education programs in public grade schools within Maui County.
This level of funding will now allow Maui Family YMCA to provide physical educational activities and programs to potentially three area schools, per year. These programs are expected to be rotated throughout other Maui County schools in future years. It is anticipated the grant will be for a total of 3 years.
“At a time when obesity and lack of physical activity among young people are real concerns, this grant will bring physical education programs into a number of Maui elementary schools,” said Congresswoman Hirono, who is a member of the House Education and Labor Committee. “This is important at a time when Hawaii’s public schools face significant cuts, including physical education classes.”
Maui Family YMCA will receive the funding under the The Carol M. White Physical Education Program, authorized under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act. Under this program, local schools and community-based organizations receive funds to initiate, expand, or improve physical education programs for students in grades kindergarten through the 5th grade.
These programs are geared toward helping students develop an appreciation for lifelong healthy habits and make progress toward meeting state standards for physical education. Funds are used to develop staff and curriculum, conduct fitness assessments, and purchase equipment to enable students to actively participate in physical education activities.
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