Grants Support Hawaiian UHWO Students

Native Hawaiian health and wellness facilities, as well as student support services, will get a boost at UH West Oahu, thanks to a $14.2-million Title III grant from the U.S. Department of Education.

A portion of the grant ($10 million) will go toward the PIKO Renovation Project, which entails the construction of health and wellness facilities that focus on Native Hawaiian values.

With the funds, UH West Oahu can create a wellness center that deals with holistic health and wellness, as well as a nursing simulation lab for state-of-theart training with the end goal of improving Native Hawaiian health equity.

Other areas of improvement come in the form of a cultural and performing arts and education amphitheater to be used for student and campus activities/events.

The remaining $4.2 million will be given to the university over a five-year period, with the intent to build up a Pueo Scholars Program, which aims to increase retention and graduation for Native Hawaiian students.

“As a University of Hawaii four-year campus with a high percentage of Native Hawaiian students, UH West Oahu will offer enhanced services specifically geared for Native Hawaiian student success, with this generous grant funding,” stated UH West Oahu chancellor Rockne Freitas.

“We are truly grateful for this opportunity to better serve all of our students through new health and wellness facilities and support programs.

“The goal is for UH West Oahu students to take this ‘ike (knowledge), graduate and go on to serve our West Oahu and other communities, which benefits the entire state of Hawaii.”