Video by David Corrigan

HILO, Hawaii – Governor Neil Abercrombie signed Senate Bill 3093 into law during a ceremony at the Hilo Yacht Club on Tuesday. The Act appropriates $200,000 to the University of Hawaii at Hilo to support its memorandum of agreement with RISE 21st Century After School Program. The implementation of the agreement will be done by the ‘Imiloa Astronomy Center of Hawaiʻi, a unit of UH Hilo.

“This intervention, if you will, allows children – particularly of Hawaiian ancestry – in developing in life skills.

RISE helps UH-Hilo cultivate relationships with youth in our local communities. And its a partnership. It ensures that children are given the opportunity to expand their learning and prepare for future challenges.”Gov. Neil Abercrombie on July 1, 2014

Governor Neil Abercrombie

UH-Hilo Chancellor Dr. Donald Straney was in attendance to witness the signing. He lobbied on behalf of the program during the 2014 legislative session.

“The ‘Imiloa Astronomy Center of Hawaiʻi has been cultivating community partnerships that targets greater engagement by Hawaiʻi Island youth with the resources of UH Hilo. A positive partnership has been established with the RISE 21st Century After School Program that serves as a community and cultural resource for disadvantaged Native Hawaiian youth in Keaukaha. The proposal will help to expand collaborative opportunities supported by staffing and curriculum resources to establish mentorships, initiate project-based learning activities, and offer academic and career planning. UH Hilo views our continued partnership and collaboration with RISE as a positive solution to increase access to higher education and career opportunities for Native Hawaiians on Hawaiʻi Island.” Chancellor Straney in February 2014 testimony

Dr. Donald Straney