Another round of support for island teachers and students is planned later this school year
Posted: November 15, 2024
The Hawai‘i State Department of Education announced this week that, with the support of philanthropists and longtime Hawai’i residents Lynne and Marc Benioff, chair and CEO of Salesforce, it has distributed $2.5 million to qualifying DonorsChoose projects by Hawai‘i’s public school teachers. Building on this campaign’s success, HIDOE and the Benioffs plan another round of support for Hawai‘i’s educators and the students they teach later in the academic year.
More than 3,500 teachers at 268 campuses – including 251 HIDOE schools and 17 charter schools – received $750 in funding through the campaign, enabling them to bring essential and innovative resources into their classrooms. With projects submitted on the education crowdfunding nonprofit DonorsChoose, the campaign bolsters teaching in diverse subjects – from STEM to mental health resources – supporting teachers’ visions to enrich their classrooms with critical learning tools.
Examples of fully funded projects include:
- Assembly Line Production with Legos – Konawaena Middle School
- Lions, Tigers, and Bears! Animals Science Research Project – Waiākeawaena Elementary School
- STEM Lab Supplies – Kalāheo Elementary School
- Tide Pool Field Trip Supplies – Hāna High & Elementary School
- Fashion Design Student Workshop – Farrington High School
Through their ongoing partnership with HIDOE, the Benioffs have now provided more than $10 million in total support for the state’s public school teachers, including $3 million for the current school year. This latest campaign underscores the Benioffs’ commitment to strengthening Hawai‘i’s education system, part of a broader initiative that has funded over 38,000 classroom projects and reached more than 10,000 teachers.
The Benioffs also recently funded the Lahaina HERO Awards recognizing teachers, administrators and HIDOE employees who played a critical role in keeping Lahaina schools open following the devastating wildfires on Maui last year. These latest donations bring their total Hawai’i philanthropy to more than $250 million across education, health, affordable housing and other areas.
Marc and Lynne Benioff said, “Nothing is more important than our children’s education and our public schools. We are deeply inspired by the incredible dedication of Hawai’i’s teachers and so happy to be able to support their work.”
Gov. Josh Green said, “Marc and Lynne Benioff are shining examples of how philanthropy can have a hugely positive impact on communities and we are so grateful that they not only appreciate the aloha we have for one another, but that they generously share their aloha with our people.”
“I am proud to call them my friends and I am humbled by their commitment to our teachers and students,” Green added.
This partnership has fostered year-round teacher engagement, bolstered by an additional $3 million raised through community support. The insights gathered this year showed a notable increase in requests for STEM and mental health projects, reflecting evolving classroom needs and emphasizing the importance of career readiness and student well-being. The campaign also plays a crucial role in supporting new educators, helping to retain first- and second-year teachers by providing essential resources and fostering a sense of community.
State Schools Superintendent Keith Hayashi said, “We are so grateful to Marc and Lynne Benioff for their continued support, partnership and generosity toward Hawai‘i’s teachers and students.”
“This funding directly empowers our educators to bring creative and impactful learning experiences into their classrooms. These campaigns are more than just financial support – they are an investment in the well-being and academic success of our students, while also providing critical resources that encourage teacher retention and growth across our public schools,” Hayashi said.
HSTA State President, Osa Tui, Jr. remarked, “While we face uncertainty in our state and national funding for public education, the Benioffs are exemplifying what it means to be generous benefactors. This is especially appreciated during a time when the ultra-rich 1% more often than not manipulate the system to amass more and more wealth for themselves without concern for the well-being of our communities.”
Details on the next round of support for DonorsChoose projects from HIDOE and the Benioffs will be shared soon, HIDOE said.