Description
The KA'I Programs are committed to the long-term empowerment and positive growth of at-risk, low-income youth in Palolo Valley. Since the program began in 2009, 'Iolani School, along with its educational partners, have been improving the life outcomes for more than 325 students each year from preschool to postsecondary education. Today, 98% of our KA'I Program students have graduated from high school and 88% have gone on to receive bachelor's degrees. These statistics far exceed the state outcomes for low-income students, where the average high school graduation rate is 60% and attainment of bachelor's degree is 9%.
KA'I has grown as a partnership between 'Iolani and the community in Palolo Valley, and now include the KA'I Keiki early childhood education program, the six year summer program, the KA'I Kulana postsecondary program, and a School Year Tutoring Program, all provided at no cost to participants.
Recent Achievements
The KA'I Programs have made a significant impact on its students, and have garnered praise from leaders in the State of Hawaii's Department of Education. Recent achievements include:
- Improved Academic Performance: Throughout the school year, KA'I supports more than 250 middle and high school students and their siblings with 75-100 hours of individualized tutoring sessions in math, reading, and writing. There are currently 22 tutors on staff, many of whom are current or retired 'Iolani School teachers.
- Doubled High School Graduation Rates: KA'I students have achieved a 96% on-time graduation rate and 88% college enrollment rate, far exceeding the statewide averages for low-income households of 60% and 33% respectively.
- Responded to Pandemic Needs: As the pandemic forced school closures and widespread unemployment, 'Iolani and its partners in the community rallied to organize weekly food distributions to help ensure the health of KA'I families. More than 30,000 meals were distributed. These meals provided the nourishment needed to keep students safe and focused on learning.
- Adapted to Distance Learning: 'Iolani provided KA'I students with access to educational technology and internet access so that they could continue with daily summer sessions and ongoing tutoring.
The KA'I Program
The KA'I Programs are committed to the long-term empowerment and positive growth of at-risk, low-income youth in Palolo Valley. Since the program began in 2009, 'Iolani School, along with its educational partners, have been improving the life outcomes for more than 325 students each year from preschool to postsecondary education.
How Your Gift Will Help
Our commitment to improving outcomes for underprivileged youth remains; meanwhile, the needs are greater than ever before. Your gift will help us to:
- Increase Tutoring Services And Outreach: Connecting with a trusted mentor is critical to keeping students focused nd achieving academic goals. You can help us increase the reach of our 1:1 tutoring program to meet student demand.
- Support For Success In College: KA'I is one of the few programs that supports at-risk students after high school graduation so that they can successfully complete postsecondary education. We currently provide 30 students with scholarship and counseling support, but additional assistance is needed.
- Technology For Distance Learning: With distance learning likely to continue, there is a need for access to technology to support coursework and tutoring. Costs include the purchase and maintenance of iPads and data plans for wifi access.
- Emergency Funds For Food And Other Needs: Our KA'I students depend upon school for two meals a day; with most schools not in person full time, we are trying to support grocery distributions for 150 families. In addition, we are providing support to help families facing eviction or loss of utilities so we can keep students and their families off the streets.