Spectrum today announced EA Ecoversity has received a $20,000 Spectrum Digital Education grant for HELUNAʻIKE, its digital micro-credentialing program for Native Hawaiians. In 2023, Spectrum is awarding $1.1 million total to 46 nonprofit organizations through Spectrum Digital Education, which supports broadband technology programs, education and training in unserved and underserved communities throughout the company’s service area.
EA Ecoversity is a Hawaiian culture-based, higher education and career training program that provides blended online and offline learning in an atmosphere of aloha. Designed for Native Hawaiians ages 15-30, EA Ecoversityʻs tuition-free, personalized program offers opportunities to earn diverse micro-credentials, and engage in paid internships, hands-on exploration and research in the environment.
The funding will support their HELUNAʻIKE digital micro-credentialing program, which will give Native Hawaiians an opportunity to earn industry-recognized, culturally-aligned digital micro-credentials and enable them to grow their careers.
Spectrum presented the $20,000 grant at the organization’s headquarters in Hilo. Representative Richard Onishi and Spectrum executives participated in the celebration.
“This generous Spectrum grant will allow EA Ecoversity ‒ a groundbreaking, culture-based, post-secondary education and career training program ‒ to initiate an industry-approved digital micro-credentialing system,” said Kū Kahakalau, EA Ecoversity, Board President. “These micro-credentials will verify highly specialized skills, proficiencies and on-the-job experiences needed to begin or advance sustainable green careers, and stand out in the job market and as cultural practitioners. These digital badges are designed to increase employability and income generation, and help Native Hawaiians remain in their ancestral land.”
“I’m proud to join EA Ecoversity in celebration of their $20,000 Spectrum Digital Education Grant,”said Representative Richard Onishi. “This award will support the next generation of Native Hawaiians in their quest for higher education and greater career opportunities, while preserving our island’s roots and longstanding cultural traditions. I commend EA Ecoversity and Spectrum on their efforts towards opening more doors to successful futures for our Native Hawaiian youth and young adults.”
“The importance of expanding access to essential broadband technologies, education and training is profound in our increasingly digital world,” said Rahman Khan, Group Vice President of Community Impact, Charter. “Through the 2023 Spectrum Digital Education grant program, Charter is partnering with valued nonprofits that share our commitment to create better opportunities for the communities we serve.”
Spectrum’s Commitment: $9 Million and Counting
EA Ecoversity is one of 46 nonprofit organizations across 14 states that Spectrum is supporting through the 2023 Spectrum Digital Education grants. Since the program’s 2017 launch, Spectrum has committed more than $9 million total to the initiative and has awarded 261 grants to 143 unique partners. As of September 2023, Spectrum Digital Education has helped to fund more than 30,000 digital education classes, distribute over 13,000 devices including laptops and support the creation of 157 tech labs.