HONOLULU — Lt. Governor Shan Tsutsui today announced the participants in the statewide R.E.A.C.H. (Resources for Enrichment, Athletics, Culture and Health) Initiative for the 2015-2016 school year. More than 3,000 middle and intermediate public school students at 14 schools across the state will be part of the program.

R.E.A.C.H.’s mission is to ensure all public school students in grades 6 to 8 receive the academic and community-based support they need to stay on track toward high school graduation by engaging them in a broad-base of programs and activities, outside of regular instructional hours, in the areas of academic enrichment, arts and culture, and athletics.

“The investment we make in the education of our youth, whether it’s during school or after-school will have insurmountable returns for our keiki’s future and our community,” said Tsutsui. “If we are able to reach our middle and intermediate school students through engaging and enriching activities, especially during this critical time in their lives, the academic and social benefits will be exceptional.”

The initiative, spearheaded by Lt. Governor Tsutsui in collaboration with state Department of Education (DOE) Superintendent Kathryn Matayoshi, provides an organizational framework for public middle and intermediate schools to offer students expanded learning opportunities during after-school hours.

“R.E.A.C.H. provides a positive option for our students to remain engaged when class is out for the day,” said Matayoshi. “We appreciate the support and commitment by partners who understand the value that R.E.A.C.H. brings to our schools.”

Studies have shown that after-school programs not only keep students safe and engaged in learning, but also help improve their academic performance, school attendance, behavior and health.

Selection of the schools was based on a criteria, which included: strong student interest and/or participation for the after-school program and established relationships with key stakeholders.

The applications were also evaluated on its readiness to achieve the goals and student outcomes set forth by the initiative. Some schools apply for the grant every year and are selected based on the criteria. This year, 9 of the 14 schools are returning R.E.A.C.H. participants. There were 29 applicants for this year’s program. The maximum grant a school received was $70-thousand.

Since the initiative was launched in 2013, 21 public middle/intermediate schools (including this year) from across the State have benefited from R.E.A.C.H.

The schools participating in the R.E.A.C.H. Initiative during the 2015-16 school year are:

Jarrett Middle School

Kahuku High & Intermediate

Kalakaua Middle School

Kalama Intermediate School

Kalanianaole Elementary and Intermediate School

Kapolei Middle School

Moanalua Middle School

Molokai Middle School

Waiakea Intermediate School

Waialua High & Intermediate School

Waikoloa Middle School

Waimea Canyon Middle School

Waipahu Intermediate School

Washington Middle school

Some of the funds provided to the schools were made possible through public-private partnerships with Debartolo Development and Hawaii Business Magazine.