HONOLULU — During an assembly this afternoon, Lt. Governor Shan Tsutsui, along with R.E.A.C.H. (Resources for Enrichment, Athletics, Culture and Health) Out Hawaii in partnership with the National Football League (NFL) Foundation, presented Washington Middle School’s after-school program with new sports equipment. The donation included volleyballs, soccer balls and baseball equipment, valued at $3,000.
“Funding for after-school programs are limited; therefore, we truly appreciate R.E.A.C.H. Out Hawaii’s generosity, along with Lt. Governor Tsutsui and the NFL Foundation,” said Principal Michael Harano. “The donation of the much needed equipment will enable us to expand the sports program and increase student participation.”
R.E.A.C.H. Out Hawaii, the nonprofit arm for R.E.A.C.H., purchased the equipment with a grant it received in 2014 from the NFL Foundation through its Pro Bowl Community grant program.
“Washington Middle School does an exceptional job in keeping its students engaged and excited about learning during its after-school program,” said Tsutsui. “I’d like to thank the NFL Foundation for being a partner in recognizing the program’s efforts in providing health, fitness, educational and social enrichment opportunities to the students.”
“We are proud to be able to help expand and support after-school programs at schools such as Washington Middle,” said Tom Apple, President of R.E.A.C.H. Out Hawaii. “This donation is just a small way to show students that we care about them and their future.”
R.E.A.C.H. provides an organizational framework for public middle and intermediate schools to offer expanded learning opportunities during after-school hours. The initiative’s mission is to expand learning opportunities during non-instructional hours to public middle and intermediate school students so they can stay on track toward high school graduation and be better prepared for future success.
Started in March 2013 by Lt. Governor Tsutsui, the R.E.A.C.H. initiative continues to develop and is currently being considered by the State Legislature to become a permanently funded program within the Office of Youth Services. Twenty schools thus far have benefited from the program since it was launched in 2014.
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