Hawaii Teachers Get Grants to Bring Classroom Ideas to Life

Teachers with big ideas for their classrooms are getting the funding they need to make those dreams come true, and it's all thanks to people filling up their gas tanks.

Par Hawaii's Hele gas stations launched their third annual "Fuel the Future" fundraiser on Sunday, running through February 28. Customers can donate at any Hele location statewide, with every dollar going to the Public Schools of Hawaiʻi Foundation.

The money supports Good Idea Grants, which do exactly what the name suggests. They give teachers funding to implement creative programs they've designed themselves, without having to pay out of pocket or abandon their projects altogether.

Over the past two years, these fundraisers have generated nearly $60,000. That money has already funded approximately 60 different teacher-led projects across Hawaii's public schools.

John Peyton, Vice President of Hawaii Retail, says public school educators bring incredible passion to their work. "They know what inspires students and how to make learning engaging," Peyton explained. "Our Hele employees selected to support Public Schools of Hawaiʻi Foundation again this year because we all want to support teachers and help our keiki realize their fullest potential."

The grants fill a critical gap in school funding. Without this support, teachers often face a tough choice: spend their own money on classroom materials or let their innovative ideas fade away.

The Ripple Effect

This fundraiser does more than just fund individual classroom projects. It validates teachers' creativity and shows them their community believes in their vision.

Ken Hiraki, Executive Director of the Public Schools of Hawaiʻi Foundation, expressed deep gratitude for the partnership. The nonprofit organization focuses on strengthening public education and supporting innovation and academic excellence across the state.

This year brings exciting new possibilities. The foundation plans to use some funds to train teachers and students on artificial intelligence educational tools designed to maximize classroom learning.

These grants transform what's possible in Hawaii's public schools, one good idea at a time.