Spectrum announced that MÄ punawai Inc. is one of 46 nonprofit organizations nationwide to receive a $15,000 Spectrum Digital Education grant this year.
MÄ punawai Inc. is a nonprofit organization that bridges the digital divide for Hawaii residents through programs that address digital equity needs. Since July 2021, MÄpunawai Inc. has provided free basic computer classes and free refurbished laptops to more than 2,000 of his people across the state.
MÄ punawai Inc. will use the grant to provide digital literacy classes for older adults in Hawaii.
Spectrum presented the grant to the organization at a free in-person computer training and laptop giveaway event on February 23 at Heritage Hall Maui. State Sen. Lynn Dequoit and Spectrum executives attended the celebration.
“I would like to congratulate Mae Punawai on winning the Spectrum Digital Education Grant,” said Senator Dequoit. “This grant will enable us to empower older adults by providing them with access to digital literacy training and expanding their digital footprint.” Closing the Digital Divide, Our Kupuna Thank you to Spectrum for supporting Mae Punawai in supporting the. ”
MÄ punawai Inc.'s Digital Ready HawaiÊi program equips seniors with the tools they need to not only navigate the digital world, but also access critical resources, communicate with loved ones, and even find employment opportunities. We help by providing knowledge.
“We at Mae Punawai are honored and excited to be part of this digital equity initiative with Spectrum,” said Kaala Souza, Executive Director of Mae Punawai. Access to technology to enable more kopuna in Hawaii. ”
Spectrum commitment: $9 million and ongoing
MÄ punawai Inc. is one of 46 nonprofit organizations across 14 states that Spectrum is supporting through 2023 Spectrum Digital Education grants. Since the program's inception in 2017, Spectrum has committed more than $9 million to the initiative, awarding her 261 grants to 143 unique partners. As of September 2023, Spectrum Digital Education has funded over 30,000 digital education classes, distributed over 13,000 devices including laptops, and helped establish 157 tech labs.
“In an increasingly digital world, the importance of expanding access to essential broadband technology, education and training is critical,” said Rahman Khan, Group Vice President of Community Impact at Charter . “Through the 2023 Spectrum Digital Education Grant Program, Charter is partnering with valuable nonprofit organizations that share our commitment to creating better opportunities for the communities we serve.”