Among the highlights of the annual MEDB Ke Alahele Education Fund Benefit Dinner & Auction is the presentation of the Daniel K. Inouye Innovation Award. Last year’s award went to Justin Hanks, a 2018 King Kekaulike High School graduate, for his outstanding achievements in MEDB’s STEMworks. Here, Hanks (second from left) hosted STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) camps for 100 Upcountry elementary school students as part of his senior project.

KIHEI – Maui Economic Development Board (MEDB) is now accepting applications for its 2019 Daniel K. Inouye Innovation Award. This annual award is presented to a Maui County project team that best demonstrates the most innovative use of science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) tools and capabilities to serve and improve our community.

The award is open to all Maui County students in grades 6-12. High school seniors graduating this school year are also eligible to apply.

Applicants must demonstrate the best combination of technology with service learning for the benefit of Maui Nui. STEMworks students are encouraged to apply, but applicants need not be in a STEMworks lab to be considered.

The winning project will be announced at “Pathways To Our Future,” the MEDB Ke Alahele Education Fund Dinner & Auction, to be held on Saturday, Aug. 31, 2019, at the Wailea Beach Resort-Marriott, Maui.

Proceeds from this popular annual event will go to support MEDB’s continuing efforts to advance STEM education in Maui County, empower teachers and offer students access to the teaching, tools and experiences that will prepare them for STEM careers.

“The Daniel K. Inouye Innovation Award recognizes our islands’ best and brightest in the innovation and the application of science and technology to solve challenges around us,” said Leslie Wilkins, MEDB’s president and CEO.

“It is the highest student award MEDB presents, and we look forward to honoring our county’s STEM stars on August 31st.”

Deadline for applications is Aug. 12, 2019. To download an application, visit www.medb.org/daniel-k-inouye-innovation-award-2/. For questions, e-mail lalaine@medb.org or call (808) 875-2300.