HONOLULU – Hawaii State Federal Credit Union last week announced a call for applications for its 2019 Investing in Education grant program.

Hawaii’s public school teachers are encouraged to apply for the grants now through Oct. 31 to support the needs of their classrooms. Hawaii State FCU will distribute $40,000 in grants, between $200 and $500, based on classroom needs.

“At Hawaii State FCU, we established our Investing in Education grant program to recognize and support hardworking public school teachers in our community who often pay for classroom supplies out of their own pocket,” said Andrew Rosen, president and CEO of Hawaii State FCU.

“We appreciate teachers and all of their hard work, commitment and sacrifices. Over the past ten years, we’ve heard back from countless teachers on how the additional equipment, from art supplies to electronics, have made a big difference in creating new learning opportunities for their students.”

Eligible applicants must submit an essay stating the needs of their classroom and how the funds will help them improve student learning.

Grant recipients are selected based on their essay and will be reviewed as they are submitted. Funds will be available through Oct. 31 or until all funds have been disbursed.

Applicants must be a member of Hawaii State FCU and be currently employed with the State of Hawaii Department of Education as a classroom teacher.

Hawaii State FCU’s Investing in Education grant program has been funding Hawaii’s classrooms since 2009. Since then, the credit union has dispersed 521 grants with a total value of more than $213,000.

To apply for the Investing in Education Grants, or for more information, visit www.hawaiistatefcu.com/grants-for-teachers.