The Ke Alahele Education Fund helps to support a myriad of science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) education programs. PHOTOS BY MAUI ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT BOARD.

KIHEI – Maui Economic Development Board (MEDB) announces the kick-off of its first-ever 2020 STEM Drive, a benefit for the MEDB Ke Alahele Education Fund.

This online fundraiser runs through Aug. 15, 2020. Visit “http://www.MEDBpathways.org”>www.MEDBpathways.org for details.

Donations received will go towards advancing MEDB’s science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) programs from kindergarten to careers, as well as helping MEDB continue to support meaningful pathways that benefit the lives of residents in Maui County and statewide. Contributions are 100 percent tax-deductible.

According to Leslie Wilkins, MEDB’s president and CEO, “For the past 13 years, our community has gathered in August for our annual Ke Alahele Education Fund dinner and auction to raise needed funds to support STEM education in Hawaii.

“This year, to protect the health and safety of our community, we will not be hosting our traditional in-person gala. However, the public can still make a difference in the lives of our keiki by donating to our STEM Drive.”

The education fund helps to support Maui Economic Development Board’s Career Exploration Programs, including the Hawaii STEM Conference.

Since the fund was launched in 2006, MEDB’s STEM programs continue to empower students and teachers across our state.

To date, 344 grants have gone to support needed STEM equipment, robotics programs, media labs, environmental/sustainability projects, internships, training for teachers and more.

To make a donation, visit the MEDB STEM Drive website at www.MEDBpathways.org. Donations can be made online or by mailing a check to Maui Economic Development Board, at 1305 N. Holopono St., #1, Kihei, HI 96753.

A variety of sponsorship opportunities are also available that include publicity on the event’s website and social media.

This website also includes information about the MEDB Ke Alahele Education Fund, inspiring stories of those who have benefited from MEDB’s STEM programs and highlights of the upcoming STEM Week in Maui County.

“Jobs today and in the future depend on the preparation of our students in critical thinking, communication, problem solving, collaboration and creativity – all skills nurtured by STEM education,” said Wilkins.

“The MEDB Ke Alahele Education Fund was created to provide STEM tools for our youth and educators in an effort to open doors to emerging career opportunities. We extend a heartfelt mahalo to all those who have supported the Ke Alahele Education Fund in the past and hope you are able to make a contribution this year. It’s truly an investment in our youth – one that will help to shape our community and our world.”