KIHEI – Maui Economic Development Board (MEDB) is now accepting applications for the Daniel K. Inouye Innovation Award.

This annual award is presented to a Maui County project team that 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. 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. 20, 2016.

Held at the Fairmont Kea Lani Resort, 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.

MEDB, with the endorsement of Irene Hirano Inouye, established the Daniel K. Inouye Innovation Award in 2013 to honor the late senator’s vision for Maui as an innovation center for the latest scientific and technological advances.

“This prestigious award celebrates innovation and the application of science and technology to solve challenges around us,” said Jeanne Unemori Skog, MEDB’s president and CEO.

“There is an incredible creativity in our youth, and we look forward to hearing about and seeing the projects again this year.”

Deadline for applications is Aug. 8, 2016. To download an application, visit www.medb.org/daniel-k-inouye-innovation-award-2/. For questions, e-mail lalaine@medb.org or call (808) 875-2341.