2007: A Year to Remember

Mahalo to all companies and individuals who helped make A PATHWAY TO OUR FUTURE on August 23, 2007 a wonderful success! All donations go to the MEDB Ke Alahele Education Fund for enhancing science, math, engineering and technology education.

Senator Daniel K. Inouye, Mayor Charmaine Tavares and Colin C. Cameron Award Honoree, Representative Bob Nakasone, gather for MEDB's 25th Anniversary Celebration.		Stan Kuriyama and Grant Chun representing Silver Anniversary Sponsor Alexander & Baldwin Foundation present a Report Card with all As to MEDB President & CEO Jeanne Skog.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Event

What is the August 21 event all about?
“A Pathway to Our Future” is a special evening for the benefit of the MEDB Ke Alahele Education Fund. In 2006, MEDB established the MEDB Ke Alahele Education Fund to stimulate community investment in broadening career pathways for Maui County residents. To date, thanks to generous donors like you and community stakeholders, over $100,000 has been awarded to educators, students, parent groups and community organizations involved or interested in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) fields. In addition to the grant program, the Fund also offers internships, apprenticeships, professional development and training assistance.

Who are the special guests?
We are delighted that Senator Daniel K. Inouye and Mayor Charmaine Tavares will join with us and headline this important fundraising investment in our economic future and security. Mayor Charmaine Tavares has also agreed to designate the evening as “The Mayor’s Gala” for the benefit of the MEDB Ke Alahele Education Fund.

Where will it be held and how much does it cost?
The event will be held at the Wailea Marriott Hotel on Thursday, August 21, 5:00 p.m. beginning with a reception filled with displays and lively interaction, followed by dinner at 6:30 p.m.

How much are the tickets?
Sponsorships are available at the following levels:

Educator $10,000
Includes a table of ten (10) with preferred seating, recognition as major sponsor during pre-event reception and dinner, attendance for four (4) at the pre-reception with Senator Inouye and Mayor Tavares and seating for one (1) at the head table.

Mentor $5,000
Includes a table of ten (10) with preferred seating, recognition as major sponsor during pre-event reception and dinner, attendance for two (2) at the pre-reception with Senator Inouye and Mayor Tavares.

Tutor $2,500
Includes a table of ten (10) with preferred seating and sponsor recognition at dinner.

Individual Partner tickets are $150 each. Portions of all donations will be tax deductible.

MEDB Ke Alahele Education Fund

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the purpose of the MEDB Ke Alahele Education Fund?
Our ability to meet our work force needs, particularly in the technology fields, will determine the success of our economic goals. Recognizing the critical nature of this preparation, MEDB has worked vigorously throughout its history to enhance education and training in our community.

To further support this growing need for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) skills, our board of directors created the MEDB Ke Alahele Education Fund in 2006 as a grant making vehicle. The Fund stimulates community investment in broadening career pathways for Maui County residents.

Who is eligible to apply MEDB Ke Alahele Education Fund grants?
Educators, students, schools and other organizations may apply for funds to support innovations in STEM education.

What are some examples of eligible Ke Alahele activities?
Eligible grant areas include curriculum innovation, culture and science integration, scholarships, internships, apprenticeships, professional development or training assistance, and access to equipment to enhance STEM activity. A list of the projects that have already been assisted by the MEDB Ke Alahele Education Fund is listed on Grant Awards 2007 2008 page.

How are grant recipients selected?
Applicants are evaluated MEDB’s Education Committee and approved by the MEDB board of directors for how well they meet the purposes of the fund.

Why is this important to me?
The ability of our community—and our nation—to succeed and compete in the 21st Century will depend on the preparation of our workforce in the areas of science, math, engineering and technology. The U.S. is falling behind. The next generation of technicians, scientists, and engineers must be engaged now.

Can you tell me more about MEDB?
The Maui Economic Development Board (MEDB) is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit corporation established in 1982 with a focus on diversifying Maui's economy. In 1981, Maui County's economic dependence on agriculture and tourism raised concerns about our community’s vulnerability to forces we could not control. Our government, business, and community leaders came together to explore approaches Maui could take to strengthen and diversify our economy. The consensus of those participants was that Maui's economic future would benefit by developing a high technology sector. As a result, MEDB was formed in 1982 to assist the County of Maui in pursuing this high tech future. Today, MEDB partners with the private, public and nonprofit sectors at the local and national levels to achieve our goals. Our programs—which are founded on a respect for our culture and precious environment—assist growth industries, educate and train our residents for new career pathways, and build consensus in addressing our community’s challenges and opportunities.