GOVERNOR LINGLE RELEASES $375,000 FOR ALTERNATIVE LEARNING CENTER AT HILO HIGH SCHOOL

For Immediate Release:  December 24, 2007

HONOLULU – Governor Linda Lingle has released $375,000 for the design and construction of portable classrooms for the Lanakila Learning Center (LLC), a full-day program for at-risk high school students who attend public schools in the Hilo-Laupāhoehoe-Waiākea complex area.

Currently, the program is housed in Hilo High School’s Hilo Annex Building D, which is designed for office use and is needed by other district programs. The new portable facility will have two instructional spaces and restrooms.

“The Lanakila Learning Center has helped many students graduate from high school and prepared them to become valuable members of our workforce with its supportive community-based program,” said Governor Lingle. “This project will provide students and staff with a more suitable classroom environment and give the program the permanent home it deserves.”

The LLC curriculum focuses on six different areas: academic, career and personal development, as well a cultural and recreational enrichment and family bonding. The center operates every weekday and some evenings, offering students hands-on learning activities and projects, as well as classes in core subject areas such as English, math and science.

Design of the portable classrooms is scheduled to be completed in September 2008. Construction is scheduled to begin in February 2009 and be completed in July 2009.

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For more information, contact:

Lenny Klompus  
Senior Advisor – Communications
Phone: (808) 586-7708

Russell Pang
Chief of Media Relations
Phone: (808) 586-0043