The focus was the introduction of science and math through hands on projects involving the students, their parents or other mentor, and their teachers. Throughout the years, Tech Together has received consistent praise for the significant impact it has had on the schools served and for the progress achieved by the students participating in its innovative curriculum.

The improvement scores for participants were impressive and the enthusiastic support and partnership of the parents and teachers were far beyond most programs in the schools. In its six years of work, Tech Together taught 11,800 students, 35,000 family members, and 23,600 student mentors. PIDF remains committed to the approach Tech Together pioneered in the area of science and technology in our schools and will be working to restart the program in the near future.

Our warmest thanks and aloha to Project Manager Tim Fulkerson, Curriculum Specialist Myra Taumanupepe, Project Assistant Susan Yamasaki, and Trainers – Kristen Tuala, Pina Tinitali Gomez, Henry Sataraka, Faamoemoe Sims , Randy Kaaloa, and Epeli Dakalaladur. You have positively impacted so many lives!

Better known as “Coach” or “Uncle Pete” there’s much to say about him, as it certainly won’t be the same here at the Foundation after he leaves. His sense of humor will definitely be missed and, everyone appreciates his hard work and guidance to the teams. All of us are aware of the extra hours he put in as the sole individual responsible for recruiting participatory schools, which made the Tech-Together program as successful as it has been.

Formerly of the Susannah Wesley program, Uncle Pete joined PIDF in September of 2006, and during his tenure with us has shared much of his expertise and innovative ideas with regard to teaching, and his presence has made for a rewarding and successful experience for our staff. His vast knowledge of learning theories, mentoring, familiarity with school policies and procedures, teaching excellence, interpersonal skills, the list goes on, has all contributed to make Tech-Together an outstanding program.

Described as a disciplined, honest, straight shooter, our students know from the outset that education is his priority, even more so than sports, which coming from a former Olympian is strong testimony of his desire to produce young scholars first, rather than young athletes.

Mahalo Coach. Uncle Pete. We know that you have dreams of traveling, and hope that those dreams become a reality for you. You deserve it.

Remember though that there is no place like home, so if you’re ever bored, or tire of traveling, know that you always have a home with us… A hui hou!

In order for the students to better conceptualize the discussion on energy, they were given two hands-on projects to construct in class today. The students put together a solar oven and a solar car. The solar oven highlights the use of the sun’s heat to create convection current by trapping it inside a confined area. Doing this keeps the oven constantly heated. The solar car demonstrates how to harness the sun’s light energy using a photovoltaic panel, which was mounted on the vehicle.

Our Tech Together program is at the tail end of its two-week session with the 5th and 6th graders at this particular school. At the end of the week, the students will take an exam, which will cover the S.T.E.A.M. (science, technology, engineering, arts, mathematics) curriculum they’ve learned about throughout the various sessions. Students have made note cards to help them study in preparation for the test.

Members of this shelter, which provides temporary housing/transitioning for the houseless, were given an opportunity to attend classes facilitated by the Tech Together Staff. They engaged in a modified lesson plan focused on renewable energy.

For 3 weeks, Tech Together educated students from ages 4-13 on methods of saving, renewing and generating new sources of energy. They engaged in hands on projects that reinforced the lesson for that particular day.

In the end, they were also able to create a 3Rs (Reduce, Reuse and Recycle) project of their own. These projects would later be judged at the 3Rs fair hosted by both Ka Pa‘alana and Tech Together teams. The 3rs fair took place on the grounds on the Hope for New Beginning Shelter.

Students learn about the lasting effects of non-renewable energies such as coal, natural gas, nuclear and oil, and what can be done to avoid damage to our ‘aina. They are experiencing what it means to make a difference in their environment through an understanding of the ahupua’a system, and the challenges of environmental sustainability by addressing the need for alternative sources of energy such as renewable energy, hydro, solar, biomass, geothermal, and wind and waves.

Tech Together will continue to expand its services this spring, reaching out to more schools on the islands of Kaua‘i, Moloka’i, Maui and O‘ahu, filling classrooms with fun and exciting hands-on learning STEM subjects. We all aspire to move forward in the right direction.

With approximately 125 students, they were eager to learn about renewable and non-renewable energy. With the eighth lesson starting at harnessing the sun’s energy, the students discovered the wide uses of solar thermal, photovoltaic, and solar cells. The excitement filled the air as the students discovered that they were building a solar car and a solar oven today. They not only raced their solar cars but also baked marshmallows in their new solar ovens.

Hands on projects are a pivotal component to the success of Tech Together. It reinforces the concepts learned and it makes learning fun. Did you know that the famous voyaging canoe, Hōkūle‘a, has solar panels?

With Hawai‘i’s beautiful climate, our state has the advantage of using the sun to bring renewable energy to our daily lives. What a great day at Leihōkū Elementary!

The Windward ‘Ohana 3R’s Fair was the perfect place to share the creative recycling displays created by students from ten different schools.

3R’s, “Reduce, Reuse, Recycle” was the mantra of the day, as teams from each of the schools shared their work with the public, their teachers, and peers.

Hosted by Dawn O’Brien of FISH 95.5 FM radio, festivities included performances by the Castle Performing Arts Center, and the Kahulu’u Ukulele Band.

Project Manager Keikilani Lyons was pleased that even with the school year completed, teachers came to see their students works.

Participating schools were: Blanche Pope Elementary (Waimanalo), Hālau Lokahi Charter School, Hālau Ku Māna Charter School, Hau’ula Elementary, Ka’a’awa Elementary, Kahalu’u Elementary, Kapunahala Elementary, Keolu Elementary, Pu’ōhala Elementary, and Waiāhole Elementary.

Congratulations to all!!! Mahalo also to all of the sponsors, and Gloria Reed for sharing her photos.

Each school’s display will have their 3R’s projects along with Ke Ao Nei’s hands on projects and interactive displays to educate the public on the renewable and nonrenewable energy concepts that each student learned through this program. Tech Together Project Manager, W. Keikilani Lyons, mentioned, “It is inspiring to watch children learn science, technology, engineering and math and grow exponentially where it propels them to create magnificent works of art.”

Entertainment from Castle Performing Arts Center will feature local talent and Kahalu‘u Ukulele Band will bring their 4th-6th grade students that will strum their hearts out. The mistress of ceremonies is the popular radio host of the FISH 95.5 FM, Dawn O’Brien.

The weather was perfect for the one-mile walk, which took participants up King Street, around Richard Street, down Beretania Street, and around Alapai Street to end at the Honolulu Hale. After crossing the finish line, participants were welcomed with entertainment and treated to healthy snacks, a free hot meal, shaved ice, and keiki games.

Proceeds raised went directly to the Hawai‘i Foodbank, and the thirty participating member agencies were able to receive matching funds and credit toward future shopping visits.

Whether it was through a donation or your presence to walk with PIDF, mahalo for your support of this fundraiser to help feed Hawai‘i’s hungry.