Mission Statement
Founded in 2002, Native Nations Education Foundation (NNEF) is a global, nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization, dedicated to serving indigenous people through advocacy, education, information, service and volunteer efforts. In November of 2005, NNEF received our 501(c)(3) determination letter from the IRS. We focus on training, development, research and scholarship in projects geared towards improving the lives of indigenous peoples and to protect native cultural integrity through education. In Hawai'i, NNEF is committed to creating and supporting diverse educational opportunities for Native Hawaiians.
History
NNEF actively operated in urban Honolulu from 2004-2007 serving approximately 2,500 Native Hawaiian participants and their families via three United States Department of Education funded grants. These grants provided funds for the establishment of a Community Learning Center (CLC) providing Adult Education and Hawaiian culture activities as well as a High School diploma program in partnership with Farrington Community School for Adults through which we were successful in graduating Native Hawaiians with High School diplomas. NNEF also created a Hawaiian culture based Math and Science curriculum in partnership with Nā Pua No'eau: Center for Gifted and Talented Native Hawaiian Children. Our third grant funded program was a mentoring program with students from Hālau Lōkahi Public Charter School and Kalihi area elementary schools.
In 2008, NNEF moved our base of operation to Hilo, Hawai'i; and from 2010-2013, our Paneʻe Mua Project (PMP) offered a GED/C-Based High School certificate course along with life skills, work force preparedness, and Hawaiian culture classes for Native Hawaiians in East Hawai'i. All programs were offered at NO COST to participants, with preference given to those of Native Hawaiian descent, 18 years of age and older.
From 2013-present, with the help of additional funding from several institutions, Paneʻe Mua Project refocused to provide comprehensive employment core and career support services for Native Hawaiians, 18 years of age or older. Once again the program is offered at NO COST to participants, with preference given to those of Native Hawaiian descent, 18 years of age and older.