4 Helpful tips to create a strong Hawaiʻi Blue Schools Hui Application

1. Focus on making answers specific, justifiable, attainable, and creative

The details of projects are crucial for reviewers to make selection decisions. Think of these questions when answering the prompts: 

• Why would this grant be beneficial for your project? 

• How many individuals are involved, and what are the age ranges? 

• Is this an extension of an already existing project? 

• Will you be combining schools within the district? 

• Why would this be beneficial for your students, community, and school?

2. Incorporate Ocean Literacy Principles

Ocean Literacy Principles must be connected to proposal objectives and overview. To emphasize the importance of our connection to one global ocean. Exemplary projects incorporate multiple aspects of Ocean Literacy.

For details regarding the Ocean Literacy Principles, please review the Ocean Literacy framework and guide.

3. Preparing your project

Your proposal must include a basic budget and overview of partnerships. To ensure a project is achievable, all aspects should be researched, such as if permits are required and how partnerships will be included and cultivated to ensure project sustainability beyond the funding period. We recommend finding possible community organizations to partner with as you prepare your plan (we can help you find a fitting community organization).

4. Incorporate multiple disciplines

Projects should be based on the involvement of students and your community. Individuals often have different interests which can be incorporated to build a strong, inclusive, and well-rounded project plan. Examples include world languages, science, math, social studies, arts, technology, and physical education.

Questions? Reach out to anuschka@hawaii.edu with questions.