HILO, Hawaii – Lt. Governor Shan Tsutsui presented Waiakea Intermediate School Principal Lisa Souza with a $45,000 check during an assembly on Wednesday.

The Lt. Governor made the trip to Hilo to announce that the school has been selected to participate in the pilot program for his statewide after-school initiative, R.E.A.C.H. – or Resources for Enrichment, Athletics, Culture and Health.

Tsutsui is collaborating with the state Department of Education in order to kickstart the initiative, which the Lt. Governor’s office says provides an organizational framework for public middle and intermediate schools to offer expanded learning opportunities during after-school hours.

The $45,000 given to Waiakea will got towards enhancing the school’s current after-school program.

The state says Waiakea’s after-school program provides alternatives to at-risk students by offering academic support and activities. From performing arts to cooking to fitness clubs, the students participate in a variety of activities. The after-school program receives support from a federal funded program called UPLINK, as well as from various community businesses.

State Senator Gil Kahele joined Tsutsui for the presentation.