The University of Hawai'i has announced a $2.3 million grant from the Harold K.L. Castle Foundation in support of a program aimed at increasing the number of low-income and first-generation middle and high school students from the Windward O'ahu community who succeed in college.

The Soar Higher program will provide students with developmentally appropriate support designed to aid them in graduating from high school and completing a college degree. To that end, Windward-area high schools will work with feeder middle schools and Windward Community College to develop and implement a vertically aligned college- and career-readiness program that includes academic preparation, career counseling, and work-based learning opportunities.

"We know the best path to household stability runs through a two- or four-year degree," said Castle Foundation vice president for programs Alex Harris. "But it's still far too difficult for young people to get to and through college. We hope this four-year investment will double the number of public-school graduates in Windward O'ahu that earn a degree or certificate."