The Thirty Meter Telescope (TMT) announced Thursday it launched THINK (The Hawaii Island New Knowledge) Fund to better prepare Hawaii Island students to master STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) disciplines and to become the workforce for higher paying science and technology jobs in Hawaii’s 21st century economy. TMT’s founding gift of $1 million marks the beginning of the construction phase of astronomy’s next generation telescope on Mauna Kea.
The Thirty Meter Telescope (TMT) announced Thursday it launched THINK (The Hawaii Island New Knowledge) Fund to better prepare Hawaii Island students to master STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) disciplines and to become the workforce for higher paying science and technology jobs in Hawaii’s 21st century economy. TMT’s founding gift of $1 million marks the beginning of the construction phase of astronomy’s next generation telescope on Mauna Kea.
TMT’s THINK Fund initiative will benefit Hawaii Island students pursuing STEM endeavors with an annual contribution of $1 million during its existing 19-year Mauna Kea sublease with the University of Hawaii at Hilo. Two Hawaii foundations were selected by TMT, Hawaii Community Foundation and Pauahi Foundation, to administer THINK Fund distribution in scholarship and grant making platforms. The two independent foundations are defining their award criteria and decision-making process.
“With the launch of the THINK Fund, we are embarking on two transformational adventures — exploring the frontiers of the universe and providing educational opportunities for Hawaii’s students, both now and for future generations,” said Henry Yang, chair of the TMT International Observatory Board.