Native Nations Education Foundation

The Native Nations Education Foundation (NNEF) is a U.S. nonprofit organization dedicated to improving educational opportunities and life conditions for indigenous peoples, with a particular focus on Hawaiian culture.

History and Mission

Founded in 2002 as a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization, NNEF aims to serve indigenous people through education, advocacy, and community service. Its mission emphasizes enhancing self-sufficiency among Native Hawaiians by providing opportunities for educational advancement and employment preparation.

Programs and Activities

NNEF began its work in Kalihi, O'ahu, offering adult basic education programs that included General Equivalency Diploma (GED) and Competency-Based High School Diploma testing. These programs were complemented by adult employment preparedness, computer literacy courses, and recreational classes integrating Hawaiian cultural lessons such as hula, chants, ‘ukulele, guitar, feather lei, and ipu (gourd) making[1].

In 2008, NNEF expanded its services to East Hawai'i, focusing on areas from Hilo to Puna and Ka‘ü. The organization targeted adult Native Hawaiians who were underemployed, displaced workers, or academically underprepared for higher education. Their programs aimed to increase the community's self-sufficiency through improved educational and vocational training opportunities[1].

Impact and Achievements

NNEF's programs have shown significant improvements in the employment status of participants. Initially, 61% of participants were unemployed, but the foundation's efforts led to an increase in employment rates among its graduates[1]. The organization also provides training, research, and scholarships to further support indigenous education and cultural preservation[5].

Funding and Partnerships

NNEF has received significant funding from various organizations. For instance, in 2023, it received $150,000 in educational support from Kamehameha Schools[5]. The foundation's financial activities are documented through annual reports, reflecting total grants and contributions amounting to $765,485 in fiscal year 2022[5].

Leadership and Governance

As of recent data, Kahi Brooks-Richards serves as the director of NNEF, with a compensation reported in 2023[5]. The organization is led by a dedicated team focusing on educational development and community engagement.

Conclusion

The Native Nations Education Foundation plays a crucial role in advancing educational opportunities for indigenous communities, particularly Native Hawaiians. Through its comprehensive programs and strategic partnerships, NNEF contributes to enhancing economic self-sufficiency and cultural preservation among these communities.