We are deeply honored to announce that Tech Savvy Teens has been awarded $24,800 from Nā ʻŌiwi Kāne to support the expansion of our program islandwide in 2026. This funding is a powerful affirmation of what we believe — that Native Hawaiian youth are ready to lead, and that our kūpuna deserve consistent, caring, in-person support.
What This Grant Makes Possible
This investment goes directly into the heart of our program. The majority of the funding supports core operations — youth stipends, certification costs, and the addition of a fourth Lead Teen Mentor dedicated to the North Shore, bringing structured coverage to one of Oʻahu's most geographically isolated regions. It also helps us establish a semi-permanent program hub that will serve as a training center for teens, a walk-in support location for kūpuna, and a coordination base for our islandwide operations.
An additional $5,000 supports the development of standardized curriculum around cybersecurity, AI awareness, internet safety, and scam prevention — topics that matter deeply to the elders we serve.
Who We Serve
Tech Savvy Teens sits at the intersection of two communities that are often overlooked. Native Hawaiian youth ages 13–18 gain a structured, paid pathway to build real digital skills, earn industry-recognized certifications, and develop work readiness before entering advanced workforce training. At the same time, kūpuna — especially those aging in place, living in rural areas, or outside of senior centers — receive the ongoing, in-person technology support they need to use telehealth, manage online accounts, and stay safe online.
In 2026, we expect to serve 70–80 teen participants through training and applied service, and reach 1,800+ kūpuna across all regions of Oʻahu through workshops and one-to-one assistance.
"Nā ʻŌiwi Kāne's support means our teens don't just learn about technology — they become the bridge between their communities and the digital world. This grant helps us show up for our kūpuna and invest in the next generation of Native Hawaiian leaders at the same time."— Jaffer, Founder, Tech Savvy Teens
Mahalo nui loa to Nā ʻŌiwi Kāne for investing in Native Hawaiian youth and the elders they serve. We are committed to honoring this trust through every workshop, every certification, and every kūpuna we sit down with across Oʻahu.
