The Ethnomathematics and STEM Institute, led by Associate Professor of Mathematics Education Linda Furuto of the University of Hawai‘i (UH) at Mānoa College of Education (COE), was selected for a UH President’s Green Initiative Award. Ethnomathematics team members were honored at the 5th Annual Hawai‘i Sustainability in Higher Education Summit at UH West O‘ahu on March 16, 2017.
In addition to several categories of student awards, faculty and staff awards were presented for leadership in sustainability activities. Ethnomathematics was one of only three recipients in this category, specifically cited for their leadership in exploring ancestral knowledge and modern sciences.
“We are honored to receive this award, and are especially grateful to work with, learn with, and learn from the University of Hawai‘i Office of Sustainability, community leaders, and industry partners,” Furuto said. “Together, we are committed to sustainability through curriculum, research, community engagement, operations, and cultural connections to our past, present, and future generations of students.”
Featured in numerous print, radio, online, and television media for nearly a decade, the Ethnomathematics and STEM Institute addresses issues of equitable and quality education through the exploration of culturally sustaining, place-based STEM pedagogy. The yearlong professional development program supports K–12 public, public charter, and private school educators to design and implement lesson plans grounded in the ethnic, historical, and cultural diversities of our island home.
Open to all 10 UH campuses, the green initiative awards program was established to encourage and highlight the innovative ways students, faculty, staff, and programs engage in sustainability challenges in order to enhance the future of our campuses and communities. All awardees are nominated by their peers and reviewed by UH Systemwide Sustainability Councils.
Funded by the U.S. Department of Education, the Ethnomathematics and Stem Institute is in the process of transitioning from a professional development program into a graduate certificate program, effective Fall 2018.
