Gov. Linda Lingle has released $375,000 for design and construction of portable classrooms for the Lanakila Learning Center program for at-risk public high school students in the Hilo, Laupahoehoe, and Waiakea complex area.

The program is now housed in Hilo High School's Hilo Annex Building D, which was designed for office use and is needed by other district programs.

The LLC curriculum focuses on academic, career and personal development, and includes cultural and recreational enrichment and family bonding. The center operates every weekday and some evenings, offering students hands-on learning activities and projects, as well as classes in core subject areas such as English, math and science.

The new portable facility will have two instructional spaces and restrooms. Design work scheduled for completion in September, and construction is scheduled for completion in July 2009.

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