PONO SCHOLARSHIP FUND

MAKE DEMOCRATIC, outdoor EDUCATION IN HARLEM ACCESSIBLE TO MORE FAMILIES

More than 65% of Pono students receive tuition assistance. This means that like most independent schools in NYC, tuition alone does not cover the base costs of the exceptional educational programming and low teacher-to-student ratio that Pono children enjoy. Sustaining and growing our tuition assistance program will keep Pono accessible to our current families and open our doors to new children. Every year, many families apply and are accepted to Pono, but decline because of financial constraints. Our goal is to raise $50,000 to start a dedicated scholarship fund to ensure that all children and families who wish to join Pono’s community can do so. All donations are made to Friends of Pono, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, making all donations tax deductible.

 PONO PIONEER

MAKE THE WORLD OUR CLASSROOM

Children at Pono spend at least 50% of their time outdoors all year round. This donation level supports the cost of all outdoor, immersive education programs. From excursions to wildlife sanctuaries to artist studios, immersive learning in nature and the city ensures children gain direct experiences of the world through the lens of the environment, ethics, economics, politics, design, technology, and social justice.

PONO IMPRESARIO

HONOR CHILDREN’S CURIOSITY

At Pono, children pursue their passions and talents by deciding what they want to learn together. This donation level supports new and existing programs that the children have requested, including mentorships and extensive studies with scientists, theater producers, political theorists, historians, industrial designers, chefs, dancers, environmental activists, and more.

PONO EXPLORER

LEARN DIRECTLY FROM EXPERTS

We believe in the power of inviting experts in their field to teach and inspire children. This donation level supports visiting teachers to lead engaging lessons on parkour, paleontology, geology, music, art, coding, the women's suffrage movement, woodworking, aerial dance, meditation, and more.

PONO PAL

NURTURE LOVE & RESPECT

At Pono, we create a learning environment grounded in kindness, love, respect, and inclusion. All donations support our ability to give children the time and space to think, explore, play, and be there for each other as they grow and learn together.