SFSU celebrates new Pacific Islander student support program with launch event
SFSU community members and speakers gathered in the Cesar Chavez Student Center to celebrate the launch of the Oceania Scholars Program.
The Oceania Scholars Program focuses on belonging, retention, graduation and success of Pacific Islander students
The San Francisco State University campus community gathered today to celebrate the launch of the Oceania Scholars Program (OSP), a new Pacific Islander student support program. Launched this semester, the program focuses on the belonging, retention, graduation and success of Pacific Islander students at San Francisco State.
OSP is a collaboration between the Critical Pacific Islands and Oceania Studies minor program, housed in the Race and Resistance Studies department and Asian American & Pacific Islander Student Services under the Division of Equity & Community Inclusion. The program was established after the two campus units collaborated to apply for a one-time $460,000 grant awarded by the California State University’s Chancellor’s Office.
“This is a vital new initiative aimed at centering the experiences of Pacific Islander students on our campus,” said SFSU Assistant Professor of Race and Resistance Studies Ponipate Rokolekutu, who is the lead principal investigator for this grant. “This program is more than just an academic initiative. It is a space where culture, identity and community come together to uplift our students and provide them with the tools and support they need to thrive.”
OSP is vital in addressing education equity for Pacific Islander students. It provides tailored support to help students overcome cultural and socioeconomic challenges and to enhance the inclusivity and visibility of Pacific Islander heritage and history on campus.
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