Family: The Heart of Success for Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander Community College Students

• In Event: 16.061 - Roundtable Session 4
  In Roundtable Session: 16.061-9 - Community Colleges: Identity and Culture

Abstract

In an attempt to close the achievement gap for Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander (NHPI) students, a California community college formed a learning community of NHPI students. With limited resources it is important to understand what practices are effective at addressing inequitable outcomes for NHPI community college students. The Vita program is just completing its first year and the purpose of this study is to better understand the interactions between the NHPI students in the program and the institution. Through interviews, document analysis, and correspondence, findings show broad themes around Family and Cultural Values, Institutional and Community Support, and Maintaining Motivation for College Going. The significance of this study is in how it informs institutional practices in support of NHPI students.

Author

• Ron Andrade, College of San Mateo