Exploring Culturally Relevant Leadership Development for Pacific Islander American College Students

• In Event: 15.040 - Pushing Back Against the Post-Truth Paradigm: The Transformative Power of Research in Higher Education

Abstract

Education research focused on Pacific Islanders over the past 30 years has overwhelmingly concluded that U.S. systems of education are failing these students, but the global movement towards culturally relevant and inclusive education has had an indelible impact on the number and types of support available for Pacific Islander students in the continental United States. The purpose of this project is to explore how culturally relevant leadership development shapes the growth and development of Pacific Islander American college students. We examine quantitative and qualitative data from students who are enrolled in a culturally relevant leadership development program for Pacific Islanders in Southern California. We examine how students’ identity, relationships, and leadership is related to their identity and histories.

Authors

• Natasha A Saelua, Indiana University - Bloomington

• Jenna Sablan, Georgetown University