Launched in the summer of 2015, the Pacific Islander Initiative at Utah Valley University received its start through a grant funded by the Utah System of Higher Education (USHE) and StepUp Utah, in partnership with Multicultural Student Services. Through the efforts and programs stemming from this grant, we are continuing to build relationships with community partners and organizations to better serve our Pacific Islander students while striving to collectively promote and advocate for academic and cultural success among our Pacific Islander students within UVU and the community.
Engagement with our current and prospective Pasifika students and the community is vital to the success of our initiative and because of these strong relationships, we are able to bridge the gaps collectively that prevent our Pacific Islander students from obtaining higher education opportunities.
E piʻi aʻe a kūlia I ka nuʻu – Climb and strive to reach the highest.
The Pacific Islander Initiative envisions a future in which our Pasifika students are inspired to ascend to greater heights and excel academically and personally while embracing their cultural heritage as an integral part of their academic journey.
We accomplish our mission by designing engagement opportunities and experiences so that international students will:
The Pacific Islander Initiative is dedicated to providing a secure and welcoming space, a “home away from home”, for our Pasifika students. Our mission is to educate, elevate, and advocate for our students, providing them with the essential resources to succeed and become valuable contributors to their communities, while always honoring and preserving their rich cultural heritage.
We are committed to providing a transformative educational experience that equips students with the knowledge, skills, and values necessary to excel in their academic and personal lives.
Our commitment to education extends beyond traditional classroom learning. We strive to promote a love for lifelong learning while also ensuring equitable access to quality education.
We believe that by fostering a strong sense of curiosity we prepare students for success in an ever-evolving global society.
We are committed to providing a nurturing environment for our students that fosters personal growth, self-confidence, and leadership skills.
Our goal is to establish an inclusive and supportive community that motivates students to pursue their interests, celebrate diversity, and cultivate a strong sense of self.
We accomplish this by offering mentorship, leadership opportunities, and encouraging participation in extracurricular activities.
We are committed to supporting and advocating for our students, both on and off campus.
Our goal is to create a safe and inclusive environment where every student feels heard and respected.
We work with policymakers, community leaders, and stakeholders to ensure our students’ needs and rights are recognized and upheld, advocating for an equitable education system.
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Pacific Islander Initiative
