Pasifika Student Needs Assessment.
Key Stats.
In California, during the 2022-23 school year, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander students had a graduation rate of 84.3% and of these students, only 43% had completed the A-G course sequence to become eligible for a 4-year university.
In 2021-22, the dropout rate for Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander students was 10.1%
In 2021, only one in five NHPI Californians (22%) aged 25-64 has a bachelor’s degree, up from 17% in 2015
In the present-day economy, the demand for a college education is higher than ever. However, obstacles like soaring tuition fees and the complexities of college admissions and financial aid keep many capable students from pursuing higher education, especially Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander students.
Even among those who manage to enroll, many struggle to access the necessary support and resources to graduate. Consequently, today's youth are less likely to attain college degrees compared to their parents' generation.
SPIO aims to address this widening gap in college access and attainment for Pasifika communities by launching the Pasifika Student Needs Assessment, which is designed to gather comprehensive data on the unique challenges and needs of Pasifika students in accessing and completing a college degree.
This assessment aims to identify barriers to enrollment, persistence, and graduation, and to understand the specific support services, resources, and programs that would most effectively aid Pasifika students. Insights from this assessment will guide the development of targeted interventions and strategies to improve college access, retention, and completion rates among this student population, ensuring that educational equity and support are prioritized.
Why are we launching a Pasifika needs assessment?
Part 1. Identifying student needs in the college access pipeline.
The Pasifika Student Needs Survey is an essential tool designed to understand and address the unique experiences, challenges, and needs of Pasifika students in the educational system. By gathering detailed insights into their academic journeys, cultural experiences, and support system requirements, this survey aims to enhance Pasifika students' access to, persistence in, and completion of higher education. Feedback collected will inform the development of targeted support services, resources, and programs to foster an inclusive and equitable educational environment for Pasifika students.
Thank you to our collaborators Lagi, Nia, and Issac.
Part 2. Engaging Stakeholders in Developing an Action Plan.
The Pasifika Student Needs Listening Tour will include interactive sessions aimed at gathering in-depth insights from Pasifika students about their educational experiences, challenges, and support needs. These focus groups provide a safe and respectful platform for students to share their perspectives and contribute to identifying effective strategies to enhance their access, persistence, and success in higher education. The discussions are designed to capture the diverse voices within the Pasifika community, informing targeted interventions and support services to foster a more inclusive and supportive educational environment.