Oceania Scholars Program Launch

We are excited to launch the Oceania Scholars Program (OSP) at San Francisco State University, funded through a one-time CSU grant to enhance the student achievement program of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) students. This collaborative initiative between the Asian American and Pacific Islander Student Services and Critical Pacific Islander and Oceania Studies (CPIOS) housed in the Department of Race and Resistance Studies (RRS) addresses the unique challenges faced by Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (NHPI) students. It focuses on improving retention, fostering student engagement, and increasing graduation rates. The Oceania Scholars Program is an important step in expanding opportunities for NHPI students, reinforcing the university’s commitment to equity and inclusion.  

The OSP aims to foster a sense of belonging for NHPI students by offering culturally responsive programming that supports their academic and personal growth. Through a combination of mentorship, student engagement, and community-building efforts, the program ensures that NHPI students remain supported throughout their academic journey, leading to increased retention and graduation rates. 

We are particularly thrilled to introduce Tupou Latukefu as the Oceania Scholars Program Coordinator. Tupou will work directly with students, organizing activities that promote engagement, provide mentorship, and connect students with the resources needed to succeed at SF State. 

The launch event will feature cultural exhibitions from various Pacific Islands alongside poster presentations and poetry from students enrolled in the Introduction to Pacific Islander Studies course. These presentations will focus on resistance to colonialism and the challenges Pacific Islander students face at SF State, providing insight into how they navigate higher education and celebrate their cultural resilience. 

The program’s leadership includes Dr. Ponipate Rokolekutu, Assistant Professor of RRS, serving as the Principal Investigator (PI), and Jeremy Khuth, Director of AANHPI Student Services, serving as the Co-Principal Investigator (Co-PI). Together, they will oversee the program's implementation and ensure its alignment with the overall goals of student success at SF State.