Islander college conference slated

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The University of Hawaii at Hilo will host a two-day Pacific Islander Higher Education Conference Friday and Saturday, Feb. 8-9, at the university’s Campus Center. The event is free and open to the public; registration is required.

The University of Hawaii at Hilo will host a two-day Pacific Islander Higher Education Conference Friday and Saturday, Feb. 8-9, at the university’s Campus Center. The event is free and open to the public; registration is required.

Navigating the Success of Pacific Islanders in Higher Education brings together education, community and government leaders along with high school students and their families to encourage students of Pacific Island heritage to seek a college education and develop strategies to ensure their success.

“UH-Hilo has become a popular destination for students throughout the Pacific region. Over the years, many Pacific Island families have also made Hawaii their adopted home and as with any new immigrant population comes the cultural, social, and educational challenges,” said Vidalino Raatior, director, UHH Pacific Islander Student Center.

“The conference aims to bring together stakeholders to address the critical issues related to these student populations in the local high schools and develop strategies for supporting their needs.”

The conference convenes at 9 a.m. Feb. 8 in Campus Center 301 with a leadership summit featuring high school and college educators. UH-Hilo Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs Luoluo Hong will give the keynote address focusing on institutional partnerships to ensure student success at all levels of service as a matter of social justice.

Feb. 9, has been designated as a “College Day” for high school students and parents of Pacific Island ethnicity to participate in workshops, forums and activities to inform, motivate and inspire them to seek higher educational opportunities and resources.

For more information and/or to register, call 933-3857 or visit www.pacificstudents.org.