At a glance
The Pacific Islander Student Alliance (PISA) is requesting funding to cover building rental costs for its annual conference,… Read full summary
- Funding received
- 2024-2025
- Large
- Awarded
- $14,224
- Funding partners
-
- Services and Activities Fee (SAF)
- Website & social links
The Pacific Islander Student Alliance (PISA) is requesting funding to cover building rental costs for its annual conference, held March 21-23, 2025, at the University of Washington. This event, which supports the holistic development of Pacific Islander (PI) students, provides opportunities for community building, networking, and cultural exploration. The conference includes workshops on topics such as mental health, cultural identity, and climate change, while emphasizing student leadership. The PISA Conference plays a key role in supporting the recruitment and retention of PI students, enhancing their academic and personal growth, with an expected attendance of 150-180 students this year.
I am requesting $9000 funding to cover the building rental costs for the upcoming annual Pacific Islander Student Alliance (PISA) Conference, held on March 21-23, 2025, at the University of Washington’s Kelly ECC, Intellectual House, and Alder Commons. This conference is a pivotal event for our Pacific Islander (PI) community and aligns with the University of Washington’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. The Pacific Islander Student Alliance (PISA) was established in 2007 by Pacific Islander college students to address the lack of representation, curriculum, and leadership programs for PI students in higher education. PISA’s mission is to support the holistic development of PI students through annual conferences and leadership development opportunities. The conference fosters a space for PI students to explore culture, identity, and diversity within their community.
The PISA Conference is crucial for several reasons:
1. Community Building: It provides a platform for PI students to connect with peers, community leaders, and faculty, fostering a sense of belonging and support.
2. Networking Opportunities: The conference includes workshops and resource fairs, allowing students to meet professionals and learn about various career fields and resources.
3. Cultural Relevance: Workshops cover topics pertinent to PI students often excluded from standard curricula, such as mental health, cultural identity, and climate change.
4. Student Leadership: The conference is student-centered, with activities and workshops that reflect indigenous Pacific Islander values.
The University of Washington faces challenges in recruiting and retaining Pacific Islander students. The PISA Conference can be a significant marker of our commitment to the PI community, demonstrating our dedication to supporting their academic and personal growth. By hosting this conference, we aim to enhance the visibility of PI students and provide them with the resources and support needed to succeed and graduate. Last year there were 130 students that attended the conference. With the larger PI numbers in Washington State, we are looking at 150-180 attendance this year.
The Pacific Islander Student Alliance (PISA) was established in 2007 by Pacific Islander college students to address the lack of representation, curriculum, and leadership programs for PI students in higher education. PISA’s mission is to support the holistic development of PI students through annual conferences and leadership development opportunities. The conference fosters a space for PI students to explore culture, identity, and diversity within their community.
The PISA Conference is crucial for several reasons:
- Community Building: It provides a platform for PI students to connect with peers, community leaders, and faculty, fostering a sense of belonging and support.
- Networking Opportunities: The conference includes workshops and resource fairs, allowing students to meet professionals and learn about various career fields and resources.
- Cultural Relevance: Workshops cover topics pertinent to PI students often excluded from standard curricula, such as mental health, cultural identity, and climate change.
- Student Leadership: The conference is student-centered, with activities and workshops that reflect indigenous Pacific Islander values.
The University of Washington faces challenges in recruiting and retaining Pacific Islander students. The PISA Conference can be a significant marker of our commitment to the PI community, demonstrating our dedication to supporting their academic and personal growth. By hosting this conference, we aim to enhance the visibility of PI students and provide them with the resources and support needed to succeed and graduate. Last year there were 130 students that attended the conference. With the larger PI numbers in Washington State, we are looking at 150-180 attendance this year.
Supporting the PISA Conference aligns with the University of Washington’s mission to promote diversity and inclusion. By investing in this event, we can make a meaningful impact on the recruitment and retention of Pacific Islander students, fostering a more inclusive and supportive campus environment.
Cass Nguyen
PISA Council Member
- cassn@uw.edu
- Affiliation and department
- ECC
- Stakeholder approval form
Request amount and budget
To ensure the PISA Conference's success, we request funding to cover the building rental costs for the Kelly ECC, Intellectual House, and Alder Commons. The estimated cost for these venues is ~$9,500.
$1,480.00 - Kelly Ethnic Cultural Center (not including student coverage)
$1,688.48 - Intellectual House
$6,075.00 - Alder Commons
This funding will show the committee our commitment to our PI students at UW and allow them to focus on delivering a high-quality conference experience for their attendees.
The anticipated cost for the entire conference is $64,000. That includes honorarium, meals, supplies, lodging, registration support, etc. Further funding that UW can provide would be incredibly helpful.
How the project will react to funding reductions
A 10 percent reduction in the total funding request would mean that some venues would possibly be forfeited causing a limit in the amount of students that can attend the event. The need for three venues aligns with how more than 3 educational public institutions will be sending their Pacific Islander students to collaborate and build community with the Pacific Islander community at the UW. Last year alone, over 300 students were in attendance not counting the Pacific Islander students at the UW who have shown immense interest in attending. A 20 percent reduction would fall within the same conclusion listed above but also includes limiting outside campus partners such as UTOPIA, a local Pacific Islander-led organization that specializes in helping LGBTQIA+ youth with various aspects of their identity and providing basic necessities such as food and shelter. A 50 percent reduction would be detrimental to the conference and would leave many Pacific Islander students at the UW with little to no financial support for attending the event. This would not only prevent these students from learning important material about cultural sustainability, but also prevent them from building connections with Pacific Islander students at different public institution that share the same experiences as them. As a Pacific Islander at a large university, many students have often and continue to express how isolating and alienated they feel from something as small as attending class to being in different majors. PISA CON is a way to uplift and demonstrate that Pacific Islanders, although they only make up less than one percent on the UW campus, are valued and their journey is of great importance to inspire future generations of under represented college students.
Plans for financial longevity
All funds granted by CSF will be overseen by SAO to be used by the Pacific Islander Commission for PISA CON. The estimates given to PISC by the ECC for the venues listed are already in progress to be billable and the spaces are held for the event. Weekly meeting between SAO and PISC help to dictate requests for the PISA Council and areas of support. Weekly meetings between SAO and the ECC help to determine different funding options for PISA CON and other ways these offices can support the Pacific Islander community on the UW campus. Bi-monthly meetings between the ECC and the PISA Council ensure that the partners of UW are on track to host the event and list any areas for improvement. These meetings help to create a partnership between all entities and represent UW's commitment to fostering a place where its Pacific Islander students will be represented and appreciated.
March 2025 is the estimated month for the PISA Convention. Meetings happen bi-weekly with the council to further collaborate on needs of both parties.
Plans for long-term project management
Since PISA CON is a conference that is held at different educational institutions the main goal for my successor would be to ensure that the Pacific Islander community at University of Washington will be adequately represented in future events. The information I have collected and steps needed to fill out a grant such as this one are all inputted into a online organizer called "Notion" which will be handed off to my successor. Moreover, the active role the Pacific Islander Student Commission plays within the Pacific Islander community demonstrates our commitment to creating student leaders. Just as I was groomed for the position I now hold as the PISC Director, I am actively giving students the opportunity to make decisions that impact them. Whether its holding small info sessions or talking to the Pacific Islander students of UW, everyone of them become familiar with the systems that are in place to help them succeed. The support from SAO and the ECC have also been insurmountable in helping the Pacific Islander students at UW to transition into leadership which I know will continue after I leave the UW. Other campus partners such as Holly Barker at the Burke Museum and Rick Bonus of the American Ethnic Studies department continue to show their commitment to the Pacific Islander community. There is no doubt that the successors of PISC will be adequately prepared to continue UW's representation at future PISA conferences.
Problem statement
The Pacific Islander Student Alliance Conference addresses a critical need for sustainability at the University of Washington by fostering the cultural, academic, and personal growth of Pacific Islander students, a historically underrepresented group. UW faces challenges in recruiting and retaining PI students, and the conference directly supports these efforts by creating an inclusive and supportive environment. This project is informed by the lived experiences of PI students, who often encounter a lack of representation, relevant curriculum, and leadership opportunities in higher education.
Established in 2007, PISA has provided a platform for PI students to engage with topics essential to their identity and development, such as mental health, cultural preservation, and climate change—issues deeply intertwined with sustainability. The annual conference integrates indigenous Pacific Islander values and practices, emphasizing community building, leadership, and education on culturally relevant issues.
By hosting the PISA Conference, UW demonstrates its commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion while addressing systemic barriers that hinder PI students' academic success and retention. This initiative enhances the visibility of the PI community and aligns with UW’s sustainability goals by promoting equity and cultural resilience, vital components of a sustainable campus environment.
Problem context
The PISA Conference complements existing University of Washington initiatives that prioritize diversity, equity, and inclusion by addressing the unique needs of Pacific Islander students. Programs like the Office of Minority Affairs & Diversity and the Kelly Ethnic Cultural Center provide valuable resources for marginalized communities, and the conference builds on their work by creating a tailored space for PI students to explore issues specific to their cultural and academic experiences.
This initiative also fosters collective action by bringing together students, faculty, and community leaders to address shared goals of cultural preservation, academic success, and leadership development. The conference’s emphasis on workshops and resource fairs creates opportunities for collaboration between UW and community organizations, reinforcing the university's role as a hub for cultural and educational advancement. By aligning with existing programs and expanding their scope to include PI-specific initiatives, the PISA Conference strengthens UW’s ecosystem of inclusive and sustainable solutions.
Measure the impacts
| Impact / goal | Metric(s) of success | UW stakeholders impacted |
|---|---|---|
| Attendance by Pacific Islander Students | 100 students in attendance | Undergraduate, Graduate |
| Cultural sustainment on the UW campus | 20 people signed up to participate in the Micronesian Islands Club Night or Polynesian Student Alliance Day | Undergraduate |
| Cultural preservation on the UW campus | 10 new pieces of art to add to the Pacific Islander Room at the Samuel Kelly ECC | Undergraduate |
Education and outreach goals
The PISA Conference will be widely publicized at the University of Washington through digital platforms to engage Pacific Islander (PI) students and the broader campus community. We will utilize the social media accounts of the Micronesian Islands Club, the Polynesian Student Alliance and the Pacific Islander Student Commission for regular updates and event details, as well as email campaigns targeting student mailing lists and newsletters from campus organizations like the Office of Minority Affairs & Diversity and the Ethnic Cultural Center. Additionally, we’ll collaborate with other student organizations to amplify messaging and encourage attendance.
Our outreach will focus on ensuring the conference is accessible to all PI students, particularly those who may face challenges navigating higher education. We will also engage the broader campus community, encouraging attendance from students, faculty, and staff. Through faculty partnerships, we aim to incorporate the conference into relevant curriculum and encourage students to participate. This will both educate and increase awareness about PI-specific issues, including mental health, cultural identity, and climate change.
The conference has two key educational goals: first, to provide PI students with tools for personal and academic growth through workshops on topics like mental health, leadership, and cultural identity. Secondly, to educate the broader UW community about Pacific Islander experiences and challenges. Workshops and networking opportunities will offer PI students the chance to gain valuable skills and connections, while also showcasing the diversity and resilience of Pacific Islander cultures. We will also collaborate with local PI organizations and community leaders to enhance the conference content and promote cross-cultural understanding, further strengthening UW’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Student involvement
The PISA Conference includes several components focused on student professional development. The event will feature workshops and networking sessions designed to equip Pacific Islander students with the skills, resources, and connections necessary for academic and professional success. These workshops will cover critical topics such as leadership development, career exploration, and mental health, helping students navigate both their educational journeys and future career paths. Additionally, the conference will offer students the opportunity to engage with community leaders, alumni, and professionals from various fields, fostering mentorship relationships that can support their long-term goals.
Volunteer opportunities will also be available to students who wish to gain hands-on experience in event planning, leadership, and community engagement. These roles will provide valuable professional development and leadership experience. Furthermore, the conference will encourage applied research activities, particularly in areas related to cultural identity, climate change, and mental health, offering students the chance to contribute to important discussions and projects that are directly relevant to their communities. Through these various components, the PISA Conference will serve as a platform for both personal and professional growth, supporting the next generation of PI student leaders.
Problem statement
The Pacific Islander Student Alliance Conference addresses a critical need for sustainability at the University of Washington by fostering the cultural, academic, and personal growth of Pacific Islander students, a historically underrepresented group. UW faces challenges in recruiting and retaining PI students, and the conference directly supports these efforts by creating an inclusive and supportive environment. This project is informed by the lived experiences of PI students, who often encounter a lack of representation, relevant curriculum, and leadership opportunities in higher education.
Established in 2007, PISA has provided a platform for PI students to engage with topics essential to their identity and development, such as mental health, cultural preservation, and climate change—issues deeply intertwined with sustainability. The annual conference integrates indigenous Pacific Islander values and practices, emphasizing community building, leadership, and education on culturally relevant issues.
By hosting the PISA Conference, UW demonstrates its commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion while addressing systemic barriers that hinder PI students' academic success and retention. This initiative enhances the visibility of the PI community and aligns with UW’s sustainability goals by promoting equity and cultural resilience, vital components of a sustainable campus environment.
Problem context
The PISA Conference complements existing University of Washington initiatives that prioritize diversity, equity, and inclusion by addressing the unique needs of Pacific Islander students. Programs like the Office of Minority Affairs & Diversity and the Kelly Ethnic Cultural Center provide valuable resources for marginalized communities, and the conference builds on their work by creating a tailored space for PI students to explore issues specific to their cultural and academic experiences.
This initiative also fosters collective action by bringing together students, faculty, and community leaders to address shared goals of cultural preservation, academic success, and leadership development. The conference’s emphasis on workshops and resource fairs creates opportunities for collaboration between UW and community organizations, reinforcing the university's role as a hub for cultural and educational advancement. By aligning with existing programs and expanding their scope to include PI-specific initiatives, the PISA Conference strengthens UW’s ecosystem of inclusive and sustainable solutions.
Measure the impacts
| Impact / goal | Metric(s) of success | UW stakeholders impacted |
|---|---|---|
| Attendance by Pacific Islander Students | 100 students in attendance | Undergraduate, Graduate |
| Cultural sustainment on the UW campus | 20 people signed up to participate in the Micronesian Islands Club Night or Polynesian Student Alliance Day | Undergraduate |
| Cultural preservation on the UW campus | 10 new pieces of art to add to the Pacific Islander Room at the Samuel Kelly ECC | Undergraduate |
Education and outreach goals
The PISA Conference will be widely publicized at the University of Washington through digital platforms to engage Pacific Islander (PI) students and the broader campus community. We will utilize the social media accounts of the Micronesian Islands Club, the Polynesian Student Alliance and the Pacific Islander Student Commission for regular updates and event details, as well as email campaigns targeting student mailing lists and newsletters from campus organizations like the Office of Minority Affairs & Diversity and the Ethnic Cultural Center. Additionally, we’ll collaborate with other student organizations to amplify messaging and encourage attendance.
Our outreach will focus on ensuring the conference is accessible to all PI students, particularly those who may face challenges navigating higher education. We will also engage the broader campus community, encouraging attendance from students, faculty, and staff. Through faculty partnerships, we aim to incorporate the conference into relevant curriculum and encourage students to participate. This will both educate and increase awareness about PI-specific issues, including mental health, cultural identity, and climate change.
The conference has two key educational goals: first, to provide PI students with tools for personal and academic growth through workshops on topics like mental health, leadership, and cultural identity. Secondly, to educate the broader UW community about Pacific Islander experiences and challenges. Workshops and networking opportunities will offer PI students the chance to gain valuable skills and connections, while also showcasing the diversity and resilience of Pacific Islander cultures. We will also collaborate with local PI organizations and community leaders to enhance the conference content and promote cross-cultural understanding, further strengthening UW’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Student involvement
The PISA Conference includes several components focused on student professional development. The event will feature workshops and networking sessions designed to equip Pacific Islander students with the skills, resources, and connections necessary for academic and professional success. These workshops will cover critical topics such as leadership development, career exploration, and mental health, helping students navigate both their educational journeys and future career paths. Additionally, the conference will offer students the opportunity to engage with community leaders, alumni, and professionals from various fields, fostering mentorship relationships that can support their long-term goals.
Volunteer opportunities will also be available to students who wish to gain hands-on experience in event planning, leadership, and community engagement. These roles will provide valuable professional development and leadership experience. Furthermore, the conference will encourage applied research activities, particularly in areas related to cultural identity, climate change, and mental health, offering students the chance to contribute to important discussions and projects that are directly relevant to their communities. Through these various components, the PISA Conference will serve as a platform for both personal and professional growth, supporting the next generation of PI student leaders.
Problem statement
The Pacific Islander Student Alliance Conference addresses a critical need for sustainability at the University of Washington by fostering the cultural, academic, and personal growth of Pacific Islander students, a historically underrepresented group. UW faces challenges in recruiting and retaining PI students, and the conference directly supports these efforts by creating an inclusive and supportive environment. This project is informed by the lived experiences of PI students, who often encounter a lack of representation, relevant curriculum, and leadership opportunities in higher education.
Established in 2007, PISA has provided a platform for PI students to engage with topics essential to their identity and development, such as mental health, cultural preservation, and climate change—issues deeply intertwined with sustainability. The annual conference integrates indigenous Pacific Islander values and practices, emphasizing community building, leadership, and education on culturally relevant issues.
By hosting the PISA Conference, UW demonstrates its commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion while addressing systemic barriers that hinder PI students' academic success and retention. This initiative enhances the visibility of the PI community and aligns with UW’s sustainability goals by promoting equity and cultural resilience, vital components of a sustainable campus environment.
Problem context
The PISA Conference complements existing University of Washington initiatives that prioritize diversity, equity, and inclusion by addressing the unique needs of Pacific Islander students. Programs like the Office of Minority Affairs & Diversity and the Kelly Ethnic Cultural Center provide valuable resources for marginalized communities, and the conference builds on their work by creating a tailored space for PI students to explore issues specific to their cultural and academic experiences.
This initiative also fosters collective action by bringing together students, faculty, and community leaders to address shared goals of cultural preservation, academic success, and leadership development. The conference’s emphasis on workshops and resource fairs creates opportunities for collaboration between UW and community organizations, reinforcing the university's role as a hub for cultural and educational advancement. By aligning with existing programs and expanding their scope to include PI-specific initiatives, the PISA Conference strengthens UW’s ecosystem of inclusive and sustainable solutions.
Measure the impacts
| Impact / goal | Metric(s) of success | UW stakeholders impacted |
|---|---|---|
| Attendance by Pacific Islander Students | 100 students in attendance | Undergraduate, Graduate |
| Cultural sustainment on the UW campus | 20 people signed up to participate in the Micronesian Islands Club Night or Polynesian Student Alliance Day | Undergraduate |
| Cultural preservation on the UW campus | 10 new pieces of art to add to the Pacific Islander Room at the Samuel Kelly ECC | Undergraduate |
Education and outreach goals
The PISA Conference will be widely publicized at the University of Washington through digital platforms to engage Pacific Islander (PI) students and the broader campus community. We will utilize the social media accounts of the Micronesian Islands Club, the Polynesian Student Alliance and the Pacific Islander Student Commission for regular updates and event details, as well as email campaigns targeting student mailing lists and newsletters from campus organizations like the Office of Minority Affairs & Diversity and the Ethnic Cultural Center. Additionally, we’ll collaborate with other student organizations to amplify messaging and encourage attendance.
Our outreach will focus on ensuring the conference is accessible to all PI students, particularly those who may face challenges navigating higher education. We will also engage the broader campus community, encouraging attendance from students, faculty, and staff. Through faculty partnerships, we aim to incorporate the conference into relevant curriculum and encourage students to participate. This will both educate and increase awareness about PI-specific issues, including mental health, cultural identity, and climate change.
The conference has two key educational goals: first, to provide PI students with tools for personal and academic growth through workshops on topics like mental health, leadership, and cultural identity. Secondly, to educate the broader UW community about Pacific Islander experiences and challenges. Workshops and networking opportunities will offer PI students the chance to gain valuable skills and connections, while also showcasing the diversity and resilience of Pacific Islander cultures. We will also collaborate with local PI organizations and community leaders to enhance the conference content and promote cross-cultural understanding, further strengthening UW’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Student involvement
The PISA Conference includes several components focused on student professional development. The event will feature workshops and networking sessions designed to equip Pacific Islander students with the skills, resources, and connections necessary for academic and professional success. These workshops will cover critical topics such as leadership development, career exploration, and mental health, helping students navigate both their educational journeys and future career paths. Additionally, the conference will offer students the opportunity to engage with community leaders, alumni, and professionals from various fields, fostering mentorship relationships that can support their long-term goals.
Volunteer opportunities will also be available to students who wish to gain hands-on experience in event planning, leadership, and community engagement. These roles will provide valuable professional development and leadership experience. Furthermore, the conference will encourage applied research activities, particularly in areas related to cultural identity, climate change, and mental health, offering students the chance to contribute to important discussions and projects that are directly relevant to their communities. Through these various components, the PISA Conference will serve as a platform for both personal and professional growth, supporting the next generation of PI student leaders.