South Pacific Islander Organization
2021 IMPACT REPORT
Letter from the Board.
In light of COVID and in honor of our global volunteer team’s mental health and wellness, we decided to take the year to streamline our programs to its core. We focused on providing scholarships, hosting a free network for scholars to connect virtually, and providing a directory of educational resources for global student community. We would like to give a shoutout to Nike and Silicon Valley Community Foundation for believing in our educational and storytelling programs.
After a strategic planning retreat in October 2021, we are excited to announce a student coalition program to build Pacific Islander presence in higher education. We are grateful to the volunteers, partnership requests, and donations that came in to support our work in 2021, and we look forward to an impactful and fruitful 2022.
- The SPIO Board
Who we are.
South Pacific Islander Organization is a 100% volunteer-led 501(c)3 nonprofit democratizing Pacific Islander access to educational and career resources.
Our vision.
A thriving, inclusive Pacific Islander community rooted in cultural heritage.
Our mission.
To innovatively support and promote Pacific Islander voices, cultures, and communities through leadership development, storytelling, and community building programs.
2021 Milestones.
2021 Program Impact.
2021 $5,000 Scholarship Recipients.
2021 Academic Scholarship Recipient
Mariette Elena Ogo Barcinas, Boise State University
It is an honor to be selected as a recipient of this award especially because this organization serves a noble mission. I consider myself very fortunate and cannot help but feel genuinely blessed that this scholarship arrived at a time of personal adversity. I feel privileged to be able to concentrate more on my academic studies and on-campus student commitments now that I do not have to worry about how I will fund this year’s tuition.
2021 Extracurricular Scholarship Recipient
Vicente Preciardo Blas Taijeron, Colorado College
The SPIO Extracurricular Scholarship assists me in affording and attaining a liberal arts education that will help teach me the importance of flexibility and intersectionality amongst various academic disciplines. This opportunity holds me accountable to my people and helps set a standard to strive for success and give my all for the sake of Pasifika.
2021 Community Leadership Scholarship Recipient
Kristina Rose Togafau, University of Hawai’i at Mānoa
On an emotional level, being awarded this scholarship has given a much-needed morale boost. Being a graduate student during COVID is draining on so many levels, and I've doubted the value and significance of my work more than a few times this past year. However, receiving this award and having it come from my community has built up my confidence in my work a great deal.
2021 $1,000 Scholarship Recipients.
A Special Thank you To Our Major supporters.
2022 Programs.
Scholarship Program
Global scholarships for Pacific Islander undergrad and graduate scholars.
Directory of Educational Resources
An annually updated online directory of educational resources available to Pacific scholars.
Spotlight Article Series
An article spotlight series highlighting inspiring Pacific Islanders and Pacific-focused organizations from around the world.
Bay Area Student Storytelling Grant
An article submission program for Bay Area Pacific Islander students to share their experience applying to or navigating higher education. We will be awarding one writer a $4,000 award.
Higher Education Network
A free, digital, inclusive network for Pacific scholars and professionals to connect, share resources, and build community.
Bay Area Student Coalition
More to come soon.