Centennial is adding two Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander Student & Community Engagement Specialists to better serve our Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander students and families as a part of a Family Resource Center. These NHPI Specialists will focus on building strong, culturally responsive relationships across our district that help students feel safe, valued, and connected, leading to fewer disciplinary referrals and suspensions and increased attendance and graduation rates. They will also support school staff by acting as cultural guides, helping them understand NHPI students’ experiences and strengths, and encouraging more inclusive practices and celebrations. This work reflects our commitment to the Lei Key Value of Relationship, as we aim to strengthen the bond between our schools and the NHPI community. We are proud of our NHPI students and want to ensure they are recognized, supported, and successful in both academics and school life.
Hillsboro School District envisions a future where Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (NHPI) students are fully supported, thriving academically, and embraced by a community that values their rich cultural heritage. By creating inclusive learning experiences and ensuring smooth transitions, HSD is committed to empowering NHPI students to excel academically and confidently pursue higher education and career opportunities within a community that celebrates their identity.
Our vision is for KALO HCC, a culturally specific organization, to support and empower Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (NHPI) students in Oregon outside of the classroom by increasing access to ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi (Hawaiian language) and cultural practices, promoting peer mentorship, and engaging families.
Contact Ka Aha Lahui O Olekona
Micronesian Islander Community
Micronesian Islander Community (MIC) NHPI SSP grant project is to complete the following:
- Work with community members on developing a cultural and language curriculum. The goal is for two programs: Chuukese and Kapinga (outer islands of Pohnpei)
- Bring in cultural resources, knowledge, and programs centered on language and culture
Contact Micronesian Islander Community
Multnomah ESD/East County Bridges
East County Bridges (ECB), a Multnomah Education Service District (MESD) Bridges program, is dedicated to increasing access, connection, and educational opportunities for youth experiencing disconnection. More than just a bridge, ECB is a pathway of support for students who have dropped out, are low-attending, or otherwise disengaged, as well as their families. Through its culturally specific Bridging Island Futures initiative, ECB fosters a sense of belonging and increases engagement for Native Hawiian and Pacific Islander students. ECB strengthens pathways to higher education, promotes student success, and enhances family and community leadership. Our vision is to see youth actively engaged in their education, connected to culturally relevant resources, and fully supported by their communities. ECB equips students with the tools to shape their own futures.
Contact Multnomah ESD/East County Bridges
Pacific Islander Student Alliance (PISA)
The Pacific Islander Student Alliance (PISA) is dedicated to enhancing the success of Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (NHPI) college students in Oregon. Supported by the NHPI Student Success Grant, PISA leads an initiative focused on leadership development, community engagement, and academic achievement. This initiative aligns with Oregon’s Student Success Plan and aims to create a lasting impact on NHPI student leaders, their communities, and the broader educational landscape through culturally relevant programming and support.
Contact PISA
Pacific University
Pacific University will increase the representation of Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander culture and knowledge throughout our academic curriculum, academic support practices, and career exploration resources. We will also deepen our relationship with community organizations and connect students with these organizations to further develop students connection to place in Oregon. Through all this work, we will develop publicly available resources that will support college and career exploration and success.
Contact Pacific University
Pacific Islands Community of Oregon (PICO)
The Pacific Islands Community of Oregon (PICO) NHPI Afterschool Program at David Douglas High School supports Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander students through eight key pillars, including academic tutoring, mentorship, college and career readiness, mental health support, youth sports, family engagement, and community partnerships. Our culturally responsive program fosters leadership, academic success, and overall well-being to prepare NHPI students for their future.
Contact PICO
Samoa Pacific Development Corporation (SPDC)
The INSPIRE initiative, led by the Samoa Pacific Development Corporation (SPDC) through its Network Supporting Pacific Islander Resilience and Empowerment (INSPIRE), aims to improve educational outcomes for Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (NHPI) students in Oregon by 2028. It focuses on reducing absenteeism, enhancing academic achievement, and supporting smooth transitions into higher education through culturally responsive programs and mentorship. Additionally, the program aims to integrate culturally relevant curricula and strengthen community support networks for students and their families. A key aspect of the initiative is strengthening connections by collaborating with school and community leaders to create a united approach to addressing the unique needs of NHPI students. Overall, INSPIRE seeks to eliminate opportunity gaps and promote greater educational equity for NHPI students in Oregon.
Contact Samoa Pacific Development Corporation
The Immigrant and Refugee Community Organization (IRCO)
The Immigrant and Refugee Community Organization's (IRCO) Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander (NHPI) project engages NHPI students and their families through in-school supports, culturally aligned out-of-school time activities providing academic support, and social & emotional learning, family engagement, and coordinated wraparound care to support with household stabilization as needed. Services will be provided in Multnomah County, in partnership with school districts (Parkrose, Reynolds, and others as capacity allows), and postsecondary institutions (Mount Hood Community College, Portland Community College, Portland State University).
Contact IRCO
Tigard-Tualatin School District (TTSD)
This project aims to support Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander students in the Tigard-Tualatin School District (TTSD), with a primary focus on K-5 students, ensuring they feel welcomed, safe, and empowered in their school environments. Key initiatives addressed include reducing disciplinary disparities through cultural training, improving literacy and numeracy by integrating culturally responsive teaching, and strengthening family-school relationships. The project emphasizes increasing Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander parent engagement through language-accessible outreach and representation among instructional staff and professional development for school staff on these cultures to create more inclusive school environments. Aligned with the Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander (NHPI) Student Success Plan, this initiative will cultivate an affirming and supportive educational experience where NHPI students thrive academically and culturally, and families are active partners in their children's education.
Contact Tigard-Tualatin School District
University of Oregon - K12 Curriculum
The University of Oregon is partnering with Oregon State Universityʻs Pacific Studies faculty to collaborate, design, and develop culturally responsive Pacific Islander Studies curricula for K-12 students in Oregon, including teacher training. In consultation with community members this project will create Pacific Studies resources that adhere with the 2026–2027 required implementation of K-12 Ethnic Studies Standards in Social Science per House Bill 2845 (2017).
Contact University of Oregon - K12 Curriculum
University of Oregon - New Currents
This project aims to improve outcomes for Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander students in the Tigard-Tualatin School District by promoting family-school partnerships, attendance, and literacy outcomes for Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (NHPI) elementary school students. We aim to engage key adults in children's lives (parents/caregivers, teachers, and community leaders) to best support and encourage NHPI student success.
Contact University of Oregon - New Currents
UTOPIA PDX
The United Territories of Pacific Islanders Alliance: Portland (UTOPIA PDX) is a non-profit organization committed to serving Queer and Trans Pacific Islanders (QTPI). As a proud recipient of the Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander (NHPI) Student Success Grant, we aim to take advantage of this opportunity to offer resources and cultural and educational experiences to the youth in the Parkrose School District. Our initiatives will include after-school programs and professional development for educators. Additionally, we plan to host an annual Cultural Simulation Workshop and an End of Year Lūʻau to celebrate and honor the rich diversity within our community.
Contact UTOPIA PDX
Weaving Fala
Weaving Fala’s Level Up programs provide Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (NHPI) youth with culturally rooted education and leadership development, fostering belonging, confidence, and success. Grounded in the Tongan values of Faka ‘apa ‘apa (respect), Loto tō (humanity), Tauhi vā (nurturing relationships), and Mamahi'i me'a (loyalty/passion), these programs create spaces where NHPI youth can celebrate their heritage, develop leadership skills, and build strong connections to their community.
This project expands our programs by offering weekly mentorship sessions, interactive cultural workshops, and leadership training that empower NHPI youth to embrace their identities and navigate their educational journeys with pride. Through partnerships with schools and community leaders, we are creating safer, more inclusive learning environments where NHPI students feel valued, empowered, and seen. Our work ensures that NHPI youth have opportunities to thrive academically and personally while staying connected to their cultural roots.
Contact Weaving Fala
Contact
For more information, please reach out to the NHPI Team at ode.nhpi@ode.oregon.gov.