Pacific Islander Summer Bridge Program

Academic Support Campus Development Community Outreach A Gathering Place PISB 2012

Program Overview

The Pacific Islander Summer Bridge (PISB) Program is the first step of a yearlong college preparation program to introduce first-year students to college-level expectations. Specifically designed for Pacific islanders, the program includes a variety of learning activities, workshops, lectures, tours, and fun social events all designed to help a high school graduate or community college transfer student make the appropriate transition to college life at UH Hilo. It starts with a residential summer prep program

Dates

  • Arrival & Check-in: August 8-9, 2013
  • Program Begins: August 9, 2013
  • Program Ends: August 17, 2013 (after the evening Closing Ceremony)
  • Check-out: Saturday, August 17, 2012 (participants who have applied for on-campus housing will move to their assigned room)

Components

  • Welcoming: You will be welcomed at the Hilo International Airport by UH Hilo staff and students and transported to the campus.
  • Community-building: You will live on campus with 20 new Pacific Islanders for the entire length of the bridge program.
  • Orientation: Get an early start on orientation to the academics, resources, and culture of UH Hilo
  • Supportive: Build your network of supportive staff, peer advisors, and faculty who will work with you during the program and throughout your time at UH Hilo
  • Fun: The program will include a variety of fun activities including picnic, BBQ, sports, etc.
  • Resources: Participate in workshops that familiarize you with a variety of campus resources including student support services, financial aid, tutoring, advising, student activities
  • Tours: Get to know the UH Hilo campus, the town of Hilo, and the broader island community
  • Academic Advising: One-on-one advising and assistance with class selection and registration
  • University 101: Guaranteed registration into the First Year Experience course called University 101
  • Shopping: Opportunities to go to the shopping mall to purchase needed supplies
  • Employment: Assistance in seeking employment, volunteer opportunities, study groups, tutoring on campus or paid internships both on and off campus
  • Assessment: Assistance with English and Math assessment to determine placement in appropriate classes
  • Financial Aid: Assistance in applying for financial aid
  • Bank Account: Assistance with opening a local bank account
  • Identification: Assistance with applying for the Hawaii State Identification Card and UH Hilo student identification
  • Social Security Card: Assistance with applying for a U.S. Social Security card which you will need for employment
  • Stipend: Earn $200 for successfully participating in and completing the program

Participants

All accepted students of Pacific Island ethncity are eligible to apply for the Pacific Islander Summer Bridge Program. Twentyapplicants will be selected to participate in the program.

Cost

The PIBP will pay for all costs associated with the program including on-campus housing, food, local transportation, activity fees. Participants only need to secure their airline ticket to Hawaii and ensure they have housing after the conclusion of the program.

Yearlong Services

To maintain the momentum and culture of success throughout the first year, the PISB participants will be invited to participate in the following services at the Pacific Islander Student Center.

Academic Support

Students will meet with Educational Specialist at least 3 times a year for individualized advising. The PISC will send out Professor Evaluations for students each semester in order to gauge their academic standing and offer necessary support services.

 

Study Groups

Students in the Bridge program are placed into essential first-year courses including English, mathematics, and University 101. Organized weekly study groups are offered throughout the year for Math & English courses. Students are encouraged to take advantage of tutoring provided by Kilohana Academic Success Center or form study groups for all other courses.

 

Mentor Program

The Peer Assistant Linkages and Support (PALS) program offered through the MAAP office provides support to freshmen students by linking them with upper division students who serve as peer assistants and mentors. Participants receive assistance with peer advising and counseling, registration information, applying for financial aid, career development and study skills. Cultural enrichment activities and social events are planned throughout the year.

 

Workshops

variety of academic workshops and informational presentations will be offed throughout the year. Students are expected to attend at least two each semester.

 

Community-based Learning

variety of outings, community service projects, cultural festivals, and social activities are offered throughout the year for the students.

 

Cost

The PISB will pay for all costs associated with the program including on-campus housing, food, local transportation, activity fees. Participants only need to secure their airline ticket to Hawaii and ensure they have housing after the conclusion of the program.

Apply

The program is open to all new students of Pacific Island ethnicity who have been accepted to UH Hilo. Students interested in applying to the program must:

  • INTENT TO ENROLL FORM: If you haven’t already done it, please complete the “Intent to Enroll” form on the UH Hilo Admissions Office (http://hilo.hawaii.edu/studentaffairs/admissions/intenttoenroll.php) and send or fax it back to the UH Hilo Admissions Office (see address at the bottom of the form). This is required to secure your spot at the university before you can be eligible for the Pacific Islander Summer Bridge Program or to register for classes. Deadline: May 1, 2013

  • PISP APPLICATION FORM: Fill out the on-line application form (preferred) on the Pacific Students website (http://www.pacificstudents.org/pisb-application-form/) or the enclosed application form and send it back to the Pacific Islander Student Center (address on the bottom of the form). This is required in order to be considered for the summer program. Deadline: June 14, 2013

More information

Contact Desha Staley-Raatior (deshasr@hawaii.edu) or Vidalino Raatior (raatior@hawaii.edu).