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Chancellor Irwin opens PacYES, an annual motivational event for high school students of Pacific Islander heritage

Chancellor Irwin in foreground facing camera as she takes a selfie with seated students in the background, on the Campus Center Plaza.
Chancellor Irwin takes a selfie with students attending the 2024 PacYES conference, Oct. 19, 2024.

University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo Chancellor Bonnie D. Irwin co-hosted the 11th Annual Pacific Youth Empowerment for Success (PacYES) conference held on campus Oct. 19.

The event is geared toward local high school students of Pacific Islander heritage and offers a day of workshops, speakers, and break out sessions on vocational opportunities, financial aid for college, and more. The activities are meant to motivate, inspire, and prepare the students for college and career opportunities and also foster students’ cultural connections within their own communities.

In her remarks, Chancellor Irwin said she was honored and thrilled to welcome the students to campus.

“We pride ourselves on being one of the most diverse campuses in the country and, even more, that this diversity of people feel welcome on our campus and in our community. Today you will hear about the rich array of opportunities before you. Listen with intention. Think and dream about what your voyage will be. At your local university and your local college here on Hawaiʻi Island, you have teams of people ready and waiting to help you realize those dreams.”

PacYES

PacYES logo with a star and Pacific Youth Empowerment for Success.PacYES outreach activities are rooted in the understanding that culture is an important aspect of developing a positive self-identity. The group is led by role models in the Pacific Islander community and college students from UH Hilo, Hawaiʻi Community College, and other institutions.

PacYES serves all Hawaiʻi Island high school students of Pacific Islander heritage, including the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, the Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, Guam, Papua New Guinea, Republic of the Marshall Islands, Republic of Palau, Samoa, Tonga, Vanuatu, and other Pacific Islands.

Sponsors

PacYES is co-sponsored by Micronesians United-Big Island, Stupski Foundation, Rotary Club of Hilo Bay, UH Hiloʻs Islands of Opportunity Alliance federal program, U.S. Army National Guard, UH Hilo, Hawaiʻi Community College, County of Hawaiʻi Office of the Mayor, County of Hawaiʻi Office of the Prosecutor, Hawaiʻi State Department of Education-Hawaiʻi District, Hawaiʻi Island Community Health Center, Office on Equality and Access to the Courts, Department of Educationʻs Education for Homeless Children and Youth Program, Hawaiʻi Youth Commission, Upward Bound Program, TeAda Productions, American Jobs Center Hawaiʻi, Candy Apple Bananas, We Are Oceania, and Waiakea Hawaiian Volcanic Water.

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