I decided to pursue higher education because I wanted to transform my life and create opportunities that once felt out of reach. As a single parent and someone who has faced challenges with homelessness, addiction, and systemic barriers, I knew education could be the key to breaking cycles that hold so many people back. For me, higher education signifies more than just earning a degree, it represents resilience, empowerment, and the chance to rewrite my story.

Kailey Lawless

Undergraduate at the University of Washington, Tacoma

Pell Grant, and Cal Grant allowed me to go to CC and Berkeley for free. If it were not for federal and state financial aid programs, I would have limited my options for my education. If it were cut, I would not be able to continue my studies at Cal. I pursued higher education because I want to be a diplomat, or work for the government. To me, higher education signifies a period in one’s life that allows them to find themselves and learn about themselves in a way that not only enriches them academically, but also personally.

Khalil Canlas

Graduate of Chabot College and current undergraduate at UC Berkeley

When we gain access to education, we are able to unlock doors of opportunities in careers, personal goals and dreams that benefit all. I wanted education as a stepping stone for my future. Higher education means success and dedication to my family. To them—it means we worked so hard, pushed our limits, spent countless nights, years—to get here. Therefore, it is highly celebrated in our family when someone pursues higher education. As an AANAPISI student it is important we keep getting funding, as it allows us to create events, programs for like-minded students for them to “find a place” on campus. It also creates higher retention rates for a student to likely stay more on campus because of support programs.

Sophia G.

Student at Los Medanos College

To my family, higher education represents the hope for a better life and the opportunity to break generational barriers. It’s something they did not have the privilege of pursuing. It symbolizes new possibilities and stability. My education is a shared achievement for my entire family.

Student from UC Irvine

Protecting higher education for Pacific Islander students is essential for their empowerment and representation, as well as for fostering diverse voices in academia. Access to higher education creates opportunities that help break cycles of socioeconomic disadvantage, enabling PI students to contribute meaningfully to their communities.

June Dennis

Doctoral student at University of Nevada, Las Vegas