Mana (a concept drawn from the cultures of Melanesia, Micronesia, and Polynesia which describes a powerful, miraculous force) is a program that builds community on campus among Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (NHPI) students and offers many support services toward academic. cultural, and personal goals. Mana is a holistic program which provides students with a culturally relevant entry into higher education whilst offering academic and counseling support. Mana's learning model centers community and group learning as students in the program take courses together which enhance individual and collective experiences in each cohort. Students are able to make connections between their coursework as well as with their instructors and classmates. All Mana students benefit from having designated academic and financial aid counselors, university visits, culturally relevant conferences, and other opportunities for student leadership both on campus and beyond.
Student Benefits
- Mentorship
- Academic, career, transfer, & personal counseling
- Financial aid and Scholarships
- Textbooks
- School supplies
- Field trips to 4-year universities
- Referrals to community resources
- Bus passes/Parking passes
- Job training and career opportunities
- Classes for, by, and about NHPI history and culture
- Assistance with the Free Application for Federal Student Grant (FAFSA) or DREAM Application
Professional Development
Mana is one of the Academic Success & Equity (ASE) programs. ASE programs offer professional development workshops and promote a career and life planning course open to all ASE students. These curricular and co-curricular offerings promote and help students make effective decisions regarding career and overall life choices, thereby increasing their current and future employability.
Program Requirements
- Maintain enrollment in Mana cohort courses each semester
- Maintain 2.5 GPA
- Participate in all Talanoa meetings during the semester. This weekly Mana community space is an opportunity for students to engage in dialogue about topics and issues that are directly tied to their unique experiences as Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander students in higher education. Talanoas also regularly feature guest speakers from the NHPI community, including artists, activists, and experts. All are welcome to attend Talanoa every Thursday from 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm. Talanoas may be held in different locations around campus, be sure to follow our Instagram page for updates. "Fale fono" are special meetings outside of the regularly scheduled Talanoa meetings.
- Attend Mana events including but not limited to the Fall Welcome and the Mana Spring Celebration.
Mana Foundational Pillars
- Personal Development - Develop life skills, potential for growth, awareness and pride as an NHPI scholar.
- Community Centeredness - Practice acceptance, tolerance, collaboration, and a shared respect for others that they can pass on and model for the surrounding community and future generations.
- Academic Achievement - Develop communication and study skills to achieve short- and long-term educational goals that forge new paths for NHPI scholars in higher education.
How to Join Mana
For students who are interested in the program, please contact Chelsea Chavira-Verdin via email at cchavira@miracosta.edu.
Contact
For more information on these services and programs contact:
Chelsea Chavira-Verdin
she/her/hers
Coordinator, Academic Success and Equity (ASE) Programs
Oceanside Campus
cchavira@miracosta.edu
760.757.2121 ext.2249
Keli Ross-Ma'u
he/him
Counselor/Co-coordinator, Mana Program
Oceanside Campus
krossmau@miracosta.edu
Dr. Jade Hidle
English Instructor/Co-coordinator, Mana Program
Oceanside Campus
jhidle@miracosta.edu
The Mana Program is a service of the Department of Student Equity. For general inquiries about all Student Equity programs and services, please contact us at studentequity@miracosta.edu or call our main office at 760.757.2121 x6900.
