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Knowledge for Action

Explore research, stories, analysis, and conversations that deepen understanding of Pacific Islander students and communities and inform action across California.

01 — Research & Reports

The evidence behind the advocacy.

Data, fact sheets, research briefs, and publications on Pacific Islander educational opportunity in California.

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Policy Brief September 2026

Pacific Islander Students in California's TK-12 Schools

An Analysis of Enrollment, Opportunity, Achievement, and College-Going

This brief maps Pacific Islander students across California's TK-12 system and their transition to college. It highlights community-led approaches already showing promise — such as San Francisco Unified's Fa'a Samoa Initiative — and names the evaluation gap that keeps effective practices from being scaled.

31.3%
chronically absent
19.4% statewide
44.3%
complete A-G
53.9% statewide
57.4%
enroll in college
65.7% statewide
22,692
PI students
in CA schools
Read the brief (PDF) →

02 — Blog

Commentary and community voice

Coalition perspectives, commentary, explainers, and updates from across California.

03 — Be The Wave

Be The Wave

Conversations and talanoa with education, policy, and thought leaders who are creating a wave of change.

Be The Wave spotlights Pacific Islander leaders, community partners, educators, advocates, and policymakers creating meaningful change — one focused conversation at a time.

Hosted by Roy Tongilava

  • Elevate Pacific Islander voices and leadership
  • Make policy and civic issues accessible
  • Connect listeners with people already doing the work
01

Why Pacific Islander Civic Engagement Matters

Jimina Afuola Sevudredre · Empowering Pacific Islander Communities (EPIC)

Jimina of Empowering Pacific Islander Communities (EPIC) joins us for a conversation about why Pacific Islander civic engagement matters, what it means to build political power rooted in community, and why creating space for Pacific Islander voices in the decisions affecting our communities is so important.

About Empowering Pacific Islander Communities

EPIC was established in 2009 by a group of young Native Hawaiian & Pacific Islander (NHPI) leaders who recognized the urgency to address the growing needs of NHPI families. EPIC advances social justice by engaging Native Hawaiian & Pacific Islanders in culture-centered advocacy, leadership development, and research.

empoweredpi.org →
02

Closing the Student Opportunity and Achievement Gap

Dr. Christopher Nellum · Executive Director, EdTrust-West

Dr. Christopher Nellum, Executive Director of EdTrust-West, joins us to discuss the state of educational equity in California, the history and policy context behind persistent opportunity and achievement gaps, and a proposed statewide policy solution (ACA 7) that could create new opportunities to address disparities affecting students and communities that have historically faced barriers, including Pacific Islander students.

About EdTrust-West

Through research and advocacy, EdTrust-West improves racial equity in education, engages diverse communities dedicated to education equity and justice, and increases political and public will to build an education system where students of color and multilingual learners, especially those experiencing poverty, will thrive.

edtrustwest.org →
Listen on Spotify → Listen on Apple Podcasts →

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