Oceans of Opportunity Brings Pasifika Students and Families to Cal Poly Pomona
Cal Poly Pomona, in partnership with Mt. San Antonio College, will host Oceans of Opportunity: Pasifika College Day, an event that will highlight specific support for Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Ialsnder students and families in higher education. on Saturday, Nov. 15, from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
The one-day program, hosted by the Office of Student Success, Mt. San Antonio College, and campus partners, is set for Saturday, Nov. 15 from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. The event isopen to all K-12, transfer-ready community college students, current college students and their families.
The event features admissions, financial aid and cultural workshops; campus tours; and a resource fair connecting attendees with college and community organizations. Participants can also engage in cultural sessions celebrating identity and community. Community partners, including Francine Blacksher of Island Grad and Jason Pereira from the Pacific Island Ethnic Art Museum, are also hosting a panel for parents, families, and supporters.
This event is funded by the CSU Asian American, Native Hawaiian & Pacific Islander Student Achievement Program. In 2025, Cal Poly Pomona received a five-year, $1.8 million grant from the CSU to strengthen the retention, success, and graduation of Asian, Pacific Islander, and Desi American students.
Shanahan Europa, assistant coordinator of AANHPI Initiatives at CPP, said that Oceans of Opportunity was organized to empower students and families through knowledge, community, and cultural pride.
“Oceans of Opportunity is about helping students and families see themselves reflected in higher education,” said Europa. “We want them to know they belong, their stories and perspectives are valued and college is a space where they can thrive.”
At CPP, the CSU ASAP grant is a university-wide collaboration led by the Office of Student Success and the Department of Ethnic and Women’s Studies, in partnership with the Division of Student Affairs and Outreach, Recruitment & Educational Partnerships. Together, these teams are expanding culturally responsive programs and resources that foster belonging and open more pathways to degree completion for APIDA students.
Registration for the event is open.