{"id":231537,"date":"2026-03-31T16:36:08","date_gmt":"2026-04-01T02:36:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.hawaii.edu\/news\/?p=231537"},"modified":"2026-04-01T08:57:14","modified_gmt":"2026-04-01T18:57:14","slug":"waialeale-project-shows-the-way","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.hawaii.edu\/news\/2026\/03\/31\/waialeale-project-shows-the-way\/","title":{"rendered":"From no plan to navigator: Wai\u02bbale\u02bbale Project shows the way"},"content":{"rendered":"Reading time: <\/span> 2<\/span> minutes<\/span><\/span>
\"Wai\u2018ale\u2018ale
Wai\u2018ale\u2018ale Project\u02bbs 16th cohort.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Before Siera Alaibilla-Lagundino graduated from Waimea High School in 2015, college wasn\u2019t part of her plan. Without a strong support system guiding her toward higher education, she saw few clear pathways. That changed during a high school field trip to Kauaʻi<\/span> Community College, where she was introduced to the Waiʻaleʻale<\/span> Project—an experience that would alter the course of her life.<\/p>\n

“I was the first person in my family to attend college, which is why I didn’t initially plan on going,” Alaibilla-Lagundino said. “But the Waiʻaleʻale<\/span> program encourages local students to just give college a chance.”<\/p>\n

Removing barriers, building confidence<\/h2>\n

Starting college was still a leap into the unknown. Like many students, Alaibilla-Lagundino had to learn how to balance school, responsibilities and finances, all while adjusting to a completely new environment.<\/p>\n

“Our motto is ‘h\u0101nai aku, h\u0101nai mai’ [caring for others and being cared for],” said Program Coordinator Lahea Salazar. “In the first year, we provide intensive support. In the second year, students begin to give back, helping lift the next group coming in.”<\/p>\n

\"Program
Program Coordinator Lahea Salaza, seated, is surrounded by Waiʻaleʻale<\/span> Project peer mentors.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Earning the Opportunity<\/h2>\n

While financial aid is a critical component of this support, Waiʻaleʻale<\/span> flips the traditional scholarship model on its head. Funds aren\u2019t simply dispersed; they are earned.<\/p>\n

Students must demonstrate progress and complete specific requirements—such as attending the early August “Success Camp”—before their tuition is funded. By requiring students to take active ownership of their educational journey, coupled with rigorous financial literacy and time-management training, the program ensures students learn how to manage both their time and their funds wisely.<\/p>\n

From student to mentor<\/h2>\n

Today, Alaibilla-Lagundino is part of the system that once supported her, serving as a student success navigator for the Waiʻaleʻale<\/span> Project and K\u012bpaipai Program, for first-year students.<\/p>\n

“The program’s support was crucial for my ability to complete college, and it inspired my entire family’s generation,” she said. “I helped pave the way for three of my younger cousins who are now pursuing their own degrees, with one set to graduate this May. The program doesn’t just change one student’s life; it changes family histories.”<\/p>\n

Please consider making a gift to the Waiʻaleʻale<\/span> Project Adopt-a-Student Campaign<\/a>. Read more about the Waiʻaleʻale<\/span> Project<\/a> and more Giving Day opportunities.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

A high school field trip unlocked a first-generation student\u2019s path to success.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":16,"featured_media":231605,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[25],"tags":[64,71,482],"class_list":["post-231537","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-academic-news","tag-kauai-community-college","tag-uh-community-colleges","tag-waialeale-project","entry","has-media"],"aioseo_notices":[],"aioseo_head":"\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t