Central Valley Pacific Islander Alliance
Programs
Our programs are catered to Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islanders living in the Central Valley. Youth Ambassadors are for those ages 14 -18 years or in high school. Young Adult Internships are for those ages 18-25 years, and Guiding Hands is for elders 55 years and above. We invite you to learn more about these programs below and to email us at info@cvpia.org if you would like to join us!
Youth Ambassadors
The mission of Central Valley Pacific Islanders Youth Ambassadors (CVPIYA) is to strengthen community bonds, cultivate strong leadership, foster cultural pride, and amplify youth voices. They meet online every Tuesday, 6:30-7:30 pm PT, with each month have a unique topic to explore together. Topics include Cultural Arts, Mental Health, NHPI Social Justice Advocacy, Building Yourself, and more. We also have quarterly social gatherings or cultural field trips.
"I'm grateful to CVPIA because I finally feel seen."
Young Adult Internship
Each Fall, this paid internship offers five young adults a meaningful chance to enhance their leadership, professional, and personal skills while contributing to communities. The program focuses on imparting Cultural Knowledge, Public Speaking, resume building, and advocating for Pasifika voices, among other skills. Internship positions include Project Management, Marketing Outreach, and more.
"The real value came from building relationships with the other interns, community members, and CVPIA Team."
Guiding Hands
This is a community-driven initiative dedicated to fostering the wisdom, experiences, and needs of our Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander elders, aged 55 and above, living in the Central Valley. Coming out of a time of isolation and fear, our elders wanted a space to gather. We host monthly, or as needed, meetings to give space for connection and laughter and for learning about available resources. Our elders also engage with our Youth Ambassadors to pass on their languages and cultural knowledge and actively volunteer at other CVPIA-hosted events.
We honor the wisdom and experiences of our elders to uplift the entire community.
Central Valley Pasifika Higher Education Initiative (CVPHEI)
The Central Valley Pasifika Higher Education Initiative is a network dedicated to serving Central Valley Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander students in higher education by providing resources, scholarship opportunities, creating a safe space, and building fellowship among our Pasifika scholars. Please make sure to direct any NHPI Central Valley College students to the following survey!