Call for Applications: Pūkoʻa Fellows Program

After an incredibly successful first cohort, applications for the second cohort of the Pūkoʻa Fellows Program are now OPEN!

The first cohort included a diverse group of 15 Fellows representing 7 Oceanic nations, 12 U.S. States, and 12 academic disciplines. By the end of the 12-week program, the Fellows hosted 19 events across 15 college campuses. As the Pūkoʻa Fellows Program continues, program organizers envision alumni taking lessons learned back to their campuses to teach the next generation of Pasifika student leaders and practice self-determination and community-centered advocacy in higher ed spaces.

2025 Champion for Change Joshua Ching, co-lead of the Pūkoʻa Fellows Program team, shares, “with the launch of the second cohort, our team is beyond excited to continue fostering and platforming the organizing work of Pasifika student leaders across the diaspora. As our fellowship network expands, it is our hope that the skills, values, and realized impact of Indigenous student organizing are carried into the communities our fellows join and return to.“

Designed for Pasifika students living in the diaspora (outside of their ancestral homelands), fellows will explore diasporic identity, community responsibility, on-campus organizing and the evolving political landscape affecting Pasifika students today. The program includes weekly sessions, readings, reflection, mentorship from Pasifika peers and a required student-led event.

Fellows will receive access to a national network of Pasifika organizers and scholars, mentorship throughout the program, access to organizers from CNAY, the Aspen Institute and Hawaiian Diaspora, as well as connection to a supportive cohort of peers navigating similar experiences.

The program will be entirely virtual. Full or part-time students enrolled in a U.S.-based college or university are eligible to apply. 

To be considered, you must respond to four short-answer questions. Applicants must submit their Pūkoʻa Fellows Program Application no later than December 7, 2026. 

Submission Eligibility

The fellowship is open to:

• Pasifika-identifying youth (e.g., Native Hawaiian, Samoan, Tongan, Chamorro, Fijian, Marshallese, Tokelauan, etc.)
• College-age students (18–26)
• Students living in the Pasifika diaspora (outside their ancestral homelands)
• Students who are:
  • Passionate about identity, community and culture
  • Interested in organizing or advocacy
  • Looking to build supportive Pasifika spaces on campus
  • Willing to learn, reflect and contribute to group discussion

Expectations

Fellows are expected to commit time to various related activities, including:

• 12 virtual weekly sessions
• Completion of an event project
  • Design, plan and implement one campus event about Pasifika culture, history or politics
  • Present their project and learning in the final week
• Participation in an end-of-program strategic plan
  • The inaugural cohort will contribute to a collective strategic plan to help Pasifika students navigate shifting federal regulations, campus politics and access to resources.

After a review process, selected participants will be notified by early January 2026. The Fellowship period runs from January 25, 2027 through April 30, 2026.

Questions? Please check out our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) or contact pukoafellowship@gmail.com.