Break the Cycle, Build the Future - Helping Young People from Underserved Claim Their Place in the World!

The Voices of Pacific Island Nations (VOPIN) is committed to inspiring Pasefika (Pacific Islander) students and families by providing high-quality, culturally responsive services and resources to eliminate educational and opportunity inequities. We serve as a bridge to develop stronger relationships between students, schools, families, and the community.

Why your donation matters:

School districts in Kitsap County and beyond are facing challenges to cater to the needs of their increasingly diverse student populations. VOPIN is among the organizations trying to meet the growing demand for culturally responsive services. We have observed that the current system has limitations in providing such services, which significantly affects the social-emotional and academic well-being of Pacific Islander (PI) students.
Almost 60% of PI students at Bremerton High School are failing math, and only 25% meet English standards. Among those enrolled in our tutoring and mentoring program are homeless youth, youth with severe trauma, youth with undiagnosed learning disabilities, and youth at risk of dropping out because they are the primary breadwinner for their family and/or the primary caretaker for their younger siblings.

PI students have some of the lowest educational attainment and academic achievement of any racial/ethnic group. This is significant because poor education outcomes are associated with a lifetime of low earnings, poor health, and high rates of criminal justice contact. Among those enrolled in our tutoring and mentoring program are homeless youth, youth with severe trauma, youth with undiagnosed learning disabilities, and youth at risk of dropping out because they are the primary breadwinner for their family and the primary caretaker for their younger siblings. In September 2022, one of these students witnessed a family suicide. Because of the close cultural and familial bonds, one tragedy profoundly affects everyone in a PI community.

In the state of Washington, only 25% of Pacific Islander children are ready for kindergarten, compared to almost 50% of children in general. Pacific Islander students have the second-lowest graduation rate and the second-highest dropout rate among all ethnic and racial groups. Across the nation, Pacific Islander enrollment in college is less than half the average rate, and less than 25% of Pacific Islanders hold a bachelor's degree or higher.

Your giving spirit and a monthly donation of as little as $10.00 will support programs that address educational, opportunity, and poverty inequities for our students and families.

The Voices of Pacific Island Nations (VOPIN) is blessed with your kindness! And in humble island spirit, we say to You: Thank you (Fa’afetai tele, Mahalo, Si Yu’us ma’ase’, Malo aupito, Vinaka, Fakafetai, Kia ora, Kilisou...) for your generous support and donation.

Other ways to donate

Support Voices of Pacific Island Nations (VOPIN) with a tax-advantaged stock gift in minutes!
- Reduce taxes* on capital gains while deducting the fair market value of gifted stock held more than one year
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* Capital Gains Tax and NII Tax rates range from 18.8% - 37.1%, depending on your income and locality. Donate through DonateStock

King County employees: Donate through the King County Employee Giving Program

Washington State employees: Donate through the Washington State Combined Drive

Voices of Pacific Island Nations (VOPIN) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization (Tax ID/EIN: 47-2497194). Donations are tax-deductible as allowed by law.

Unlock Potential, One Student at a Time!