Project Press
September 2023 Newsletter
Meet the Navigators
Jin Kim Abogado
Mentor
A.S. Business Administration; Accounting Emphasis
Justin Agulto
Tutor
A.A. Liberal Arts
Claire Eliesa M. Barrozo
Mentor
A.A. in Criminal Justice
Clark Jonas Cabang
Mentor
A.A. Liberal Arts; Pre-Engineering Emphasis
Zaughn Cabrera
Tutor
B.S. Business Management; Accounting Emphasis
Jin Kai Chen
Mentor
B.S. Business Management; Accounting Emphasis
Rownel Jody V. Coloma
Mentor
A.S. in Business Administration; Business Management Emphasis & Accounting Emphasis
Nina Nicole Hofschneider David
Mentor
A.A. Liberal Arts
Erin Ferrer
Mentor
A.S. Business Administration; Accounting Emphasis
Towa Irinaka
Mentor
A.A. Liberal Arts; Pre-Engineering Emphasis
Donna Kapileo
Tutor
A.S. Business Administration; Accounting Emphasis
Linson Bill R. Manahan
Tutor
A.A. Business Administration; Computer Applications Emphasis
Aeyanna Maratitia
Tutor
A.S. Criminal Justice
Bernard Marcelo
Tutor
Liberal Arts; Social Work Emphasis
Gelomener G. Narciso
Mentor
A.A. Business Administration; Computer Applications Emphasis
Sharon Paek
Tutor
B.S. Business Management; Accounting Emphasis
Maxine Rabago
Tutor
A.S. Nursing
Tioni Reyes
Mentor
Nursing and Liberal Arts; Education Emphasis
Andrea J. Roberto
Mentor
B.S. Business Management
Ayana Paige Sablan
Mentor
A.A. Liberal Arts, A.S. Nursing
Bonnie Gio Sagana
Tutor
A.S. Nursing, A.A. Liberal Arts, Social Work Emphasis
Summer 2023 Highlights
Camp PROA: Summer Bridge Program
Project PROA held a 2-week Camp PROA summer bridge program this summer 2023 for high school juniors, seniors, and recent graduates--also referred to as "voyagers"--on the islands of Saipan and Tinian. The program introduced voyagers to a variety of careers in STEM and other related fields. The voyagers also participated in field trips to different worksites and organizations to gain insight on career and educational opportunities available in the CNMI. This experience was not only fun but also very educational for the voyagers and navigators themselves.
Proa Pathways: Summer Research Academy
This summer, Project PROA sent 18 Proa Pathway scholars to attend the 2nd Annual Summer Research Academy (SRA) which was held at the Smith Memorial Student Union Ballroom at Portland State University (PSU) in Portland, Oregon from June 22-24, 2023. The SRA was a 3-day intensive academy that delves into the world of research and various age groups that have conducted research. Scholars met with different departments at PSU and learned about the programs that can aid them financially, expand their knowledge, and foster their academic growth. The academy was a great experience to learn more about PSU and the city. It also left the scholars with the impression that research happens in any field; however, it takes an individual’s passion to get up and research. One of the takeaway messages from a guest speaker was to “Let the system reject you, don’t reject yourself.”
This marks the first year that Project PROA and Center for Interdisciplinary Mentoring and Research (CIMR) teams met in person since NMC was awarded the Asian American Native American Pacific Islander-Serving (AANAPISI) cooperative grant, or Proa Pathway Partnership. This partnership enabled the institution to establish a Memorandum of Understanding between Project PROA and CIMR to provide access to a clearer pathway for students who start at NMC and transfer to PSU by making the transition more seamless and transparent.
The Proa Pathways program bridges Northern Marianas College and Portland State University (PSU) for students interested in transferring and pursuing a bachelor's degree in S.T.E.M. Throughout a cohort’s term, they engage in several workshops, attend multiple Project PROA-led events, and meet with mentors and staff to keep track of their progress until graduation and transfer day.