Before Siera Alaibilla-Lagundino graduated from Waimea High School in 2015, college wasn’t 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 Community College, where she was introduced to the Waiʻaleʻale Project—an experience that would alter the course of her life.
“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 program encourages local students to just give college a chance.”
Removing barriers, building confidence
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.
“Our motto is ‘hānai aku, hānai 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.”
Earning the Opportunity
While financial aid is a critical component of this support, Waiʻaleʻale flips the traditional scholarship model on its head. Funds aren’t simply dispersed; they are earned.
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.
From student to mentor
Today, Alaibilla-Lagundino is part of the system that once supported her, serving as a student success navigator for the Waiʻaleʻale Project and Kīpaipai Program, for first-year students.
“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.”
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