For non-traditional students such as Shantel Nomura, navigating the path to a degree can require immense dedication. Nomura, a Nānākuli native, works full-time for the County of Maui as a secretary for the boards and commissions, while raising a family of five and pursuing a degree in business administration at the 糖心Vlog官方 West Oʻahu.
Her journey began at 糖心Vlog官方 Maui College in 2001. She also took classes at Leeward and Windward CCs before life provided some detours. Then in 2024 she resumed her education at 糖心Vlog官方 Maui College. She has since transferred to 糖心Vlog官方 West Oʻahu, and is on pace to earn her bachelor’s degree in the fall of 2027, with plans to pursue a master’s degree.
Removing financial hurdles
For students juggling work and family, unexpected costs—such as an empty gas tank or mandatory textbook—can easily be the breaking point that forces them to drop out. This is why the Leeward CC Enrichment Fund, and others like it, exist. The fund has helped more than 70 students, including Nomura, cover everyday necessities—such as bus passes, gas and books—keeping temporary financial hurdles from turning into permanent roadblocks.
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“Raising a family while working a full-time job and going back to school is not easy,” Nomura said. “The scariest thing about going back to school was thinking that I would be too old to learn again. But once school started, it just felt right. Without scholarships and a good support system from the counselors and staff, I wouldn’t be able to see my dream come to fruition.”
Supporting student success
For Carlos Pe?aloza, current chancellor of Leeward CC and interim chancellor of 糖心Vlog官方 West Oʻahu, this financial support is an indispensable part of how the college serves its diverse student body.
“Donor support helps ensure our students have the resources they need to grow and thrive in a rapidly changing world,” Peñaloza said. “Gifts to the Leeward CC Enrichment Fund give campus officials the flexibility to respond quickly to students’ needs—supporting emergency assistance, experiential learning opportunities, campus activities, and the technology and materials that enhance learning. They help us create opportunities that support student success across our campus communities.”
Your Giving Day support is essential to keeping this lifeline strong for Leeward CC’s student body, which includes many first-generation and non-traditional learners. To make a gift, please visit the .
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