Overview

Mission

Mana is a cultural learning community and student success resource dedicated to enhancing the educational experiences of students through a Pacific-Islander cultural lens. We believe that affirming students' identities, cultures, histories, and lived experiences fosters belonging, self-efficacy, and academic success. Through culturally responsive curriculum and programming, intentional relationships, and holistic support grounded in a Pacific Islander culture, Mana empowers students to complete their educational goals, transfer successfully, prepare for meaningful careers, and become leaders who positively impact their families and communities. 

Mana Priorities

At its core, Mana exists to build community through Pacific Islander culture while supporting students in navigating higher education, achieving degree and certificate completion, preparing for transfer, and developing the knowledge, skills, and confidence for meaningful careers. 

Belonging & Community

Mana fosters an inclusive, culturally affirming community where students feel connected, valued, and supported through Pacific Islander culture.

Academic Success

Mana equips students with the knowledge, skills, and support needed to not only persist, but succeed in earning a degree or certificate at College of San Mateo within three years.

Leadership Development

Mana empowers students to grow as leaders who positively impact their campus, family, community, and future profession. 

Transfer Pathway

Mana creates a clear and supported pathway for students to successfully transfer to a four-year institution.

Career Readiness

Mana Prepares students to pursue meaningful careers with purpose, professionalism, and confidence

Mana Structure

Mana is a cohort structured learning community where students progress through their CSM experience together in Mana designated courses. Our program has been intentionally designed to support students with Degree/Certificate Completion within their first three years at CSM.

Throughout their first two years, Mana students will participate in cohort coursework that supports community building, academic confidence, cultural affirmation, identity development, transfer planning, and career exploration. As they progress from year to year, students will also strengthen their leadership, mentor first-year students, and build their professional and academic portfolios.

With Academic Success being one of our top priorities, Mana also offers Mana cohort restricted English courses. As well as exclusive access to GE satisfactory and CSU/UC transferrable courses, including Statistics, Communications, and Ethnic Studies. 

For new and incoming students, Mana also offers a Summer Bridge experience to help students begin college with confidence, connection, and a clear plan for success.