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>>Narrator Kelii Alapia, UH Manoa student: Selina Lutao graduated from high school in
2011. Kamuela Chandler is 38 years old. Lisa Rapozo worked for the state for 13 years.
And they all have one thing in common…they would not be attending Kauai Community College
if it weren’t for the Waialeale Project
>>Selina Lutao, Kauai Community College student: I didn’t have money. I never really think
about financial aid. And then if it wasn’t for that scholarship, I wouldn’t have even
think about coming to school anyway.
>>Kamuela Chandler, Kauai Community College student: That’s pretty much the main hurdle,
that you have wanting to come to school—who’s going to pay the bill and how are you going
to get what you need for school and Waialeale took care of that
>>Lisa Rapozo, Kauai Community College Student: I’m still not done. I still have way, way
more to go but I am glad for the opportunity. The foundation that’s set for me, I know
I can do this.
>>Narrator: The program works with social service agencies and high school counselors
find prospective candidates who were not considering college, like Chandler, Lutao and Rapozo,
and pays 100 percent of their tuition and books. Project coordinator Kimo Perry says
the program’s academic support is key.
>>Kimo Perry, Waialeale Project Coordinator: It is the mentoring, it’s tutoring, it’s
the summer activities before they come in for the first semester.
>>Narrator: Or whatever is needed. For instance, Lutao had a baby during midterms of her first
semester.
>>Lutao: Kimo helped me talk to my teachers and stuff and helped me get through and I
ended up finishing with a 4.O that semester and it’s pretty good.
>>Narrator: Research by the donor who initiated and is helping to fund the Waialeale Project
found that a person who completes just one year of college makes 30 percent more income
over their lifetime compared to someone who never went to college.
>>Perry: But what else he found out was a student who completes that first year, just
one year, whether or not they attain a degree, lives seven years longer.
>>Narrator: And the college experience opens up a world of possibilities
>>Chandler: I’m a writer and I am also thinking about getting into research
>>Rapozo: I hope to have my counseling, family therapy.
>>Lutao: I really want to open up my own restaurant.