Navigating Success Academy is rooted in the Pacific Youth Empowerment for Success (PacYES) initiatives by the Hilo-based Micronesians United – Big Island (MU-BI) non-profit. In 2016, MU-BI and other organizations in Hawaii co-sponsored a research study to determine the feasibility of establishing a Micronesian culture-based charter school in the State of Hawaii.
That study, conducted by a consultancy team of doctoral students from UH Manoa’s College of Education, ultimately concluded that Micronesian parents want better learning environment, educational and cultural training opportunities for their children. The report recommended several models of educational programs to build synergy towards the eventual opening of a public charter school.
In 2020, MU-BI established a governing board to begin the process of establishing a public charter school called Navigating Success Academy. Coinciding with the coronavirus school closure, the governing board decided to start offering non-credit bearing online courses and other training opportunities to support the success of Micronesian students, parents, and the community.