Building Bridges: Our 2025 Annual Report
Across schools. Across islands. Across the globe.
In a world reshaped by global crises—from pandemics to climate change—Hawaiʻi’s students aren’t waiting for answers. They are building bridges.
In 2025, the Pacific & Asian Affairs Council (PAAC) reached 1,532 students across four islands, marking a 37% increase from the previous year and the strongest post-pandemic growth in our 70-year history. But behind every number is a story of confidence found, leadership claimed, and global curiosity turned into action.
A Year of Growth & Momentum
After COVID disrupted classrooms and closed borders, PAAC reimagined what global education could look like—hybrid, accessible, student-led. What began as an adaptation became an innovation.
Student participation grew from 952 to 1,532 in just three years
Nearly 40% of participants came from Title I schools
9.9/10 average program satisfaction—the highest ever recorded 2026 Annual Report - PAAC - Low
This growth represents more than scale—it reflects trust, relevance, and a shared belief that global education is essential.
Students as Bridge-Builders
From founding PAAC’s first Virtual Club to representing Hawaiʻi at international conferences, students like Vivienne Hill embody PAAC’s mission in action.
Across programs, students:
Led Global Action Projects tackling food insecurity and environmental stewardship
Represented Hawaiʻi abroad as study tour ambassadors
Practiced diplomacy, negotiation, and critical thinking in real-world simulations
“PAAC transforms curiosity into action. It builds confidence, connection, and empowers young people to step into the world with empathy.”
Stewardship That Puts Students First
In 2025, 81% of all expenses went directly to student programs, exceeding national nonprofit benchmarks for efficiency—while total spending remained nearly 10% under budget.
Every dollar invested translated into access, opportunity, and long-term impact.
Looking Forward
As PAAC celebrates 70 years of service, we are building toward a future where:
2,000 students are served annually
50% participation comes from neighbor islands
Students lead Hawaiʻi’s role in the Pacific century
