College of San Mateo Mana Program

Mana is word/belief that is rooted in the Pacific as a belief of supernatural power that could manifest itself in a miracle. It is a force that may be ascribed to persons, spirits, or inanimate objects. Today, in the Oceania community, our Mana is often manifested and nurtured through Faith, Culture, and Community.

CSM MANA Learning Community is a transition support program that centralizes intensive retention strategies needed for success throughout their academic journey in community college. At its core, MANA aims to increase the academic support by adopting the cohort model as it guides its students on a clear pathway to transfer success. MANA provides a Critical Pacific Studies & Oceania Certificate, specialized curriculum, and a wraparound support community. This program is designed to increase the number of Oceania students who complete requirements for an AA degree and/or transfer into a four-year university.

CSM’s Mana Learning Community provides students with a bridge to higher education while offering academic support through the college’s many learning support centers and a variety of student services including admissions, financial aid, and counseling, among others. The motto of the program is, “We Are Ocean”, as in we are all connected through the ocean which is imperative to Pacific Studies.