Apply For PISA

The application process is open for the 2023 Pacific Islands Scholars Award (PISA)! This competitive, prestigious award supports attendance and participation by Pacific Islands scholars at ASAO meetings through travel awards and waivers of meeting registration and membership fees. Due to past limitations from the COVID-19 pandemic, we are thrilled to be able to welcome a larger cohort of awardees at the 2023 meetings in Kona—we will welcome four awardees from 2022 who deferred attendance to the 2023 meetings in addition to a new slate of awardees for 2023. 

We are continuing our online application system this year, and hope this continues to make the application process easier for all.  Please visit: https://www.asao.org/pisa-application.html to apply. On that webpage, we still have PDFs of our application forms and are happy to accept email submissions if the application form presents any technology barriers/problems. Applications are due on October 15, 2022 by 11:59pm EST.

Core PISA Objectives:
  • To incorporate greater Pacific Islander perspective and voice in ASAO meetings, primarily in working sessions and symposia.
  • To support and advance the professional development of junior Pacific Islander scholars.
  • To increase Pacific Islander membership in the Association.
  • To increase Pacific Islander contributions and leadership in the Association.
This award is especially interested in supporting early career scholars and those who have not previously attended ASAO meetings. However, senior scholars are welcome to apply and may receive partial awards toward their travel. 

IMPORTANT: NEW US TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS

Attention International Travelers: The CDC is requiring proof of full vaccination for entry to the US. Vaccination must be with one of the WHO approved vaccines (a list can be found here:  https://covid19.trackvaccines.org/agency/who/) Travel must start 14 days after your accepted single-dose vaccine or 14 days after your second dose of an accepted 2-dose vaccine. Full information is provided here: (https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/international-travel/index.html) 

Travelers who meet the above requirements do NOT need to quarantine upon entering the US. Masks and other COVID safety procedures, while no longer required in the US, are strongly recommended to protect yourself and others during travel. In addition, please be aware of testing and vaccine requirements that might be required for your return trip.
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PISA Travel Awards Deadlines
(for the 2023 ASAO meeting) 
   October 15, 2022
November 15, 2022
   December 15, 2022
January 5, 2023
Applications Due
Notification of Awardees
Deadline for Accepting
Date to Submit Reimbursement Forms
Please note, funding for this award is limited and competitive. We will not be in a position to support all applicants. In most cases PISA travel awards cover the cost of round-trip airfare. Awards also provide meeting registration, a year’s ASAO membership, and a $200 stipend for use on meals and incidentals at the conference.  
 
In order to be eligible, applicants must take an active part in one or more sessions, by serving as organizer, presenting a paper, or making a presentation in another format.

The process for participating in sessions is as follows:
  • Contact organizers of sessions for which you feel you can make a contribution and proceed from there (see descriptions of proposed sessions and organizer contact information).  Session organizers will guide you through the process of joining their session. Session organizers are no longer required to supply a letter of recommendation for applicants. 
  • Once you have identified a session, complete the PISA application and apply by the 10/15 deadline.

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

For a complete application, you need:
  • Application form completed on the website (https://www.asao.org/pisa-application.html)
  • Cover letter/signed application statement.  This is the primary document that demonstrates your professional narrative, and why this award will help you with your professional development. Tell the committee about yourself, your background, your current position, and your proposed contribution to the session. Explain how this session fits into your current work and will be essential to your professional development.  Also note whether you have received a PISA award in the past – which meeting(s) and amount(s). This letter is a major part of your application. Please include enough detail to help the committee to assess your proposal. Successful applications submit letters 1-2 single spaced pages in length, and clearly articulate how participation in the session will support their future work and development.
  • Abstract of your paper or presentation (Approximately 250 words)
  • PDF copy of a quote for the lowest round trip economy airfare
  • A current CV
  • OPTIONAL: applicants can choose to have a letter of recommendation submitted on their behalf.
Please consider applying for PISA awards! If you have any questions regarding the PISA application process or materials, please contact PISA Coordinator Chelsea Wentworth (pisa.asao@gmail.com) 

A NOTE TO SESSION ORGANIZERS

Session organizers are encouraged to involve the voices and perspectives of Pacific Islanders in their sessions. Some of your attendees may be applying for a Pacific Islands Scholars Award (PISA), which helps cover the cost of travel to the conference. Session organizers are not required to submit a letter of recommendation for PISA applicants; however, we strongly encourage you to be in communication with PISA applicants interested in your session to support them with their participation in your session. 
 
Thank you so much, and we hope to see you in Kona, Hawaiʻi
Thank you!
PISA Committee
Chelsea Wentworth, Ping-Ann Addo, Tammy Tabe, and Edmond Fehoko