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AANAPISI Research

AANAPISI Initiative

Through the AANAPISI Initiative, APIA Scholars aims to strengthen capacity for AANAPISIs to ensure that promising practices are shared and scaled to impact more students’ lives, and that institutions receive the resources they need to serve their students well. 

Research on AANAPSIs

Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institutions (AANAPISIs) play a unique role in supporting low-income, first generation Asian and Pacific Islander American (APIA) students.

As federally designated Minority Serving Institutions (MSI), AANAPISIs cultivate environments that promote the success of underserved APIA students by attending to their distinct needs.

In order to advance postsecondary equity and workforce outcomes for the rapidly increasing APIA student population, it is critical to understand the true diversity of this community. 

Advocacy on AANAPISIs 

Federal Policy State of Play 

Over the last 5 years, thanks in large part to the advocacy from APIA Scholars and its partners, Congress has made historic investments in AANAPISIs. Between FY2019 and FY2023, discretionary funding for AANAPISIs has increased significantly from $3.39 million to $18.59 million per year–a bigger percentage increase than any other type of Minority Serving Institution during that period–enabling the number of federally funded AANAPISIs to grow from 25 to 39 institutions, likely with more in future years.

Despite the recent significant funding increases, FY24 Appropriations is likely to be a contentious period in the current Congress with a Democrat-led Senate and a Republican-led House. There is significant pressure in Congress this year to cut overall spending and there is a real danger that without additional advocacy on the part of the AANAPISI community, we could lose some of the critical funding increases we have collectively achieved. 

In July, the House FY24 Appropriation funding levels proposed $57.1 billion for the Department of Education, a cut of $22.5 billion (28%) below the FY23 enacted level. Although specific funding levels for AANAPISIs haven’t yet been released, this could represent a deep cut in funding for the institutions we care most about. In the Senate FY24 Appropriations bill, legislators proposed $79.6 billion for the Department of Education with $18.899 million proposed for AANAPISIs, a slight increase over FY23 funding levels–and critically, locking in the increases we have won the past few years. Given this context, it makes it all the more important that we advocate together and all urge Congress to pass a bill with the Senate’s proposed increases to AANAPISI funding, rather than the House bill that would cut funding. 

Although FY24 Appropriations levels have not been finalized, we still have time to urge Congress to continue investing in AANAPISIs. Given the current political climate and potential cuts made to programs which will deprive students, including AANHPI students, of higher education opportunities, Congress must continue to invest and not cut funding to AANAPISIs. Federal funds will ensure that AANAPISIs continue to support the success of first generation and AANHPI students with low income and change the trajectory of their lives. 

Why Advocacy and AANAPISI Week Matters

As higher education programs face potential funding cuts, it will be crucial to demonstrate strong and united public support for AANAPISIs and the need for equitable access to opportunities for underrepresented AANHPI students.

By advocating for AANAPISIs and AANHPI student success, our communities can demonstrate to Congress that investing in AANAPISIs is critical. Click HERE to read our FY24 Appropriations Community Sign-On Letter, an example of community-wide support for AANAPISIs. If you are interested in sending a letter or requesting a meeting with your Member of Congress, we are eager to help support you with this process.

Please contact us directly for more information at AANAPISI@apiascholars.org. 

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“I know firsthand as a former community college educator how a quality secondary education can unlock the full potential of students. At the same time, however, I also recognize that so many students of color and lower income students face enormous educational barriers to pursuing their dreams, compounded by the devastating Supreme Court decision this summer undermining affirmative action. That is why AANAPISIs are so critical—for 16 years, they have been working to promote equity in higher education and ensure that low-income, first-generation, and underrepresented AANHPI students have full access to higher education opportunities. I want to thank APIA Scholars and all of the advocates who have worked tirelessly on closing the gaps in educational equity and have opened so many doors for our nation’s youth. This week and every week, let us loudly celebrate the critical contributions made by these institutions, urge robust investments in AANAPISIs, and support all Minority Serving Institutions that change the lives of underserved students across the country.”

CAPAC Chair Rep. Judy Chu (D-CA)

“During AANAPISI week, we recognize the essential work being done by Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institutions to increase access to quality and affordable higher education for Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander college students – particularly for students who are first-generation, low-income, or come from underrepresented backgrounds.

AANAPISIs throughout the U.S., including Northern Marianas College in my district, have contributed significantly to the academic success and engagement of their students through quality, innovative, and student-focused programming, comprehensive supportive services, and safe and inclusive spaces for students on campus.

Despite serving more than 40 percent of all Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander students in the U.S., AANAPISIs have historically been one of the least funded minority-serving institution designations. As AANAPISIs continue to grow and help more students thrive, it is critical that they have access to the same opportunities that are currently available to other minority-serving institutions.

Rep. Gregorio Kilili Camacho Sablan (D-MP)

“Our Minority Educational Institutions (MEI) Division, under our Office of Economic Impact and Diversity (ED) at the Department of Energy, serves the community of Minority Serving Institutions including AANAPISIs – by fostering partnerships and advocating to increase the number of students who major in high demand Science, Technology Engineering, Math (STEM) and clean energy fields at higher education institutions with serving underrepresented student populations. Our MEI team and ED as a whole is committed to ensuring that historically underrepresented communities have an opportunity to participate fully in the energy programs of the Department. And that means engaging with these institutions through our Community of Change Leaders series – including an AANAPISI session in February 2024 and other venues for dialogue and information-sharing. Your voices are vital to shaping our future leaders in STEM and clean energy.

Happy 2023 AANAPISI Week.”

Christy L. Jackiewicz
Chief, Minority Educational Institution Division in the Office of Economic Impact and Diversity at the U.S. Department of Energy