CAPAC Members Celebrate AANAPISI Week

WASHINGTON, D.C.— Today, Members of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC) recognize the start of Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institutions (AANAPISI) Week, from September 25 - October 1, 2023.

This week commemorates the significance, achievements, and goals of AANAPISIs and their work to provide quality educational opportunities to Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) students. The AANAPISI program was first authorized in 2007 through the College Cost Reduction and Access Act in order to improve the availability and quality of postsecondary education programs to serve AANHPI students. AANAPISIs enroll 46 percent of all AANHPI undergraduate students in the United States, and award over 50 percent of the associate degrees and over 40 percent of the bachelor’s degrees attained by all AANHPI college students across the country.

To kick off AANAPISI Week, CAPAC members released the following statements:

CAPAC Chair Rep. Judy Chu (CA-28):

“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 look forward annually to introducing my resolution spreading awareness of the tremendous work of AANPISIs with Rep. Takano, and to partner with Senator Hirono who is introducing a companion resolution in the Senate. This week and every week, let us loudly celebrate the critical contributions made by these institutions and urge robust investments in AANAPISIs and all Minority Serving Institutions that change the lives of underserved students across the country.”

CAPAC First Vice-Chair Rep. Grace Meng (NY-06):

“This week, we celebrate Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institutions (AANAPISIs) and the important work they do to strengthen our Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) communities and their educational journeys. As the Chair of CAPAC’s Appropriations Task Force and member of the House Appropriations Committee, I am proud to advocate for the advancement of legislative priorities that promote the missions of AANHPIs, which includes securing robust federal funding for AANAPISIs.”

 

CAPAC Second Vice-Chair and Education Task Force Chair Rep. Mark Takano (CA-39):

“I am proud to co-lead this resolution to celebrate Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institutions (AANHPIs) and the role they play in lowering barriers to higher education and degree attainment. As a former educator, I understand the transformative power that education holds – which is why I am committed to ensuring that AAPI students have their needs met at these and all institutions for higher learning.”

CAPAC Whip Rep. Ted Lieu (CA-36):

 “I am honored to mark Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institutions (AANAPISI) Week with my CAPAC Colleagues. Across the country, AANAPISIs serve to expand opportunities and build community among Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) students. The success of these institutions is critical to bridging existing gaps in educational and workforce opportunities in minority communities. By ensuring that the AANHPI community, our nation’s fastest growing demographic group, has access to quality post-secondary educational programs, we ensure the success of our workforce for generations to come. I look forward to continuing my work in Congress to support AANAPISIs and all Minority Serving Institutions.”

Sen. Mazie Hirono (HI):

“This week we recognize the importance of AANAPISIs and the role they play in supporting AANHPI students and preparing the next generation of leaders in our communities. I am proud to have supported resolutions in Congress recognizing these institutions, as they continue to expand opportunities for our youth and help uplift Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander students across the country.”

Rep. Ed Case (HI-01):

“I am honored to join with my CAPAC colleagues to commemorate Asian American and Native American Pacific Island-Serving Institutions (AANAPISI). In my Hawai’i, there are 13 such institutions that have benefitted or are qualified to receive grants from the AANAPISI. The funding will go a long way towards strengthening institutional capacity and also serve to leverage additional private and federal resources to assist underserved communities.”

Rep. Pramila Jayapal (WA-07):

“This week, we recognize Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institutions (AANAPISIs) and all that they do for our communities across America. By connecting students from culturally diverse backgrounds, this program helps close education gaps and provides AAPI students with the resources they need to succeed. A strong education can give students the tools to thrive, and I’m thrilled to celebrate all of the work that AANAPISIs do in supporting young people in my district and across the country.”

Rep. Gregorio Kilili Camacho Sablan (MP-00):

“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 and student-focused programming, 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.

“I am committed to this effort, and have introduced the AANAPISI Opportunity Act, H.R. 2783, in a step to create parity with the federal funding targeted to AANAPISIs and other minority-serving institutions. My proposal would establish a grant program at the Department of Agriculture to support agricultural research and scholarships for education and career development for students at AANAPISIs. I believe that through meaningful action, we can further the valuable work being done by AANAPISIs in expanding quality educational access and opportunities for students and their communities. I appreciate my fellow colleagues in Congress and changemakers alike who are joining me in this call to action.”

Sen. Cory Booker (NJ):

“As we kick off Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institutions (AANAPISI) Week, I celebrate the incredible contributions these institutions have made in bridging educational gaps and providing opportunities for not only Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander students but all students across our country. Education is crucial to unlocking potential, and AANAPISIs are helping open doors of opportunity for countless students. I am proud to recognize their important work and recommit to supporting AANAPISIs and all Minority Serving Institutions.”

Rep. Linda Sánchez (CA-38):

“I am honored to join my colleagues in celebrating Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institutions (AANAPISIs) week. I am proud that Southern California is home to many colleges and universities with high AANAPI enrollment rates. Alongside my CAPAC colleagues and our partners in higher education, I will continue to support diversity in our schools and deliver the resources our institutions need to succeed.”