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 23 – September 29, 2024.

This week honors the achievements, and goals of AANAPISIs and their work to provide quality educational opportunities to Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) students. First authorized in 2007 through the College Cost Reduction and Access Act, the AANAPISI program provides grants to improve and expand the capacity of institutions serving AANHPI undergraduates. Institutions receiving these grants enroll 46 percent of all AANHPI undergraduate students in the United States, and award over 50 percent of the associate degrees and 45 percent of the bachelor’s degrees attained by all AANHPI college students across the country.

To commence AANAPISI week, CAPAC Members released the following statements:

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

“I have seen firsthand as a former community college educator the power a quality secondary education holds in expanding students’ future opportunities. But I also know that far too many students of color, as well as other students from low-income and historically disadvantaged backgrounds face immense obstacles to seeking that education. That is why Congress created the AANAPISI program 17 years ago—to improve access to education for AANHPI students. Since then, these institutions have enabled thousands of AANHPI students, especially those coming from low-income families and who are first-generation, to pursue their dreams of attaining a college degree. I’m so proud to once again join Senator Hirono and Representative Takano to re-introduce our annual bicameral resolution recognizing the critical work AANAPISIs have done and still do every day for AANHPI communities. This AANAPISI week, I join my fellow CAPAC members in celebrating the incredible contributions made by these institutions and continuing to fight for increased investments in AANAPISIs and all Minority Serving Institutions.”

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

“Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institutions (AANAPISIs) demonstrate how education can transform lives, particularly for young people from historically underserved and minority communities. These institutions offer more than academic instruction; they create opportunities for students from diverse backgrounds to thrive. This week, we celebrate the dedicated educators and hardworking students at AANAPISIs across the country and the foundations they are building within our community. As the CAPAC Appropriations Task Force Chair and a senior member of the House Appropriations Committee, I am proud to advocate year after year for federal funding to support these institutions so that students have the resources they need to succeed.”

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

“Students thrive when their schools and teachers understand their needs. AANHPI students face unique barriers to higher education and Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institutions play a vital role in creating a path for students who are often overlooked. As a former educator, I recommit my efforts to highlight the important work of these institutions and ensure they have the resources to expand their important work.”

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

“I am pleased to join my CAPAC colleagues in celebrating Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institutions (AANAPISIs) Week. These institutions provide transformative support to nearly half of all Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) undergraduate students in the United States. AANAPISIs make higher education more attainable for one of the fastest growing racial and ethnic groups in the country. In the face of threatened funding cuts to higher education programs, we must fight for those who choose to seek higher education.”

CAPAC Freshman Representative Rep. Jill Tokuda (HI-02):

“As a first-generation college student, I know firsthand the impact of a quality, affordable education on the lives of underrepresented students and their families. Unfortunately, systemic barriers to college access and readiness have created racial disparities in education and career outcomes that persist to this day. As we celebrate Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institutions (AANAPISIs) week, we recognize the important role of these institutions in providing Asian-American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islanders and other minoritized students with opportunities to achieve their academic goals and pursue their dream careers. I look forward to continuing to support our nation’s AANAPISIs, like the University of Hawaiʻi, and their ongoing work to promote equitable access to higher education.”

Sen. Mazie K. Hirono (HI):

“Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institutions support our AANHPI students, expanding opportunities for our youth and helping to uplift their communities. I am proud to again lead the Senate resolution recognizing National AANAPISI Week, which celebrates these institutions and recognizes the importance they play in preparing the next generation of leaders and connecting students from diverse backgrounds. I will continue working to support these institutions and the AANHPI students they serve in Hawaii and across the country.”

Rep. Ami Bera, M.D. (CA-06):

“AANAPISIs play a crucial role in providing higher education access to low-income and first-generation AANHPI students. The Sacramento region is home to several AANAPISI-eligible institutions and I am proud of the important role they play in offering not just academic support, but also creating spaces that celebrate and respect the diverse cultures within the AANHPI community. As we mark AANAPISI Week, let’s celebrate their impact and work to continue supporting and investing in AANAPISIs so they can keep serving our communities and preparing future leaders."

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 district alone, there are eight such institutions that have benefitted from or are qualified to receive grants from the AANAPISI

Program. While this assistance enables Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander students to access a quality college education, these same institutions of higher learning also employ many of our nation’s Asian American, Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islander faculty, staff and administrators. This program deserves our continuing support, as it not only is an investment in our future, but also promotes diversity, equity and inclusivity, which are the hallmarks of our democracy.”

Rep. Ro Khanna (CA-17):

“Investing in Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institutions (AANAPISIs) is vital to breaking barriers in higher education. By improving access to educational opportunities, students from culturally diverse backgrounds have greater opportunities to become industry leaders. It’s crucial we continue to fund AANAPISI and provide students the resources they need to succeed.”

Rep. Bobby Scott (VA-03):

“Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institutions (AANAPISIs) are essential to fulfilling the promise of equitable access to higher education in America.  These institutions play an important role in opening the door to a high-quality college degree for hundreds of thousands of low-income, first-generation Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) students who otherwise may not have access to its lifelong benefits.  Moreover, AANAPISIs help break down the myth that AANHPI students are a monolithic group who do not face disparities in higher education by recognizing and meeting their unique needs.

“As we celebrate AANAPISIs Week, I remain committed—as Ranking Member of the Education and the Workforce Committee—to ensuring that AANAPISIs and other MSIs can continue their critical mission of providing an affordable, high-quality higher education for our diverse AANHPI communities.”

Rep. Shri Thanedar (MI-13):

“I am honored to join my CAPAC colleagues to celebrate the start of Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institutions (AANAPISIs) week. These institutions are critical to eliminating racial barriers and providing education that actively considers the unique obstacles AANHPI students face in our education system. In Congress, I will continue my support of increased funding for AANAPISIs and all Minority Serving Institutions in the United States.”

Rep. Lizzie Fletcher (TX-07):

“As we begin Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institutions (AANAPISI) Week, I am glad to recognize all that these institutions do to close education gaps and provide opportunities to Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander students in Texas’ Seventh Congressional District and across our country. I join my colleagues in the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus in ensuring AANAPISIs— including Rice University, University of St. Thomas, and University of Houston at Sugar Land in Texas' Seventh Congressional District—have the resources and support needed to allow students to succeed.”

Rep. Linda Sánchez (CA-38):

“As we kick off Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institutions week, I’m proud to recognize the many colleges and universities in Southern California with high AANAPI enrollment rates. These institutions open doors for many students in the AANAPI community and I will continue to support and deliver the tools they need to succeed.”