Contact Us
aspire@cccd.edu
Follow us on Instagram
@aspire_gwc
AANAPISI Week takes place September 22–28, 2025 and celebrates the vital role of Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institutions (AANAPISIs) — a federal designation created by Congress on September 27, 2007. These institutions are committed to expanding access to higher education and improving outcomes for low-income, first-generation Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) students.
This annual week of recognition honors the impact and achievements of AANAPISIs and provides a powerful platform for organizations, institutions, and communities to uplift and support historically underserved AANHPI students.
The Challenge: Since 2018, the number of eligible AANAPISIs has grown by 81%, yet they remain the least funded MSI designation. Currently, only 55 institutions (32 public four-year, 19 public two-year, 4 private four-year) receive funding—leaving many campuses and students without critical support.
The Call to Action: Without continued funding, nearly 1 million undergraduates could lose access to essential academic, financial, and cultural programs. Defunding would disproportionately harm low-income, first-generation, and immigrant AA&NHPI students, reversing decades of progress in higher education equity.
📜 Board Resolution: Support AANAPISI Week
We invite our institution’s Governing Board to pass a resolution recognizing and supporting AANAPISI Week, AANHPI communities, and Student Success Programs. [Resolution Template]
📨 Advocate for AANAPISIs
Contact your Members of Congress to urge continued funding for AANAPISIs. Stay connected by joining our advocacy list at apainhighered@gmail.com to receive resources and updates. [Letter Template] | [Find Your Members of Congress]
Investing in AANAPISIs is an investment in America’s future.
Learn more at APAHE.org
Speaking Up: Elevating Voices and Impact of AANAPISIs
📅 Monday, September 22, 2025
🕛 12–1 PM PST | 9–10 AM HST | 3–4 PM EST
📍 Virtual via Zoom
📌 Register: tinyurl.com/aanapisi25-kickoff-panel
A panel on how AANAPISIs advance equity, featuring researchers, practitioners, and policy advocates.
Speak Up and Lead: Student Voices on the Power of AANAPISIs
📅 Thursday, September 25, 2025
🕛 12–1 PM PST | 9–10 AM HST | 3–4 PM EST
📍 Virtual via Zoom
📌 Register: tinyurl.com/aanapisi25-student-panel
A student-led webinar featuring powerful first-hand stories about the impact of AANAPISI programs.
🌊 The Pasifika Lens in Higher Education: Connecting Our Canoes
📅 Thursday, September 25 – Saturday, September 27, 2025
📍 Mt. San Antonio College
📌 Registration & Agenda: web.cvent.com/event/afd58d57-a7f1-47fe-84f7-b115d5344331
A multi-day conference centering Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander communities in higher education.
Celebrate with ASPIRE, learn more about upcoming programming, and join in uplifting AANHPI student success by following us on Instagram [@aspire_gwc]. You can also join in our events and programming throughout the year. Let’s celebrate AANAPISI Week (September 22–28) together!
