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CAPAC Leaders Introduce Resolution to Recognize AANAPISI Week

September 30, 2022

Washington, D.C. — Yesterday, CAPAC Chair Rep. Judy Chu (CA-27) and CAPAC Education Task Force Chair Rep. Mark Takano (CA-41) introduced a resolution in the House of Representatives recognizing September 26-October 2, 2022, as Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institutions (AANAPISI) Week. Senator Mazie Hirono introduced an identical resolution in the Senate. This week commemorates the achievements and goals of AANAPISIs and their work to provide quality educational opportunities to Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) students. This year marks the 15th anniversary of the AANAPISI program, which 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 that serve AANHPI and low-income students. Today, these institutions make up only 6% of U.S. colleges and universities, yet they enroll over 40% of all AANHPI students in the country. Despite their significant impact, the number of funded AANAPISIs remain relatively constant while the number of eligible institutions is rapidly growing. Upon introduction of this resolution, CAPAC leaders released the following statements:

CAPAC Chair Rep. Judy Chu (CA-27):

“Every year, I am proud to recognize Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institutions (AANAPISI) Week by introducing a Congressional resolution. All too often, the Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) community is treated as a monolithic group and stereotyped as a ‘model minority,’ implying that we do not face the same educational obstacles as other communities. However, disparities do exist between AANHPI subgroups: for example, 20% of Hmong, 27% of Laotians, and 25% of Cambodians do not complete high school, and only 19% of Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders have attained a bachelor’s degree.

That is why it is important to continue to support AANAPISIs by spreading awareness of the incredible work that they have done and still do every day for AANHPI communities. I thank CAPAC’s Second Vice-Chair and Education Task Force Chair Rep. Mark Takano for his leadership in introducing this resolution with me, and I also thank Senator Mazie Hirono for her leadership in introducing a companion resolution in the U.S. Senate.”

Senator Mazie Hirono (HI):

“Over the past fifteen years, the AANAPISI program has helped institutions across our country expand opportunities for APIA students. They help build community by connecting students from diverse backgrounds, and provide culturally-competent supports, to help ensure students have the tools they need to succeed. I’ll continue working to support APIA students and the schools that serve them.”

Rep. Chu (CA-27) and Rep. Takano (CA-41) are joined in introducing the bill by original cosponsors: Rep. Ami Bera, M.D. (CA-07), Rep. Ed Case (HI-01), Rep. Suzan K. DelBene (WA-01), Rep. Josh Gottheimer (NJ-05), Rep. Kaiali'i Kahele (HI-02), Rep. Susie Lee (NV-03), Rep. Doris O. Matsui (CA-06), Rep. Grace Meng (NY-06), Rep. Jimmy Panetta (CA-20), Rep. Lucille Roybal-Allard (CA-40), Del. Gregorio Kilili Camacho Sablan (MP-At Large), Del. Michael F. Q. San Nicolas (GU-At Large), Rep. Linda T. Sánchez (CA-38), Rep. David J. Trone (MD-06)

The link to the full resolution text is here.