UCLA has become an Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institution (AANAPISI), joining over 200 other institutions across the nation that share this designation.
Seventeen years ago, Congress established the designation, enabling universities to secure federal funding to address the unique challenges faced by these students. Approximately 35.1% of graduates at UCLA identify as Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (AANHPI). The additional funding can be used to support research, program development, and student services focused on improving the college experience for this historically underrepresented group—Many AANHPI students hail from low-income families and are the first in their families to attend college.
UCLA
“The new AANAPISI designation will allow UCLA to tap new sources of funding that will help us foster a welcoming and supportive environment where all students can thrive,” said UCLA’s Interim Chancellor, Dr. Darnell Hunt. He said that the additional funds could also boost existing resources and help to create new programs focused on outreach, retention, and mentoring, specifically tailored to the specific needs of AANHPI students who often navigate academic life as first-generation college students
Dr. David Yoo, vice provost and chair of the UCLA AANAPISI advisory committee David said that UCLA’s motivation in pursuing the designation was rooted in its overall vision.
“At the heart of UCLA's AANAPISI effort is building a comprehensive and sustainable ecosystem in support of Asian American and Pacific Islander students, their families and communities,” said Yoo. “As part of the larger Minority Serving Institution (MSI) network that includes HSIs, Tribal Colleges, and HBCUs, the AANAPISI program aligns squarely with the pillars of UCLA's Strategic Plan and our public mission as a university.”
When it comes to students from the AANHPI demographic, the model minority stereotype often overshadows the disparities that exist within specific student groups, noted Willa Mei Kurland, a graduate student and project manager for the University of California AANAPISI initiative, a system-wide effort.
