Asian American, Native American, and Pacific Islander–Serving Institution: One Program That Supports the Success of Southeast Asian American College Students

• In Event: Serving AAPI Students in Higher Education

Abstract

Asian American Pacific Islander Serving Institutions (AANAPISI) are the newest minority-serving institutions in higher education. There are 153 institutions eligible to be an AANAPISI, 78 institutions that are designated by the U.S. Department of Education, and only 21 institutions who are funded. However, very little is known about the impact that AANAPISI programs have on the low-income AAPI students they serve. This paper highlights the ways in which one AANAPISI institution supports degree attainment among their Southeast Asian American (SEAA) students. A discussion of current program strategies and best practices that SEAA students expressed made a difference in their lives will be presented. Implications suggest more resources are needed to respond to the unique needs of SEAA students.

Author

• Phitsamay Sychitkokhong Uy, University of Massachusetts - Lowell