Asian American Pacific Islander-Serving Institution (AANAPISI) Do Build Social Capital: Strategies Supporting the Success of Southeast Asian American Students

• In Event: AERA Poster Session Thursday 2:15pm
  In Poster Session: Division G VP Session: The Social Context of Education and MSI's

Abstract

This study examines how one Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institution (AANAPISI) supports the success of its Southeast Asian American students (SEAA) by increasing their social capital through its institutional and caring agents. Analysis of 42 focus group participants and 35 qualitative narratives highlighted the daily challenges SEAAs faced in transitioning to college, and how having AAPI peers and staff helped them develop their social capital to mitigate these challenges. Institutional and caring agents built relational trust, provided direct services, and increased the academic success of their SEAA students. This research also detailed strategies that universities could use better to engage low-income, first-generation college-attending SEAA students. A discussion of implications for future research and practice concludes the study.

Author

• Phitsamay Sychitkokhong Uy, University of Massachusetts - Lowell